What Bike? Magazine – January 1994 – Aprilia Pegaso, Yamaha XTZ660, Vespa T5 & Honda CG125

Original Vintage British Motorcycle Magazine | New & Used Bike Reviews | 1994 Motorcycle Buying Guide

Original January 1994 edition of What Bike?, a British motorcycle magazine covering new and second-hand motorcycles, road tests, ownership advice, motorcycle prices and practical riding information.

This issue features a distinctive bright yellow front cover packed with photographs of motorcycles and scooters, including the Aprilia Pegaso, Yamaha XTZ660, KTM 400, Honda CG125, MiG100 and Vespa T5.

The magazine also includes a substantial reference section advertising colour listings of motorcycles available during 1994.

An interesting period publication for collectors of classic motorcycles, vintage scooter enthusiasts, motorcycle restorers and anyone researching the British motorcycle market of the early 1990s.

Publication Information

Magazine: What Bike?

Issue Date: January 1994

Original On-Sale Date: 18 December 1993

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Original Cover Price: £2.20

ISSN: 0955-4912

Editor: Mark Graham

Deputy Editor: Rosie Marston

Publisher: Mike Barnes

Publisher/Company: EMAP National Publications

Format: Printed Motorcycle Magazine

Main Subjects: Motorcycle Reviews, Buying Guides, New Bike Listings, Used Motorcycles and Scooters

SKU: 1595

Front Cover – Classic 1990s Motorcycle Magazine

The magazine features a particularly colourful front cover, with a large red WHAT BIKE? masthead against a bright yellow background.

A green banner immediately below the title reads:

New & used, running, riding & more — every month

The cover uses several separate motorcycle photographs rather than one large image, highlighting the range of motorcycles reviewed inside.

Aprilia Pegaso vs Yamaha XTZ660

One of the principal cover stories compares the Aprilia Pegaso with the Yamaha XTZ660.

The accompanying photograph shows two riders wearing protective motorcycle clothing and full-face helmets, sitting on their motorcycles facing the camera.

The machines feature distinctive early-1990s adventure and dual-purpose motorcycle styling, including tall front fairings, upright riding positions and relatively long-travel suspension.

The comparison is advertised as:

Aprilia V Yam – Pegaso and XTZ660 in ten valve dust-up

This is an interesting contemporary comparison between two motorcycles from the growing adventure and dual-purpose market of the period.

KTM 400 – Off-Road Motorcycle

The upper-middle section of the cover features a photograph of a rider on a KTM 400 off-road motorcycle.

The motorcycle has a high front mudguard, spoked wheels, off-road tyres and tall suspension.

The accompanying headline reads:

KTM400 – Pining for the lonesome trail

A feature of particular interest to enthusiasts of classic KTM trail and enduro motorcycles.

Honda CG125 – Used Motorcycle Feature

Another cover photograph features a Honda CG125 parked beside a roadside bus.

The motorcycle has a traditional commuter design, with a round headlight, spoked wheels, upright handlebars and practical luggage.

The headline highlights an impressive claimed fuel economy figure:

Used: Honda CG125 – 204mpg (yes, 204mpg)

This is a particularly interesting historical feature for Honda CG125 owners, classic commuter motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors researching motorcycle fuel economy claims.

MiG100 – Small Commuter Motorcycle

The upper-right cover photograph features a rider on a red MiG100 motorcycle.

The machine has a compact commuter-style design, with a red fuel tank and front bodywork, spoked wheels and a relatively narrow frame.

The headline reads:

MiG100 – The bus is dead

This feature reflects the popularity of small-capacity commuter motorcycles during the early 1990s.

Vespa T5 – Classic Italian Scooter

The lower-right section of the cover features a blue Vespa T5 scooter photographed outside a café.

The photograph shows the scooter's distinctive angular front bodywork, large leg shield, square-style headlamp area and classic Vespa silhouette.

The accompanying headline reads:

Vespa T5 – Sharpscooter

An appealing feature for collectors and restorers of vintage Vespa scooters.

Other Cover Features

The front cover also advertises:

• Yamaha XJ600 – an assessment of the ageing motorcycle.

• Kawasaki GPZ305 – a critical look at the model.

• Moto Guzzi motorcycles – a feature on the marque's continuing appeal.

• MZ 301 Saxon – a feature highlighted in a blue circular panel.

• All '94 Bikes in Colour – a substantial motorcycle reference section.

The lower-left section includes a printed illustration of the magazine's motorcycle listings, showing small colour photographs, model information and specifications.

