British Bike Magazine – November 1995 – Issue No. 98

Vintage British Motorcycle Magazine | Triumph 350 | Vincent Racer | Norton Commando | Ariel Leader | Manx Grand Prix | Classic Motorcycle Restoration

Original November 1995 edition of British Bike Magazine, Issue No. 98, featuring a beautifully presented vintage Triumph motorcycle on the front cover.

This classic British motorcycling publication offers an interesting collection of motorcycle road tests, restoration advice, historical features, engineering discussions, vintage racing reports and articles covering some of Britain's best-known motorcycle manufacturers.

The issue's principal cover feature, "The Mild One – Triumph's Forgotten 350", examines a lesser-known Triumph motorcycle, while additional articles cover the Vincent Grey Flash, Norton Commando electric starting, Ariel Leader, motorcycle electronics and the Manx Grand Prix.

A particularly interesting magazine for enthusiasts of vintage Triumph, Norton, Vincent and Ariel motorcycles, as well as collectors of original 1990s British motorcycling publications.

Magazine Details

• Publication: British Bike Magazine

• Issue Number: 98

• Publication Date: November 1995

• Original UK Cover Price: £1.95

• Original USA Cover Price: $3.95

• Publisher: Traplet Publications

• Country: United Kingdom

• Language: English

• Format: Original printed motorcycle magazine

• SKU: 1604

The cover confirms November 1995 as the publication date. An exact day of publication is not shown.

Front Cover – Triumph's Forgotten 350

The front cover features a large, detailed colour photograph of a beautifully presented vintage Triumph 350 motorcycle, photographed outside a traditional cottage-style building.

The motorcycle is shown in profile from the front-right side, providing an excellent view of its engine, fuel tank, frame, exhaust system and traditional British motorcycle design.

The motorcycle has a predominantly black finish with polished chrome and alloy components.

Visible Motorcycle Details

The cover photograph shows:

• Black fuel tank with gold lining and traditional Triumph branding.

• Polished alloy engine and transmission casings.

• Finned single-cylinder engine.

• Traditional round chrome headlamp.

• Black telescopic front forks.

• Spoked front and rear wheels.

• Large front drum-brake assembly.

• Black front and rear mudguards.

• Chrome exhaust pipe and silencer.

• Traditional sprung saddle.

• Separate rear passenger seat.

• Rear suspension units with exposed springs.

• Classic handlebars and control levers.

• Centre stand supporting the motorcycle.

• Front-mounted registration plate displaying FO 4936.

The photograph is particularly attractive because it presents the motorcycle in a traditional British setting, with a wooden cottage door, leaded-style window and cobbled or stone-paved ground.

The black and chrome finish contrasts well with the building's warm wooden and cream-coloured background.

This is a strong period cover image for collectors interested in traditional British motorcycle design.

Main Cover Headlines

"The Mild One – Triumph's Forgotten 350"

The main feature focuses on a lesser-known Triumph 350 model.

Other prominent cover headlines include:

• Electronics for Oldies

• Classic Survey

• Vincent Racer Test

• Commando Starter Cure

• Ariel Leader Adventure

• Manx GP and Rally

The cover also advertises a competition to win a Manor Parcs holiday.

The original competition is historical and is no longer valid.

Detailed Magazine Contents

The photographed contents pages confirm the following articles and features.

Page 19 – Competition

A period competition offering readers the chance to win a Manor Parcs holiday.

This provides an interesting example of the promotional competitions appearing in British motorcycle magazines during the mid-1990s.

The competition is no longer active, and no prize or promotional entitlement is included with the magazine.

Page 20 – Mountain Excitement

A motorcycle racing feature associated with the Manx Grand Prix.

The contents photograph shows a racing motorcycle carrying the number 69, leaning into a bend on a road-racing circuit.

The rider wears a racing helmet and full protective leathers, with another competitor visible further back on the road.

The scene captures the atmosphere of traditional motorcycle road racing, with open countryside and roadside fencing visible in the background.

