Classic Racer Magazine – Summer 1991 – Issue 34

Isle of Man TT Special | Yamaha 1961 Debut | Norton Commando Racer Test | 1971 Formula 750 TT | Historic Motorcycle Racing

Original British Classic Racer magazine, Summer 1991, Issue Number 34, featuring an extensive collection of articles, photographs, technical information and historical features celebrating classic motorcycle racing.

This vintage TT-themed issue explores several important periods in motorcycle racing history, including Yamaha's arrival at the Isle of Man in 1961, the first Formula 750 TT in 1971, historic Manx racing and the engineering behind classic competition motorcycles.

The magazine is particularly interesting for its combination of period racing photography, motorcycle tests, racing personalities and technical information.

The newly supplied interior photograph also confirms an illustrated Norton Commando racing motorcycle test, featuring a distinctive yellow race bike carrying number 32.

An appealing original publication for enthusiasts of the Isle of Man TT, vintage motorcycle racing, Norton, Yamaha and classic British motorsport.

Magazine Details

• Title: Classic Racer

• Issue: Number 34

• Edition: Summer 1991

• On-Sale Date: 28 May 1991, as printed in the magazine

• Original UK Cover Price: £2.25

• Original USA Price: $5.00

• Publisher: Bob Berry Publishing Services

• Language: English

• Country: United Kingdom

• Format: Original printed motorcycle magazine

• SKU: 1601

Front Cover – Isle of Man TT Special

The original front cover features a dramatic colour racing photograph showing a motorcycle racer negotiating a corner on a narrow public-road circuit.

The motorcycle carries racing number 6 on its white front fairing, with period Castrol and Champion branding visible.

The rider is dressed in traditional racing leathers and a full-face helmet, leaning the machine through the bend with spectators gathered close to the roadside.

The background includes a large crowd watching the race, creating an atmospheric image of classic motorcycle road racing.

The cover features the traditional red Classic Racer masthead and a prominent yellow TT Issue banner in the upper-right corner.

Major cover headlines include:

WHO WON IN '71?

A retrospective examination of the Isle of Man TT twenty years earlier, concentrating on the first Formula 750 TT.

YAMAHA 1961 DEBUT

A historical feature marking thirty years since Yamaha's first appearance at the Isle of Man TT.

MANX HISTORY

Coverage of the development and history of motorcycle competition on the Isle of Man.

COMMANDO RACER TEST

A dedicated feature examining a Norton Commando-based racing motorcycle.

The combination of these subjects makes this issue particularly attractive to collectors of classic TT and motorcycle racing memorabilia.

Featured Motorcycle Test – Norton Commando Racer

One of the most interesting features confirmed by the supplied interior photographs is the Norton Commando racer test, appearing from page 32.

The photographed double-page spread includes three colour photographs of a distinctive yellow and black Norton racing motorcycle.

The motorcycle carries racing number 32 on both its front fairing and rear number plate.

Motorcycle Photography

The upper photograph shows the motorcycle parked outdoors in a full side-profile view.

Its classic racing construction is clearly visible, including:

• Bright yellow racing fuel tank and front fairing.

• Black racing seat and rear section.

• Racing number 32.

• Traditional spoked wheels.

• Exposed engine and exhaust system.

• Low racing handlebars.

• Compact front fairing.

• Period racing tyres and suspension.

• Traditional lightweight competition styling.

The lower photographs show the motorcycle being ridden on a racing circuit.

One photograph captures the rider crouched low behind the fairing while travelling along the track.

Another shows the machine leaning through a corner, with another racing motorcycle visible in the background.

These action photographs are particularly interesting because they show the machine in use rather than simply as a static exhibit.

Technical Specifications

The photographed page includes a specification panel describing the motorcycle.

Visible details include:

Engine: Four-stroke, pushrod, vertical twin.

Capacity: 748cc.

Compression Ratio: 10.25:1.

Carburation: Twin Amal concentric carburettors.

Transmission: Primary drive by triplex chain in oil bath, diaphragm spring plate clutch and five-speed Quaife gearbox.

Chassis: Commando Isolastic construction.

Suspension: Norton telescopic internal-spring front forks and Girling gas-damped rear shock absorbers.

Brakes: Front 11½-inch Lockheed single-disc brake and ventilated 7-inch rear drum.

Wheels: 58-inch wheelbase and 404lb fuelled weight.

Performance: Top speed stated as 121mph with Mallory gearing.

These specifications make the feature especially useful for Norton Commando enthusiasts interested in racing conversions, historic performance figures and competition engineering.

Road Test Impressions

The article includes the writer's observations about the motorcycle's handling and behaviour.

The photographed text discusses the Commando's Isolastic engine mounting arrangement and its effect on vibration and handling.

The writer also comments on the machine's behaviour under braking and acceleration.

A highlighted quotation describes the rider's increasing concern while following another motorcycle during the test.

The feature combines technical analysis with first-hand riding impressions, making it a particularly interesting historical record of a competition-prepared Norton Commando.

Yamaha's First Isle of Man TT Appearance – 1961

Page 26 – The Yamaha Arrival

A historical feature examining Yamaha's first appearance at the Isle of Man TT in 1961.

The contents page explains that Yamaha was not initially taken particularly seriously when the manufacturer arrived at the TT.

The article explores the company's early racing involvement and the development of its reputation in international motorcycle competition.

The contents photograph shows a historic Yamaha racing motorcycle, with its exposed mechanical components, racing fuel tank, spoked wheels and traditional competition styling.

The accompanying caption refers to Charlie Rous, who started the motorcycles when they arrived at the 1961 TT.