Inside the Magazine – Detailed Contents

The photographed contents page confirms a wide variety of motorcycle road tests, ownership features and buying guides.

Page 6 – What's New?

A regular section covering motorcycle news and developments.

The magazine describes the section as covering motorcycles as both machines and objects of interest.

Page 8 – What Gear?

A guide to motorcycle equipment, books, boots and other riding-related products.

This provides a snapshot of motorcycle accessories and protective equipment available in Britain during 1994.

Page 9 – Answers

A reader questions and answers section.

Readers could submit motorcycle-related questions to the magazine's editorial team.

Page 17 – Back Issues

Information about obtaining earlier editions of the magazine.

Page 21 – Subscriptions

Subscription information for regular readers of What Bike?.

New Motorcycle Reviews and Features

Page 10 – Fives Alive

Aprilia Pegaso vs Yamaha XTZ660

One of the magazine's main comparative road tests.

The contents page identifies the article as a head-to-head comparison between the Yamaha XTZ660 and Aprilia Pegaso.

Both motorcycles represent the early-1990s adventure and trail motorcycle market.

The feature is particularly relevant to enthusiasts interested in period road tests, motorcycle handling, engine performance and the development of dual-purpose motorcycles.

The contents page includes another photograph of the two machines, showing their front fairings, headlights and tall riding positions.

Page 22 – Flip Your MiG

MiG100 Commuter Motorcycle

A feature covering the small-capacity MiG100.

The contents describe the motorcycle as an inexpensive 100cc commuter.

The article focuses on the machine as an alternative to conventional transport.

An interesting feature for collectors of unusual commuter motorcycles and lesser-known motorcycle models.

Page 30 – Stealer's Wheels

MZ 301 Saxon

A road test or touring feature involving the MZ 301 Saxon.

The contents describe the motorcycle being taken on a journey through southern Britain.

An appealing period feature for enthusiasts of MZ motorcycles and practical touring machines.

Page 36 – Rough and Revvy

KTM Motorcycle Feature

A feature discussing KTM motorcycles and the manufacturer's development of Rotax-powered machines.

The contents highlight the character of KTM engines and the company's approach to motorcycle design.

Page 42 – Roots Scoot

Vespa T5

A dedicated feature examining the Vespa T5.

The contents refer to the T5 125 and describe its traditional scooter character.

An interesting article for Vespa collectors and enthusiasts of classic Italian scooters.

Motorcycle Buying Guides

Page 50 – Buying Used

Kawasaki GPZ305

A used motorcycle feature examining the Kawasaki GPZ305.

The article is presented as a critical assessment of the model.

Of interest to owners researching period opinions, common criticisms and the reputation of this Kawasaki commuter motorcycle.

Page 52 – Get on the Road

A practical guide to motorcycle licensing and learning to ride.

The contents specifically mention:

• Motorcycle test requirements.

• First-time riders.

• Licensing considerations.

• Urban riding.

• Larger motorcycles.

This section offers an interesting historical perspective on British motorcycle training and licensing during the early 1990s.

Page 60 – Second-Hand Spot

Moto Guzzi Motorcycles

A feature focusing on used Moto Guzzi motorcycles.

The contents describe the brand's distinctive twin-cylinder machines and their continued popularity.

Of interest to collectors of classic Italian motorcycles.

Page 61 – Used Bike Guide

A reference section covering used motorcycle prices from 1988 onwards.

This is a useful historical resource for collectors researching original second-hand motorcycle values.

Page 64 – Grey Import List

A guide to grey-import motorcycles.

The feature examines motorcycles imported outside the conventional UK dealer network.

Grey imports were a significant part of the British motorcycle market during the 1990s, particularly for Japanese models.

1994 New Motorcycle Listings

One of the most substantial features of this edition is its dedicated motorcycle listings section.

Page 68 – New Bike Price List

A guide to new motorcycle prices, providing readers with a way to compare the affordability of different machines.

Page 69 – New Bike Capacity List

A reference section organising motorcycles according to engine capacity.

Page 70 – New Bike Listings

The magazine advertises a comprehensive guide to motorcycles available new in 1994.

The front cover promotes this section with the headline:

ALL '94 BIKES IN COLOUR

The illustrated example shows numerous motorcycle photographs, manufacturer headings, technical details and buying information.

This section is particularly interesting for:

• Classic motorcycle collectors.

• Motorcycle restoration enthusiasts.

• Researchers studying original motorcycle specifications.

• Owners comparing period motorcycle prices.

• Enthusiasts of discontinued motorcycle models.

• Collectors of vintage motorcycle advertising.

• Anyone interested in the UK motorcycle market during 1994.

