British Bike Magazine – December 1993 – Issue No. 75

Vintage British Motorcycle Magazine | BSA A65 Thunderbolt | 1994 Triumph Sprint 900 | Norton Racing | Rickman Metisse | Classic Motorcycle Restoration

Original December 1993 edition of British Bike Magazine, Issue No. 75, featuring a beautifully restored BSA A65 Thunderbolt motorcycle on the front cover.

This vintage British motorcycling publication contains a fascinating selection of classic motorcycle restoration features, historic racing reports, road tests, mechanical advice and early-1990s motorcycle news.

Particular highlights include an early test of the 1994 Triumph Sprint 900, a restored BSA A65 Thunderbolt, the Duckhams Norton racing team, Rickman Metisse motorcycles and an informative article about Triumph T140 Bonneville lubrication.

An interesting original publication for collectors of British motorcycle history, classic motorcycle restoration literature and vintage motorcycling memorabilia.

Magazine Details

• Publication: British Bike Magazine

• Issue Number: 75

• Publication Date: December 1993

• Original UK Cover Price: £1.95

• Original USA Cover Price: $3.50

• Publisher: Green Designs

• Country of Publication: United Kingdom

• Language: English

• Format: Original printed motorcycle magazine

• SKU: 1604

The magazine is dated December 1993. No specific publication day is visible in the supplied photographs.

Front Cover – Restored BSA A65 Thunderbolt

The front cover features a large colour photograph of a restored BSA A65 Thunderbolt, photographed by David Hawtin.

The motorcycle is shown being ridden along a country road, with a rider wearing a black open-face helmet, goggles, black leather motorcycle jacket, blue jeans, gloves and brown leather boots.

The photograph captures the traditional appearance of a classic British motorcycle being enjoyed on the road.

Visible Motorcycle Details

The BSA Thunderbolt features:

• Black fuel tank with a polished chrome side panel.

• BSA tank emblem.

• Traditional upright riding position.

• Large round chrome headlamp.

• Black front mudguard.

• Spoked front wheel.

• Chrome front wheel rim.

• Traditional front suspension with rubber fork gaiters.

• Chrome exhaust system.

• Silver-coloured engine casings.

• Visible engine cooling fins.

• Twin rear suspension units.

• Black motorcycle seat.

• Classic British road motorcycle styling.

The motorcycle also carries a distinctive front registration plate positioned above the front mudguard.

The surrounding countryside provides an attractive backdrop, emphasising the BSA's traditional road-going character.

The cover photograph is particularly appealing to enthusiasts of restored British motorcycles and classic BSA machines.

Main Cover Headlines

Road Runner – A65 T-Bolt Restored

The main cover feature examines the restoration of a BSA A65 Thunderbolt motorcycle.

Scoop! 1994 Triumph Sprint Test

An early test of the then-new Triumph Sprint 900.

Rotary Club – Norton's Racing Season

A feature covering the Duckhams Norton racing team's activities.

Metisse Selection – Rickmans to Go!

A look at Rickman Metisse motorcycles and their continuing appeal within classic motorcycle competition.

Loads of Bikes & Bits for Sale & Wanted

The magazine also contains original classified advertisements covering motorcycles, parts and accessories available during December 1993.

Detailed Magazine Contents

The photographed contents page confirms the following articles and features.

Page 4 – Transmission

Norton Racing News and Classic Motorcycle Developments

A regular motorcycle news section covering developments within the British classic motorcycle scene.

The contents description specifically refers to Norton taking one step forward and another backwards, reflecting the challenges surrounding the marque during this period.

This section provides an interesting historical snapshot of the British motorcycle industry in late 1993.

Page 7 – Subscriptions

Original British Bike Magazine subscription information.

The printed subscription prices and ordering details are part of the magazine's historical content and are no longer current.

Page 8 – Products

A selection of motorcycle products and services available to enthusiasts in the early 1990s.

This section provides useful period information about motorcycle accessories, maintenance equipment and specialist services.

Page 11 – What's On

A guide to classic motorcycle events, gatherings and activities.

An interesting reference for understanding the British classic motorcycle community during December 1993.

Page 14 – Pre-Unit Triumphs

TR6 Trophy and Triumph Bonneville Restoration

A feature examining a restored Triumph TR6 Trophy and a Triumph Bonneville in Canada.

The contents page explains that the motorcycles were restored with help and assistance from British suppliers.

This article provides an interesting example of the international enthusiasm for classic Triumph motorcycles.

Particularly relevant to collectors interested in:

• Triumph TR6 Trophy.

