British Bike Mechanics Magazine October 1987 First Issue Brian Thompson Norton SKU 1523

Original British Bike Mechanics Magazine dated October 1987, clearly marked “FIRST ISSUE” on the front cover. This makes it particularly interesting to collectors of vintage British motorcycle publications and early issues.

The main cover feature focuses on Brian Thompson, described as “Master Rebuilder”, pictured alongside a substantial vintage motorcycle engine in a workshop setting. The cover strongly reflects the hands-on mechanical and restoration focus of the publication.

Other clearly visible cover features include:

• Crusaders, Clippers & Continentals
• Rough Trade Levis
• Norton Shares To Win
• Bonnie Service
• Brian Thompson – Master Rebuilder
• Motorcycle maintenance, rebuilding and workshop-related content

The issue is aimed at enthusiasts of British motorcycles, mechanical restoration, servicing, engineering and classic bike ownership, with Norton and Triumph-related interest suggested by the cover wording.

The front cover also advertises a “FREE! £130 Britool Socket Set” promotion. That original promotional item is NOT included with this magazine. Any other gifts, supplements, competition items, promotional material, loose inserts or extras that may originally have accompanied the magazine are also not included unless specifically shown as part of the item being sold.

This is a particularly appealing issue for collectors because it is explicitly marked as the first issue and dates from the late 1980s British classic motorcycle scene.

Magazine / Item Details

• Publication: British Bike Mechanics
• Full date: October 1987
• Edition: First Issue
• Cover price: £1.20
• Main featured person: Brian Thompson
• Main feature: Master Rebuilder
• Motorcycle-related features: Norton, Bonnie service, Crusaders, Clippers & Continentals
• Subject: British motorcycles, mechanical rebuilding, servicing, restoration and workshop techniques
• Era: 1980s
• SKU: 1523

Condition

Pre-owned vintage condition. Condition assessment is based on the single supplied image.

The magazine is showing clear age and storage wear, but the front cover remains complete and all main text and imagery are readable.

There is noticeable yellowing / age toning across the cream-coloured cover, particularly around the outer margins, top edge and bottom section. Some darker discolouration and staining is visible around the lower portion of the front cover.

The top edge shows wear and slight waviness, with a small nick/tear-like area visible near the upper-left/centre section. The top-right corner also appears slightly softened and curled.

The left/spine edge has rubbing, creasing and general handling wear, with some unevenness along the edge. There is also visible wear around the mid-left edge near the feature boxes.

The bottom edge shows noticeable age-related staining/discolouration, along with rubbing and slight waviness. Both lower corners show some softening and wear.

The front cover has surface marks, spotting, scuffs and general handling/storage wear consistent with a magazine dating from 1987. There is also some overall waviness rather than the magazine lying perfectly flat.

No obvious large missing section or handwriting is visible from the supplied photograph.

As only the front cover has been supplied, the interior pages and rear cover cannot be fully assessed, so please use the photograph as an important part of the condition description.

Packaging

For UK orders, the magazine will be securely packed in a hardback envelope to help protect it from bending and general handling during transit.

For international orders, the magazine will be packed in a cardboard mail-size box for additional protection during the longer journey. Suitable protective packing will be used where appropriate to help keep the magazine secure in transit.