The listings provide a valuable snapshot of the motorcycles being marketed at the time.

Vintage Motorcycle Photography

The photographed contents page includes additional motorcycle images.

These include:

Aprilia Pegaso and Yamaha XTZ660: Two motorcycles photographed together, with riders wearing protective helmets and clothing.

Vespa T5: A blue Vespa scooter photographed from the rear, showing its traditional enclosed bodywork, rear light assembly and luggage arrangement.

The adjacent page also features a large colour advertisement or photograph showing the front of a red motorcycle with a prominent fairing and rectangular headlight.

These photographs help illustrate the distinctive motorcycle styling and advertising presentation of the early 1990s.

Condition – Please Read Carefully

Pre-owned vintage magazine with visible signs of age, handling and storage.

The photographs show the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover Condition

The front cover retains its distinctive bright yellow background, red title and original motorcycle photographs.

The printed colours remain reasonably vibrant, and the majority of the cover text is clear and readable.

However, the magazine shows noticeable wear.

Visible imperfections include:

• Rubbing and scuffing along the left-hand spine.

• Creasing near the top-left corner.

• Minor wear along the upper cover edge.

• Small surface scratches and handling marks.

• Some visible rubbing around the printed motorcycle photographs.

• Light creases across portions of the cover.

• Wear and minor damage around the bottom-left corner.

• Noticeable scuffing near the lower-left edge.

• Slight bending and curling at the bottom-right corner.

• Small creases around the lower-right barcode area.

• General age-related surface wear.

The lower-left corner shows particularly noticeable rubbing and wear, including some loss of the printed surface near the spine.

The front cover also shows slight waviness rather than lying completely flat.

Spine Condition

The spine shows visible wear consistent with an older, previously handled magazine.

There is rubbing along the spine, with small areas of edge wear and creasing.

The top and bottom spine corners also show signs of handling.

Interior Page Condition

The photographed contents page remains clearly readable.

The interior printing retains good colour and contrast, with the original red, blue, yellow and black typography visible.

Visible imperfections include:

• Slight yellowing and age-related discolouration.

• Light handling marks.

• Minor creasing near the page edges.

• Small marks and spots towards the lower part of the contents page.

• Slight curling around the outer page corners.

• General wear associated with a magazine of this age.

The visible interior pages remain attached and readable.

Overall Condition

Good used vintage condition, with noticeable cover and spine wear, minor creasing, edge rubbing, slight page discolouration and general handling marks.

The magazine is not in mint condition.

The full publication has not been individually checked page by page, so complete pagination cannot be guaranteed.

Please study all photographs carefully before purchasing, particularly the lower-left cover corner, spine and outer edges.

The photographs form an important part of the condition description.

Original Promotional Items and Extras

Any original separate promotional items, gifts, loose supplements or other accompanying extras are no longer included.

The sale is for the magazine shown in the photographs only.

Any competitions, offers, prices or promotions mentioned within the magazine are historical and should not be considered current or redeemable.

Packaging and Delivery

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

UK Orders: Sent in a protective hardback envelope.

International Orders: Sent in a sturdy cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during international shipping.

Collector Interest

This magazine may be of particular interest to collectors and enthusiasts of:

• Aprilia Pegaso Motorcycles.

• Yamaha XTZ660.

• Yamaha XJ600.

• KTM 400 Trail Motorcycles.

• Honda CG125.

• Kawasaki GPZ305.

• Moto Guzzi Motorcycles.

• MZ 301 Saxon.

• MiG100 Commuter Motorcycles.

• Vespa T5 Scooters.

• Classic 1990s Motorcycles.

• Vintage British Motorcycle Magazines.

• Motorcycle Road Tests.

• Used Motorcycle Buying Guides.

• Motorcycle Price Lists.

• Motorcycle Specifications.

• 1990s Motorcycle Advertising.

• Classic Motorcycle Restoration.

• British Motorcycle History.

Summary

Original What Bike? Magazine – January 1994, featuring an extensive selection of motorcycle road tests, buying advice and reference information.

Highlights include the Aprilia Pegaso versus Yamaha XTZ660 comparison, Honda CG125 fuel economy feature, KTM motorcycle coverage, Vespa T5 review, Kawasaki GPZ305 used-bike assessment and a comprehensive selection of 1994 motorcycle listings.

The colourful front cover and original interior photographs make this an appealing period publication for motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors.

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

Important: Magazine only. Original separate promotional items and extras are not included.

UK Packaging: Protective hardback envelope.

International Packaging: Sturdy cardboard mail-size box.

SKU: 1595