• Pre-unit Triumph motorcycles.

• Triumph Bonneville restoration.

• Classic British motorcycle parts.

• Vintage Triumph engineering.

• British motorcycles in Canada.

Page 18 – Duckhams Norton

Norton's Racing Season

A feature examining the Duckhams Norton racing team.

The article focuses on the team's activities during the 1993 racing season, including the experiences of its manager, Maguire.

The contents description refers to the challenges faced by the team and the pressures surrounding its racing programme.

This is particularly interesting because Norton racing motorcycles were an important part of British motorcycle competition during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The article should appeal to collectors interested in:

• Norton motorcycle racing.

• Duckhams Norton.

• British motorcycle racing teams.

• Early-1990s racing history.

• Norton rotary racing motorcycles.

• Historic British motorsport.

Page 23 – Metisse Mix

Rickman Metisse Classic Scramblers

A feature examining a selection of successful Metisse pre-1965 scrambling motorcycles.

The contents page identifies Nobby Clark as the specialist responsible for assembling the machines featured in the article.

Rickman Metisse motorcycles are particularly well known among enthusiasts of British off-road competition and specialist motorcycle chassis design.

The feature offers an interesting look at the continued popularity of these machines in classic scrambling.

Subjects of interest include:

• Rickman Metisse motorcycles.

• Pre-1965 motorcycle scrambling.

• Classic motocross.

• British competition motorcycles.

• Specialist motorcycle engineering.

• Vintage off-road motorcycle restoration.

Page 30 – Letters

A selection of correspondence from readers of British Bike Magazine.

This provides an insight into the opinions, interests and technical questions of British motorcycle enthusiasts during the early 1990s.

Page 33 – BSA Thunderbolt

Road Runner – Restored BSA A65 Thunderbolt

One of the main features of this edition examines a restored BSA A65 Thunderbolt.

The contents description explains that even when an owner does not originally intend to rebuild and restore a motorcycle, circumstances can eventually make restoration unavoidable.

The article follows the restoration story of the classic BSA.

The BSA A65 Thunderbolt is an important model within the history of British twin-cylinder motorcycles.

The feature is especially relevant to enthusiasts interested in:

• BSA A65 Thunderbolt.

• Classic BSA restoration.

• British parallel-twin motorcycles.

• Vintage motorcycle maintenance.

• Traditional British motorcycle engineering.

• BSA motorcycle history.

The magazine's front cover provides an excellent colour photograph of the restored machine in use.

The contents page also includes a black-and-white side-view photograph of the motorcycle, showing the traditional fuel tank, engine, exhaust system and road-going layout.

Page 42 – 1994 Triumph Sprint 900

Early Road Test – Hinckley Triumph Sprint

A particularly interesting feature examining the 1994 Triumph Sprint 900.

The contents page describes this as another first test for British Bike Magazine, featuring the new Sprint motorcycle.

This is an important period article because the modern Triumph company was still establishing its new generation of motorcycles during the early 1990s.

The Sprint 900 formed part of Triumph's expanding range of three-cylinder motorcycles.

This contemporary road test provides an opportunity to see how the machine was received when it was new.

Particularly interesting for collectors researching:

• Triumph Sprint 900.

• 1994 Triumph motorcycles.

• Hinckley Triumph.

• Triumph triple-cylinder engines.

• Early modern Triumph road tests.

• British motorcycle development.

• 1990s motorcycle journalism.

For Triumph enthusiasts, this is one of the strongest features of the magazine.

Page 48 – Binders & Back Issues

Original information about magazine storage binders and previous editions.

This material forms part of the original publication.

Page 48 – Classic T-Shirt Offer

An original promotional offer for a British Bike Magazine T-shirt.

The offer is historical and is no longer valid.

No T-shirt is included with this listing.

Page 50 – Triumph T140 Lubrication

Technical Feature – Triumph Bonneville T140

An informative mechanical article examining lubrication on the Triumph T140 Bonneville.

The contents page raises questions about the motorcycle's oil consumption and lubrication system.

This feature is especially relevant to owners, restorers and enthusiasts maintaining classic Triumph motorcycles.

Subjects of interest include:

• Triumph T140 Bonneville.

• Motorcycle engine lubrication.

• Classic motorcycle oil systems.

• Triumph motorcycle maintenance.

• British motorcycle workshop advice.

• Vintage motorcycle engineering.

Technical articles of this kind make original motorcycle magazines useful historical reference material for restorers and collectors.

Page 54 – Mart News

A section covering the motorcycle market and auction trends.