This feature is particularly relevant to collectors interested in the Isle of Man, Manx Grand Prix history and classic road-racing photography.

Page 24 – Matchless Bitza

A feature concerning a specially assembled Matchless-based motorcycle.

The contents description identifies a Matchless G80 and an AJS-related motorcycle project, combining classic British motorcycle components.

The accompanying photograph shows a lightweight-looking classic motorcycle with a yellow fuel tank, spoked wheels, traditional front forks and a relatively simple frame arrangement.

The article is of interest to enthusiasts of Matchless and AJS motorcycles, custom-built classic machines and period motorcycle engineering.

Page 26 – Follow My Leader

A feature covering the Ariel Leader.

The contents description refers to Ariel's distinctive two-stroke motorcycle and an extended journey undertaken by an enthusiast.

The Ariel Leader was an unusual British motorcycle, recognised for its enclosed bodywork and unconventional appearance compared with traditional exposed-engine motorcycles.

This feature should appeal to collectors interested in Ariel motorcycles, British two-stroke engineering and classic motorcycle touring.

Page 30 – Electronics Survey

A practical feature examining electronic components and their potential applications to older motorcycles.

The contents description discusses bringing classic motorcycles into the modern age with electronic ignition, improved electrical systems and related equipment.

This article is particularly relevant to motorcycle restorers and owners interested in improving reliability while maintaining the character of older machines.

Topics associated with the feature include classic motorcycle electrical systems, electronic ignition and modernisation of vintage motorcycle technology.

Page 34 – Grey Import

An interesting feature concerning a Vincent Grey Flash replica.

The contents description refers to an enthusiast's Vincent-related racing machine and its historical or mechanical background.

The photographed contents page includes a colour image of a classic racing motorcycle with a streamlined blue fuel tank and traditional racing-style components.

Vincent motorcycles are particularly significant within British motorcycling history, making this an appealing feature for collectors interested in Vincent racing machinery, replicas and historic motorcycle engineering.

Page 40 – Not Far Away

A historical feature focusing on Triumph's post-war 350cc motorcycles.

The contents page refers to a Triumph 350 twin, describing it as a motorcycle that deserved greater recognition.

The article examines the model's history and place within Triumph's post-war motorcycle range.

The accompanying photograph shows a historical image of a rider with a motorcycle, reinforcing the article's period theme.

This feature complements the main front-cover story and makes the issue especially relevant to Triumph enthusiasts.

Page 46 – Manx Rally

Coverage of the Manx Rally, an event associated with classic motorcycles and the Isle of Man.

The contents page features a large colour photograph of two people riding a vintage motorcycle and sidecar combination.

The motorcycle is predominantly red, with a matching red sidecar.

The rider wears a dark waterproof riding outfit and helmet, while the sidecar passenger is also dressed for outdoor motorcycling.

The front of the motorcycle displays a competition-style number plate marked 88, together with VMCC lettering.

The photograph captures the touring and social side of vintage motorcycling.

An appealing feature for enthusiasts of classic motorcycle rallies, sidecar combinations and the Vintage Motor Cycle Club.

Page 50 – The Big Trip

A feature covering an extended motorcycle journey through Russia and surrounding regions.

The contents description refers to a motorcycle trip and the challenges of long-distance travel.

This provides an interesting contrast to the magazine's more technical restoration and racing articles.

The feature should appeal to enthusiasts of classic motorcycle touring, adventure riding and historical travel accounts.

Page 56 – Rider's Workshop

A practical workshop feature covering motorcycle maintenance and electrical systems.

The contents description refers to making a Norton Commando's electric starter work properly.

The article is particularly relevant to Norton Commando owners and restorers interested in classic motorcycle starting systems.

This is one of the more practically focused features in the issue.

Page 75 – Buying a Classic

A buyer-focused feature examining classic motorcycle ownership.

The contents description refers to the Norton Commando 750 and 850, discussing what prospective buyers should consider when purchasing one.

The photographed contents page includes an image of a rider on a classic motorcycle.

