Practical Sportsbikes Magazine – December 2017 – Issue 86

Kawasaki KR-1R | Aprilia Racing History | Suzuki DR600S vs Yamaha XT600 vs Honda NX650 | Yamaha Thundercat | Ducati 888 | Workshop Special

Original UK edition of Practical Sportsbikes Magazine, December 2017, Issue 86, featuring a striking Kawasaki KR-1R on the front cover and an extensive selection of classic motorcycle restoration, maintenance, performance and buying features.

This edition places particular emphasis on Japanese sportsbikes, two-stroke performance motorcycles, classic racing machinery and hands-on mechanical restoration.

The magazine's main attraction is a Kawasaki KR-1R restoration feature, supported by a 30-page workshop advice section, an Aprilia racing retrospective and a comparison of three classic large-capacity trail motorcycles.

A desirable period publication for enthusiasts of classic Japanese motorcycles, Kawasaki performance machines, two-stroke engineering and motorcycle restoration.

Main Cover Feature – Kawasaki KR-1R

Kawasaki Race Replica Restoration – Thrash Metal

The dominant cover feature is dedicated to the Kawasaki KR-1R, introduced with the headline:

THRASH METAL – KR-1R: Flat-out on the rarest Sports Production 250 of all

The Kawasaki KR-1R was a specialist performance-oriented version of Kawasaki's KR-1 two-stroke sportsbike family.

Developed during the fiercely competitive late-1980s and early-1990s 250cc sportsbike era, the KR-1R is particularly associated with lightweight construction, high-revving two-stroke performance and racing-inspired engineering.

The KR-1R is especially interesting to collectors because of its relative rarity compared with more familiar Japanese sportsbike models.

Front Cover Motorcycle Photography

The cover features a large, detailed side view of the Kawasaki KR-1R, photographed against a red brick wall.

The motorcycle displays:

• Distinctive Kawasaki green, black and white bodywork.

• Large white Kawasaki lettering across the lower fairing.

• Prominent KR-1R graphics on the fuel tank.

• Green three-spoke front wheel.

• Gold-coloured front brake disc carrier.

• Large drilled front brake disc.

• Gold-coloured brake caliper.

• Conventional silver front forks.

• Black front mudguard.

• Aerodynamic full fairing.

• Green front indicator housing.

• Silver diagonal frame section.

• Visible E-BOX FRAME lettering.

• Compact windscreen.

• Racing-inspired low handlebars.

• Black seat and fuel tank detailing.

The photograph prominently displays the motorcycle's front wheel, fairing, tank and frame, making it especially attractive to enthusiasts interested in original Kawasaki graphics and period motorcycle styling.

The green, black and white colour combination is strongly associated with Kawasaki's performance motorcycle heritage.

The restoration feature is a major selling point for readers interested in Kawasaki KR-series motorcycles, two-stroke sportsbikes and specialist Japanese racing replicas.

30 Pages of Workshop Advice

Across the top of the cover, the magazine prominently advertises:

NEW – 30 PAGES OF WORKSHOP ADVICE

This substantial practical section is aimed at motorcycle owners who enjoy maintaining, repairing and restoring their own machines.

The advertised subjects include the following.

Honda CBR250RR Buying Guide

A buying feature concerning the Honda CBR250RR.

The CBR250RR is a highly regarded lightweight Japanese sportsbike, particularly famous for its small-capacity, high-revving four-cylinder engine.

This feature is relevant to collectors considering ownership of a classic Honda 250cc performance motorcycle.

Tools Tested

Workshop equipment and tools are another advertised subject.

The magazine's practical focus makes this material relevant to enthusiasts building a home motorcycle workshop or carrying out restoration work.

Crank Repair

A mechanical feature concerning crankshaft repair.

This is particularly relevant to classic motorcycle restoration, where engine wear and the availability of replacement components can present challenges.

Starter Projects

The magazine also advertises introductory restoration projects, appealing to enthusiasts looking to begin working on older motorcycles.

Yamaha Thundercat Strip

The upper-right cover panel advertises:

Yam Thundercat Strip

This refers to a Yamaha Thundercat dismantling feature.

The Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat is a popular 1990s sportsbike, known for its four-cylinder engine and combination of sporting performance and everyday usability.

A dismantling feature is particularly interesting for readers restoring or repairing these motorcycles, or investigating their mechanical construction.

Ducati 888 – DIY Restoration Finale

Another prominent feature is:

DIY Duke 888 Finale

The Ducati 888 is a celebrated Italian superbike associated with Ducati's racing success during the early 1990s.

