The Complete Motorcycle Compendium – Q

Published October 15, 2025 by , Editor‑in‑Chief

The Complete Motorcycle Compendium
– Q –

1936 Quasar 500 Type76 De Luxe
1936 Quasar 500 Type76 De Luxe

 

Quadrant (United Kingdom) [Defunct – Early Pioneer]

Quadrant Motorcycles

Years Active: 1901–1928

Notable Models: Quadrant 3.5hp, Quadrant 600cc

Quadrant was one of Britain’s earliest motorcycle manufacturers, founded in Birmingham.
They produced motor‑bicycles and later larger motorcycles, often using JAP engines.
Quadrant was respected in the veteran era but closed before WWII as competition grew.

💡 Did You Know? Quadrant was among the first to use magneto ignition in motorcycles.

Quantel (United Kingdom) [Defunct – Racing Special]

Quantel

Years Active: 1980s

Notable Models: Quantel Cosworth

Quantel was a British racing motorcycle project sponsored by the Quantel electronics company.
The Quantel Cosworth used a Formula 1‑derived Cosworth engine in a racing chassis.
It was a one‑off effort and never became a production brand.

💡 Did You Know? The Quantel Cosworth was raced in endurance events in the 1980s.

Quantya (Switzerland) [Defunct – Electric Pioneer]

Quantya

Years Active: 2005–2018

Notable Models: Quantya Strada, Quantya Track

Quantya was a Swiss electric motorcycle manufacturer specializing in off‑road and supermoto bikes.
They were among the first to commercialize electric dirt bikes in Europe.
Despite early innovation, Quantya closed in the late 2010s as competition increased.

💡 Did You Know? Quantya offered “riding parks” where customers could test electric bikes.

Qianjiang / QJMotor (China) [Active – Global Manufacturer]

Qianjiang Motorcycle (QJMotor)

Years Active: 1985–present

Notable Models: QJMotor SRK600, Benelli (subsidiary)

Qianjiang is one of China’s largest motorcycle manufacturers, producing under the QJMotor brand.
They own Benelli and export motorcycles worldwide.
QJMotor builds scooters, commuters, and mid‑sized sportbikes, rapidly expanding in Europe and Asia.

💡 Did You Know? Qianjiang is part of the Geely Group, which also owns Volvo and Lotus.

Qingqi (China) [Active – Small Displacement]

Qingqi

Years Active: 1956–present

Notable Models: Qingqi QM200, QM250

Qingqi is a Chinese motorcycle and scooter manufacturer specializing in small displacement machines.
They produce motorcycles under their own name and as an OEM supplier for Suzuki and other brands.
Qingqi exports globally, especially to developing markets.

💡 Did You Know? Qingqi was one of the first Chinese companies to partner with Suzuki for joint production.

Quasar (United Kingdom) [Defunct – Feet‑Forward Motorcycle]

Quasar

Years Active: 1977–1982

Notable Models: Quasar 750

The Quasar was a British “feet‑forward” motorcycle designed by Malcolm Newell.
It featured a car‑like semi‑enclosed body with a roof and used a Reliant 750cc engine.
Only about 20 were built, making it a rare and futuristic machine for its time.

💡 Did You Know? A later version called the “Phaser” used a six‑cylinder Kawasaki engine.

 

Quadrant England.
Quantel England
Quasar England. 1977-82. Designed by Malcolm Newell, this feet-forward motorcycle had a car-type roof and body, without doors. Used a 750cc, four-cylinder engine and four-speed gear box. Later version called a Phaser, used a six-cylinder Kawasaki engine.