This feature is particularly relevant to collectors interested in early Japanese Grand Prix racing motorcycles, Yamaha's racing heritage and the history of Japanese manufacturers competing at the Isle of Man.

The First Formula 750 TT – 1971

Page 13 – The First F750 TT

An important retrospective article examining the first Formula 750 TT, twenty years after the event.

The contents refer to several notable racing personalities, including:

• Phil Read, associated with Yamaha and the 250cc race.

• Mick Nichols, mentioned in connection with Ginger Hall.

• Tony Jefferies, referenced in relation to the first Formula 750 TT.

The article offers historical insight into a significant period in Isle of Man TT competition.

A particularly interesting feature for collectors of 1970s racing history, Yamaha competition motorcycles and TT racing memorabilia.

Racing on at 51 – Dave Kershaw

Page 21

A feature concerning Dave Kershaw, who returned to motorcycle racing after a lengthy absence.

The contents describe Kershaw's comeback aboard a Yamaha after approximately two decades away from competition.

The article also mentions John Brown, who travelled to watch Kershaw and was reminded of earlier racing experiences.

An interesting account of the determination and enthusiasm of classic motorcycle racers.

Racing with Burgess

Page 46

A historical feature involving Brian Woolley and Trevor Burgess.

The article discusses Woolley's involvement with racing motorcycles during the 1960s, including his work as a two-stroke tuner.

Trevor Burgess is mentioned in connection with his success aboard a fast Greeves motorcycle in 1966.

This feature should appeal to enthusiasts of British competition motorcycles, two-stroke tuning and Greeves racing history.

Round the Circuits

Page 52

A photographic review of early CRMC and vintage motorcycle racing rounds.

The contents credit Peter Wileman for the photographs.

This feature provides a period record of classic motorcycle racing events and the machines participating during the 1991 season.

Sensation on Cinders – Jawa Speedway Racing

Page 57

A historical feature exploring the development and success of Jawa speedway motorcycles.

The article examines the motorcycle's Czechoslovakian origins and its importance in speedway racing.

The contents associate the feature with David Ansell.

An interesting inclusion for collectors of classic speedway motorcycles and European competition engineering.

More About the Manx

Page 61

A historical examination of the Amateur TT and the development of racing on the Isle of Man.

The contents explain that the event was originally intended to provide opportunities for works riders, although its history proved more complicated.

Brian Woolley continues his investigation into this important part of motorcycle racing history.

Additional Features

The contents page also identifies several other regular features.

Page 4 – News from the Paddocks: News and developments from the classic racing community.

Page 10 – Jim Greening: A regular feature concerning Jim Greening.

Page 12 – Vintage Scene: Coverage of historic motorcycles and racing activities.

Page 36 – You Tell Us: Reader participation and historical motorcycle identification, including a question about a Sarolea motorcycle and a photograph of two sidecar racing personalities.

The magazine also contains an editorial titled Under New Management, explaining that this was the first issue of Classic Racer published under Bob Berry Publishing Services.

This makes the issue particularly interesting as a publication from a transitional period in the magazine's history.

Condition – Please Read Carefully

Pre-owned original magazine dating from Summer 1991.

The magazine shows noticeable age-related wear and handling marks consistent with an older printed publication.

Front Cover

The cover retains its original colour photograph and clearly readable headlines.

The printed colours remain reasonably strong.

Visible imperfections include:

• Surface rubbing and scuffing.

• Light scratches and handling marks.

• Creasing along the upper edge.

• Wear to the upper corners.

• Rubbing and colour loss along the spine edge.

• Small bends and creases around the outer edges.

• A noticeable diagonal crease across the lower-right portion of the cover.

• A folded lower-right corner exposing the reverse side of the cover.

• General wear associated with age and previous handling.

The folded lower-right corner and diagonal crease are particularly noticeable.

Spine & Binding

The spine shows rubbing, wear and creasing.

The interior photograph reveals a visible tear or split near the upper inner spine area, adjacent to the contents page.

There is also evidence of handling wear around the binding.

The magazine remains together in the photographs, although the visible spine damage should be taken into consideration.

Interior Pages

The photographed interior pages retain readable text and clear photographic illustrations.

The contents page shows age-related paper discolouration and some edge wear.

The Norton Commando test pages retain their colour photographs and printed technical specifications.

There is some natural page curvature and handling wear visible when the magazine is opened.

No obvious writing or handwritten annotations are visible on the photographed pages.

The condition of every individual page has not been independently verified.

Overall Condition

Fair vintage condition, with visible spine wear, cover creasing and a folded cover corner.

This is not a mint or near-mint example.

The magazine remains suitable as a historical reading copy or collector's reference, particularly for someone interested in the technical and photographic material.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, as they form part of the condition description.

Original Extras & Promotional Items

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

The sale is for the magazine itself only.

Packaging & Shipping

The magazine will be carefully packaged for dispatch.

UK Orders: Sent in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Sent in a protective cardboard mailer-size box to provide additional protection during international transit.

Collector Appeal

This original issue is particularly suitable for enthusiasts and collectors of:

• Classic Racer magazine back issues.

• Isle of Man TT history.

• 1971 Formula 750 TT racing.

• Yamaha's 1961 TT debut.

• Norton Commando racing motorcycles.

• Vintage motorcycle road tests.

• British classic racing motorcycles.

• Phil Read and Tony Jefferies memorabilia.

• Greeves racing motorcycles.

• Jawa speedway motorcycles.

• Manx TT racing history.

• Historic motorcycle engineering.

• Vintage motorsport photography.

An original Summer 1991 Classic Racer magazine, featuring a substantial selection of historic racing articles and an illustrated Norton Commando competition motorcycle test.

SKU: 1601