British Bike Magazine – April 1996 – Issue No. 103

Original Vintage Motorcycle Magazine | King Triton | Triumph T150 | BSA 650 Lightning | BSA Gold Star Racer | Classic British Motorcycles

An original April 1996 edition of British Bike Magazine, Issue Number 103, featuring a striking colour cover photograph of a custom-built King Triton motorcycle.

Published by Traplet Publications, this vintage British motorcycle magazine explores classic motorcycle engineering, historic racing, restoration, specialist motorcycle construction and traditional British motorcycling culture.

The issue includes a particularly interesting selection of articles covering the King Triton, Triumph T150, BSA 650 Lightning, BSA Gold Star racing motorcycles and classic motorcycle workshop techniques.

An appealing period publication for collectors of vintage motorcycle magazines and enthusiasts of Triumph, BSA, Triton specials and historic British motorcycle engineering.

Magazine Details

• Publication: British Bike Magazine

• Issue Number: 103

• Date: April 1996

• Original UK Price: £1.95

• Original USA Price: $3.95

• Publisher: Traplet Publications

• Language: English

• Country: United Kingdom

• Format: Original printed motorcycle magazine

• SKU: 1604

The publication is dated April 1996. No exact publication day is visible.

Front Cover – King Triton Motorcycle

The front cover features a dramatic close-up photograph of a King Triton motorcycle, presented under the headline "Transatlantic Triple – King Triton".

The motorcycle has a distinctive red fuel tank displaying the King Triton name, with additional lettering visible on the tank.

The photograph highlights several important features of the machine:

• Bright red fuel tank with King Triton branding.

• Polished engine and mechanical components.

• Twin circular instruments mounted above the handlebars.

• Chrome fuel filler cap.

• Traditional spoked front wheel.

• Polished front forks and metal mudguard.

• Exposed engine cooling fins.

• Chrome exhaust and engine detailing.

• Classic motorcycle frame and tank styling.

The low photographic angle emphasises the machine's engine, fuel tank, front wheel and traditional British motorcycle construction.

The cover combines a dark background with the magazine's distinctive metallic red and silver masthead and bold yellow King Triton lettering.

Additional front-cover headlines include:

BSA 650 Lightning – Restoration Skills

A feature concerning the BSA 650 Lightning and the restoration of classic British motorcycles.

Triumph T150 Profile

A feature examining Triumph's famous three-cylinder motorcycle and its place in British motorcycling history.

BSA Gold Star Racer

An article concerning the legendary BSA Gold Star and its association with motorcycle racing.

What's Happening to British Bike?

A prominent headline announcing changes to the magazine, with further details inside.

The cover is particularly attractive for collectors interested in Triton specials, custom-built British motorcycles and Triumph triple-cylinder machines.

Detailed Magazine Contents

Page 8 – Bristol '96

A pictorial review of the Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show.

This feature provides a period look at classic motorcycles and the enthusiast scene during 1996.

Of interest to collectors researching historic motorcycle exhibitions, restoration trends and classic British motorcycle culture.

Page 10 – School Japan

An article concerning motorcycle activity and experiences in Japan.

The contents description refers to Tom Townsend and a motorcycle-related journey, offering an international perspective on classic motorcycling.

Page 19 – Down in the Pits

A feature focusing on the British motorcycle scene and its characters.

The contents description refers to several notable individuals involved in motorcycling and the events surrounding them.

An interesting example of the magazine's coverage of motorcycle personalities and enthusiast culture.

Page 22 – Star Man

A feature concerning a motorcycle enthusiast's experiences producing and developing a replica racing Gold Star.

Particularly relevant to collectors interested in BSA Gold Star motorcycles, historic racing replicas and specialist motorcycle construction.

Page 26 – Red Gold

An article concerning the adventures of a racing Gold Star motorcycle.

The feature explores historic racing machinery and the experiences associated with classic motorcycle competition.

The photographed contents page includes an illustration of motorcycle mechanical components alongside this section.

Page 30 – Workshop Skills

A practical workshop feature covering motorcycle maintenance and restoration.

The contents description refers to work on a motorcycle frame and the use of appropriate workshop techniques.

An interesting period article for enthusiasts involved in classic motorcycle rebuilding, mechanical maintenance and restoration projects.

Page 36 – Forked Lightning

A feature examining a BSA 650 Lightning equipped with distinctive front suspension.

The article discusses the motorcycle's unusual arrangement and its mechanical characteristics.

Particularly appealing to BSA enthusiasts interested in period modifications, specialist engineering and classic motorcycle restoration.

Page 41 – King Triton

One of the main features of this issue, examining the distinctive King Triton motorcycle featured on the front cover.

The article concerns a custom-built British motorcycle combining classic styling with specialist engineering.

The contents description refers to the motorcycle's development and its connection with a Triumph triple-cylinder engine.

The photographed contents page includes an additional colour image showing the motorcycle in profile.

This photograph reveals:

• The distinctive red King Triton fuel tank.

• Traditional spoked wheels.

• Exposed engine construction.

• Chrome exhaust system.

• Low, classic roadster styling.

• Specialist motorcycle frame and mechanical components.

An especially interesting feature for collectors of Triton specials, Triumph-powered custom motorcycles and historic British motorcycle engineering.