This article may be especially useful to collectors researching Norton Commando models and the second-hand classic motorcycle market during the 1990s.

Regular Magazine Sections

The contents pages also confirm the following regular departments:

Page 4 – Transmission

News and developments from the classic motorcycle world.

Page 9 – What's On

A guide to motorcycle events and activities.

Page 11 – What Was On

Reports and photographs from previous motorcycle events.

Page 12 – New Products

Motorcycle-related products, equipment and accessories.

Page 15 – Letters

Reader correspondence and discussion.

Page 16 – Club News

Updates from classic motorcycle clubs and enthusiast organisations.

Page 66 – Tried & Tested

Reviews and evaluations of motorcycle-related products.

Page 68 – Reviews

Coverage of books and other motorcycle-related material.

Page 70 – Advice Bureau

Practical advice and assistance for classic motorcycle owners.

Page 80 – Herbert!

A regular magazine feature.

Page 81 – Tail Light

The magazine's closing section.

These regular features provide an interesting insight into the classic British motorcycle community of the mid-1990s.

Photography and Historical Interest

The issue combines colour motorcycle photography, period illustrations and technical features.

The front-cover Triumph photograph is especially attractive, showing a well-presented motorcycle in a traditional British setting.

The photographed contents pages also feature:

• Vintage racing motorcycles.

• A Matchless-based motorcycle project.

• A Vincent-related racing motorcycle.

• Historical motorcycle photography.

• Classic road-racing action.

• A vintage motorcycle and sidecar combination.

• Motorcycle touring and restoration subjects.

The magazine provides a useful snapshot of the classic motorcycle scene in November 1995.

Its combination of restoration advice, historic racing, engineering and buying guidance makes it appealing to both collectors and practical motorcycle enthusiasts.

Condition – Please Read Carefully

Original pre-owned magazine from November 1995.

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

It is not a new or mint-condition example.

Front Cover

The front cover retains its original colour photograph and printed headlines.

The Triumph motorcycle image remains clear, with good colour and detail.

Visible imperfections include:

• Light surface rubbing and handling marks.

• Minor scuffs and small surface marks.

• Light creasing and waviness near the top edge.

• Minor wear around the cover corners.

• Slight rubbing along the outer edges.

• Light wear along the left-hand spine.

• A small amount of edge wear near the lower corners.

• Minor age-related discolouration and general handling wear.

The cover remains relatively flat and presentable.

The photograph and principal headlines are clearly visible.

Spine and Binding

The spine shows light rubbing and handling wear.

Some small marks and slight creasing are visible along the spine edge.

The photographed pages appear securely attached, with no obvious major separation visible.

The full binding has not been individually inspected.

Interior Pages

The photographed contents spread appears generally clean and well preserved.

The printed text and photographs remain clear.

Visible signs of handling include:

• Light curvature around the centre fold.

• Minor page-edge wear.

• Gentle waviness to the opened pages.

• Small handling marks.

• Slight age-related changes to the paper.

No major tears or large stains are apparent on the photographed contents pages.

As only selected pages have been photographed, minor imperfections elsewhere cannot be ruled out.

Overall Condition

Good used vintage condition, with light cover wear, minor edge and corner rubbing, gentle creasing and general age-related handling marks.

The magazine remains visually attractive and suitable for a vintage motorcycle magazine collection.

Please study all supplied photographs carefully, as they form part of the description and show the actual item being sold.

Original Extras and Promotional Items

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

This listing is for the original 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 – November 1995 – Issue No. 98, featuring a classic Triumph 350 motorcycle on the front cover.

Includes articles covering Triumph's forgotten 350, Vincent Grey Flash racing machinery, Norton Commando electric starters, Ariel Leader motorcycles, classic motorcycle electronics, Manx Grand Prix racing and vintage motorcycle rallies.

An interesting original 1990s British motorcycle publication for collectors of Triumph, Norton, Vincent, Ariel, Matchless and classic motorcycling memorabilia.

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

SKU: 1604