Its distinctive V-twin engine, steel trellis frame and racing heritage have helped establish it as a sought-after classic.

The cover indicates the concluding instalment of a DIY Ducati 888 project.

This feature should appeal to Ducati enthusiasts and readers interested in classic Italian superbike restoration.

Wiring-In Twin Lamps

The magazine advertises a practical electrical workshop feature covering the installation or wiring of twin motorcycle lamps.

This subject is particularly relevant to owners restoring older motorcycles or undertaking lighting modifications.

Sump Plug Repair

A further advertised workshop subject concerns sump plug repair.

Damaged sump plug threads can be a troublesome maintenance issue, particularly on older motorcycles.

The subject adds to the magazine's practical mechanical restoration appeal.

Aprilia – The Glory Years

The lower-left corner of the cover features a colourful racing photograph promoting:

APRILIA – THE GLORY YEARS

The accompanying description reads:

'Moped making minnows to Grand Prix legends in one crazy decade.'

The photograph shows an Aprilia Grand Prix racing motorcycle with:

• Red, black and yellow racing bodywork.

• Nastro Azzurro sponsorship graphics.

• Aprilia branding.

• Prominent racing number 46.

• A rider wearing full racing leathers and helmet.

• The motorcycle lifting its front wheel under acceleration.

The number 46 and Nastro Azzurro Aprilia livery are associated with Valentino Rossi's early Grand Prix racing career.

The feature celebrates Aprilia's development from a relatively small Italian motorcycle manufacturer into a highly successful force in Grand Prix racing.

It is especially appealing to collectors interested in:

• Aprilia racing motorcycles.

• 125cc and 250cc Grand Prix racing.

• Valentino Rossi's early career.

• Italian two-stroke racing machines.

• Historic motorcycle racing sponsorship and liveries.

The racing photograph is an attractive additional feature of this issue.

Classic Trail Motorcycle Group Test

Suzuki DR600S vs Yamaha XT600 vs Honda NX650

The lower-right section advertises a major group comparison:

NEW – BIG GROUP TEST

Why a big trailie should be your next bargain buy

The three motorcycles featured are:

Suzuki DR600S

A classic large-capacity single-cylinder trail motorcycle, combining road-going practicality with off-road-inspired styling and suspension.

Yamaha XT600

One of Yamaha's best-known large-capacity single-cylinder trail motorcycles, popular for its straightforward engineering and versatile design.

Honda NX650

Also known as the Dominator, the Honda NX650 is a distinctive single-cylinder dual-purpose motorcycle with road and trail influences.

Cover Photograph

The accompanying photograph shows a rider travelling across rough, muddy ground on a classic Yamaha trail motorcycle.

Visible features include:

• White and red Yamaha bodywork.

• High-mounted front mudguard.

• Long-travel front suspension.

• Wire-spoked wheels.

• Knobbly tyres.

• Raised handlebars.

• Upright riding position.

• Rider wearing a helmet and protective clothing.

• Mud and water being displaced by the motorcycle.

The action photograph reinforces the practical, adventurous character of the three motorcycles.

This comparison should be particularly interesting to enthusiasts of classic trail bikes, dual-purpose motorcycles and affordable older Japanese machines.

More Bikes for Sale

The cover advertises a section devoted to motorcycles available for purchase, accompanied by advice on obtaining insurance for less.

This material provides an additional snapshot of the classic motorcycle market and ownership considerations in 2017.

Need the Lav – Jota Special

Another cover headline reads:

NEED THE LAV – The must-have Jota special

This appears to refer to the Laverda Jota, a well-known Italian performance motorcycle associated with the classic large-capacity three-cylinder era.

The feature adds another important European classic motorcycle subject to the issue.

Taking Stock – Classic Racing

The cover advertises:

TAKING STOCK – On track with GSX-R, VFR and FZ racers

This feature concerns racing machinery associated with the Suzuki GSX-R, Honda VFR and Yamaha FZ motorcycle families.

These models played important roles in the development of production-based sportsbike racing.

The feature should appeal to enthusiasts interested in historic racing motorcycles, Japanese four-cylinder performance bikes and classic race preparation.

Cover Design and Collector Appeal

The December 2017 issue features a bold, high-contrast front cover.

The main design uses a red brick background, black panels and large white Practical Sportsbikes lettering.

The Kawasaki KR-1R dominates the centre and right-hand side of the cover.