The contents description refers to auction activity and how buyers can judge whether to purchase or ask questions before bidding.

This provides an interesting historical perspective on the British classic motorcycle market in 1993.

Page 55 – Bikemart

A classified advertising section containing motorcycles, parts and accessories offered for sale or wanted.

Original classified advertisements are particularly interesting for collectors because they provide a snapshot of period motorcycle values, availability and specialist suppliers.

Page 59 – Instant Workshop

A workshop feature following John Field's assembly of a vintage motorcycle project.

The contents description explains that he continues assembling a vintage basket case by fitting additional components to the frame.

This feature will appeal to enthusiasts interested in classic motorcycle restoration, rebuilding and mechanical projects.

Page 60 – Advice Bureau

A regular section offering motorcycle-related technical advice.

The feature provides an example of the practical guidance available to British motorcycle owners during the early 1990s.

Motorcycle Photography and Collectable Interest

The magazine features a mixture of colour and black-and-white motorcycle photography.

The front cover includes an attractive colour action photograph of the BSA A65 Thunderbolt.

The photographed contents page includes:

BSA Thunderbolt – Page 33

A black-and-white side-view photograph of the restored motorcycle being ridden.

The photograph shows the motorcycle's classic proportions, fuel tank, engine, exhaust system and traditional road-going appearance.

Triumph T140 Lubrication – Page 50

A black-and-white photograph showing part of a Triumph motorcycle, including its fuel tank and upper mechanical components.

These images complement the magazine's restoration and technical articles.

The combination of historical racing features, restoration stories, contemporary road tests and mechanical advice makes this an interesting original publication for classic motorcycle enthusiasts.

Condition – Please Read Carefully

Original pre-owned magazine from December 1993.

Based on the supplied photographs, the magazine appears to be in good used vintage condition overall, with visible signs of age, storage and handling.

It is not a new or mint-condition copy.

Front Cover

The front cover retains its original full-colour BSA Thunderbolt photograph.

The motorcycle image remains clear, with the main cover headlines legible.

Visible imperfections include:

• Light surface scuffing and rubbing.

• Minor scratches and handling marks.

• Some wear along the left-hand spine.

• Light creasing around the spine area.

• Slight rubbing along the upper and lower cover edges.

• Minor wear to the corners.

• Small areas of edge whitening.

• Slight bending and curling around the cover edges.

• General age-related handling wear.

The lower-left corner and spine show some visible wear, including light creasing and rubbing.

The lower-right corner shows minor edge and corner wear.

The front cover remains generally presentable, with the original motorcycle photograph retaining its visual appeal.

Spine and Binding

The spine shows age-related rubbing and handling wear.

There is some light creasing along the left-hand edge.

The photographed interior pages appear attached to the magazine.

No major binding separation is apparent in the supplied photographs, although the entire magazine has not been individually checked page by page.

Interior Pages

The photographed contents page appears generally clean and readable.

Visible characteristics include:

• Mild age-related paper yellowing.

• Light handling marks.

• Minor page curvature.

• Slight edge wear.

• Some natural paper discolouration.

• Minor corner wear.

The printed text and photographs remain clear.

No obvious major tears are visible on the photographed contents page.

Only selected interior pages have been photographed, so the condition of every individual page cannot be guaranteed.

Overall Condition

Good used vintage condition, with light cover scuffing, minor creasing, spine rubbing, edge and corner wear, and some age-related paper discolouration.

The magazine remains a presentable original example for a classic British motorcycle collection.

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

Original Extras and Promotional Items

Any original free gifts, loose supplements, promotional inserts, competition materials or other items that may originally have accompanied the magazine are not included or guaranteed.

Any historical offers advertised inside the magazine, including the classic T-shirt offer, are no longer valid.

This sale is for the original British Bike Magazine only, as photographed.

Packaging and Shipping

The 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.

Summary

Original British Bike Magazine – December 1993 – Issue No. 75, featuring a restored BSA A65 Thunderbolt on the front cover.

Includes articles covering BSA Thunderbolt restoration, the 1994 Triumph Sprint 900, Duckhams Norton racing, Rickman Metisse scramblers, Triumph T140 lubrication, pre-unit Triumph motorcycles and classic motorcycle restoration.

An interesting original early-1990s motorcycle magazine for collectors of BSA, Triumph, Norton, Rickman Metisse and vintage British motorcycling memorabilia.

Condition: Good used vintage condition with visible age-related wear, light creasing, minor scuffing, spine rubbing and corner wear.

SKU: 1604