Page 46 – Portfolio

A photographic feature celebrating classic motorcycles and motorcycle racing.

The contents page includes a large historic racing photograph showing a rider leaning into a corner on a racing motorcycle displaying number 11.

An appealing feature for enthusiasts of vintage motorcycle photography and historic competition machinery.

Page 50 – Special Relationship

A feature discussing the relationship between British motorcycle manufacturers and American motorcycle enthusiasts.

The contents description refers to developments involving British motorcycles and the American market.

This article offers a period perspective on the international appeal of classic British motorcycles.

Page 56 – First Person

A personal motorcycle-related article focusing on riding experiences and the people involved in motorcycling.

Page 74 – Buying a Classic

A practical buying guide concerning the Triumph T150.

The article examines Triumph's three-cylinder motorcycle and offers information relevant to prospective classic motorcycle buyers.

Of particular interest to Triumph Trident enthusiasts, collectors and owners researching these machines.

Additional Regular Features

The photographed contents pages also list:

• Transmission – Page 6: News and developments from the classic motorcycle scene.

• What's On – Page 14: Motorcycle events and activities.

• American Notes – Page 17: News and commentary from the American motorcycle scene.

• Letters – Page 34: Readers' correspondence.

• Portfolio – Page 46: Motorcycle photography.

• Book Reviews – Page 49: Reviews of motorcycle-related publications.

• Punters – Page 66: Regular motorcycle feature.

• Advice Bureau – Page 68: Technical guidance and advice.

• Herbert!: Regular editorial feature.

• Nutty Slack: Cartoon and humorous motorcycle content.

• Tail Light: Closing magazine feature.

These sections offer a varied look at classic motorcycle ownership, events, restoration and motorcycling culture during the mid-1990s.

Photography and Collector Interest

The magazine features a mixture of colour motorcycle photography, editorial articles and technical information.

The photographed contents spread includes several interesting images:

King Triton Motorcycle

A colour photograph of the custom-built King Triton motorcycle, showing its red fuel tank, polished engine, traditional spoked wheels and classic roadster styling.

Historic Racing Motorcycle

A large racing photograph featuring a rider on a streamlined motorcycle displaying number 11.

Classic British Motorcycle

A colour photograph of a traditional British motorcycle photographed outdoors near a signpost and garden.

Mechanical Components

A close-up image of motorcycle gears and associated mechanical components, illustrating the magazine's emphasis on engineering and restoration.

These images make the publication particularly interesting for enthusiasts researching classic motorcycle design, period modifications and historic racing machinery.

Condition – Important

Pre-owned vintage magazine in good used condition overall, with visible age-related wear, surface marks and handling creases.

The supplied photographs show the following:

Front Cover

• Visible rubbing and scuffing along the left-hand spine.

• Several small white wear marks and areas of colour loss along the spine.

• Light creasing and handling marks, particularly around the lower-left section.

• Minor surface scratches and rubbing visible across the glossy cover.

• Some edge wear along the bottom of the front cover.

• Light corner wear, particularly around the lower corners.

• Slight unevenness and curling along the upper edge.

• A small crease or bend near the upper-right corner.

• Light age-related discolouration around some lighter printed areas.

• The main King Triton photograph and cover lettering remain clear, colourful and attractive.

Spine and Binding

• The spine shows age-related rubbing and handling wear.

• Small areas of surface colour loss are visible.

• The photographed pages remain attached and open normally.

• No obvious major binding separation is visible in the supplied photographs.

Interior Pages

• The photographed contents pages remain readable and presentable.

• Light age-related paper discolouration.

• Minor page curvature and handling creases.

• Slight edge and corner wear.

• Some light marks are visible on the lighter page backgrounds.

• The colour photographs retain good visual detail.

No obvious major tears are visible in the photographed interior spread.

Please note: This is an original magazine from 1996 and is not in mint or new condition. Normal signs of age, previous handling and storage should be expected.

Only selected interior pages have been photographed, so the condition of every individual page has not been independently verified.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description and show the actual magazine being sold.

Original Extras and Promotional Items

Any original free gifts, promotional items, loose inserts, supplements or other accessories that may originally have accompanied this magazine are no longer included.

The sale is for the magazine only, exactly as photographed.

Packaging and Delivery

Your magazine will be carefully packaged to help protect it during transit.

UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Dispatched in a protective cardboard mailer-size box for additional protection during international shipping.

Collector Appeal

An original April 1996 issue of British Bike Magazine featuring a distinctive King Triton cover and a selection of articles covering Triumph, BSA, historic racing, motorcycle engineering and classic motorcycle restoration.

Particularly appealing to enthusiasts of:

• King Triton custom motorcycles.

• Triumph T150 Trident motorcycles.

• Triumph three-cylinder engines.

• BSA 650 Lightning motorcycles.

• BSA Gold Star racing motorcycles.

• Triton specials and custom British motorcycles.

• Classic motorcycle workshop techniques.

• Historic British motorcycle racing.

• Vintage motorcycle restoration.

• Original 1990s British motorcycle publications.

Original British Bike Magazine – April 1996 – Issue No. 103.

Condition: Good Used Vintage Condition – Please See Photographs.

SKU: 1604