Large yellow and white THRASH METAL lettering appears alongside the motorcycle, emphasising the performance and restoration theme.

A bright red and yellow strip across the top advertises the expanded workshop content.

The bottom section contains two additional illustrated features:

• An Aprilia Grand Prix racing motorcycle.

• A classic Yamaha trail motorcycle being ridden off-road.

The combination of motorcycle photography, restoration headlines and period racing imagery makes this an attractive issue for classic motorcycle enthusiasts.

Publication Details

Magazine: Practical Sportsbikes

Publication Date: December 2017

Issue Number: 86

Original UK Cover Price: £4.25

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Format: Printed Motorcycle Magazine

Main Cover Motorcycle: Kawasaki KR-1R

Main Feature: Kawasaki KR-1R restoration

Additional Featured Motorcycles: Honda CBR250RR, Ducati 888, Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat, Laverda Jota, Suzuki GSX-R, Honda VFR, Yamaha FZ, Suzuki DR600S, Yamaha XT600 and Honda NX650.

SKU: 1594

Condition – Important Information

Pre-owned magazine showing visible signs of previous handling and storage.

The supplied photograph shows the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover

The front cover retains strong colours and clear printed graphics.

The main Kawasaki KR-1R photograph remains visually attractive, with the motorcycle's green and black paintwork clearly visible.

However, several signs of wear can be seen.

Visible imperfections include:

• Noticeable rubbing and surface wear along the left-hand spine edge.

• Small white scuff marks and chips along the spine.

• Wear and slight creasing around the upper-left corner.

• Minor creasing along the top edge.

• Light handling marks across the front cover.

• Small surface scratches and rub marks.

• Minor wear around the lower-left corner.

• Light wear along the bottom edge.

• Slight curling or unevenness around some cover edges.

• General handling-related wear consistent with a previously owned magazine.

The cover remains readable and retains its original colourful presentation.

Spine and Binding

The spine shows visible handling wear, particularly along the left-hand edge.

There are several small areas of white rubbing and surface loss.

The magazine appears to retain its general shape, but the internal binding has not been fully inspected.

Interior Pages

Only the front cover has been photographed.

The interior pages have not been individually checked, so their condition and completeness cannot be confirmed from the supplied image.

Additional internal marks, creases or other imperfections cannot be ruled out.

Overall Condition

Good used condition based on the visible front cover, with noticeable spine rubbing and general edge and corner wear.

The magazine is not new or mint.

Please study the supplied photograph carefully, as it forms an important part of the condition description.

Important – Original Accompanying Items

MAGAZINE ONLY.

Any original separate supplements, promotional gifts, loose inserts or other accompanying items that may originally have been supplied with this issue are no longer included.

Only the magazine itself is included in the sale.

Packaging and Delivery

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

UK Orders: Dispatched in a protective hardback envelope.

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

Collector Interest

This issue may particularly appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of:

• Practical Sportsbikes Magazine.

• Kawasaki KR-1R.

• Kawasaki KR-1 motorcycles.

• Classic Japanese two-stroke sportsbikes.

• Kawasaki racing replicas.

• Honda CBR250RR.

• Ducati 888.

• Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat.

• Aprilia Grand Prix motorcycles.

• Valentino Rossi's early racing career.

• Laverda Jota.

• Suzuki GSX-R.

• Honda VFR.

• Yamaha FZ.

• Suzuki DR600S.

• Yamaha XT600.

• Honda NX650 Dominator.

• Classic motorcycle racing.

• Motorcycle restoration.

• Motorcycle engineering.

• Workshop repair guides.

• Vintage motorcycle buying guides.

• 1980s and 1990s performance motorcycles.

Summary

Original Practical Sportsbikes Magazine, December 2017, Issue 86, featuring a prominent Kawasaki KR-1R restoration cover story.

Additional advertised features include Aprilia Grand Prix racing history, a Ducati 888 restoration finale, Yamaha Thundercat dismantling, Honda CBR250RR buying advice and a classic trail motorcycle comparison featuring the Suzuki DR600S, Yamaha XT600 and Honda NX650.

The issue also advertises 30 pages of workshop advice covering tools, crank repairs, sump plugs, lighting and motorcycle restoration projects.

Condition: Good used condition based on the visible cover, with noticeable spine rubbing, minor creasing and general edge and corner wear. Interior condition has not been fully verified.

Important: Magazine only. Any original separate accompanying items are no longer included.

UK Packaging: Protective hardback envelope.

International Packaging: Sturdy cardboard mail-size box.

SKU: 1594