Silver Machine Magazine – May 1990 – Issue No. 10 – Vincent Motorcycles, Hagon's Thumper & Yamaha 880

Original Vintage British Motorcycle Magazine | Classic British Motorcycles | Custom Motorcycles | Historic Motorcycling

Original May 1990, Issue No. 10 of Silver Machine, a vintage motorcycle magazine featuring classic British motorcycles, custom-built machines, motorcycle engineering and the motorcycling lifestyle.

This issue features a striking photograph of a classic Vincent motorcycle on the front cover, together with articles advertised on Hagon's Thumper, a one-off monocoque Yamaha, the Yamaha 880, Dave Degens and motorcycle handling and safety.

The magazine provides an interesting snapshot of the British classic motorcycle and custom-bike scene at the beginning of the 1990s.

An appealing publication for Vincent enthusiasts, vintage motorcycle collectors, custom motorcycle builders and readers interested in the history of British motorcycle engineering.

Magazine Details

Title: Silver Machine

Publication Date: May 1990

Issue Number: 10

Original Cover Price: £1.20

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Format: Printed Motorcycle Magazine

Main Subjects: Vincent Motorcycles, Custom Motorcycles, Yamaha Specials, Motorcycle Engineering, Classic Bikes and Motorcycle Culture

SKU: 1595

Front Cover – Classic Vincent Motorcycle

The front cover features a large photograph of a classic black Vincent motorcycle, displayed outdoors beside a stretch of water.

The motorcycle is photographed from a front three-quarter angle, allowing much of its traditional engineering and design to be appreciated.

The machine has a distinctive vintage appearance, with black bodywork, polished metal components and a substantial exposed engine.

Visible Motorcycle Details

The cover photograph clearly shows:

• Black fuel tank with Vincent branding.

• Large traditional round headlamp.

• Chrome and polished metal detailing.

• Spoked front and rear wheels.

• Traditional front mudguard with a contrasting light-coloured tip.

• Exposed V-twin engine.

• Prominent polished crankcase and engine covers.

• Traditional front suspension arrangement.

• Long black dual seat.

• Rear mudguard and supporting stays.

• Rear luggage rack.

• Classic exhaust and mechanical components.

• Centre stand supporting the motorcycle.

The photograph captures the distinctive engineering character associated with historic Vincent motorcycles.

The motorcycle is positioned on a paved surface beside water, with leafless trees, residential buildings and a traditional streetscape visible in the background.

The waterside setting gives the photograph a period atmosphere, contrasting the highly polished motorcycle with the surrounding urban landscape.

This cover is particularly attractive for collectors of Vincent motorcycle literature and classic British engineering.

Cover Design and Artwork

The magazine has a distinctive red-bordered cover with a large stylised Silver Machine masthead.

The word Silver appears in sweeping silver-blue lettering over a bright yellow circular background.

The word Machine is printed underneath in widely spaced metallic-style lettering.

The main motorcycle photograph occupies most of the cover, with the issue's editorial headlines arranged around it.

The cover uses bold red and yellow typography against the darker motorcycle photograph.

A smaller inset photograph near the bottom-left corner shows another motorcycle being ridden on the road.

The rider is wearing a dark jacket, blue jeans, boots and a helmet.

The motorcycle in this inset has a sporty, stripped-down appearance, with a compact seat, prominent engine and exposed mechanical components.

The contrasting photographs illustrate the magazine's mixture of historic motorcycles and more contemporary custom-built machines.

Featured Articles and Cover Stories

Vincents – Two Wheels or Three, Sir?

One of the main cover stories focuses on Vincent motorcycles.

Vincent machines occupy an important place in British motorcycling history and are widely associated with distinctive engineering, powerful engines and exceptional performance for their era.

The headline suggests an examination of Vincent motorcycles and differing wheel configurations.

The front-cover photograph prominently celebrates a traditional Vincent machine, making this issue particularly relevant to owners, restorers and collectors interested in the marque.

The precise scope of the article cannot be confirmed without photographs of the interior feature.

Hagon's Thumper

One-Off Monocoque Yamaha

Another major cover feature concerns Hagon's Thumper, described as a one-off monocoque Yamaha.

This is an especially interesting subject for enthusiasts of custom motorcycle engineering.

A monocoque design uses a structural shell or body arrangement rather than a conventional separate motorcycle frame.

The advertised feature is therefore relevant to readers interested in unconventional chassis construction, special-build motorcycles and experimental engineering.

The cover's smaller action photograph illustrates the magazine's interest in individually constructed motorcycles and their performance on the road.

Yamaha 880 – More Cubes Than You Can Use?

The magazine also advertises a feature on a Yamaha 880.

The headline focuses on engine capacity and raises the question of whether the motorcycle offers more power or displacement than a rider can realistically use.

This would be of interest to readers researching unusual Yamaha motorcycle conversions, engine modifications and custom performance machines.

The cover does not provide enough information to confirm the motorcycle's exact mechanical specification.

Rockers' Christmas Bash

The issue advertises coverage of a Rockers' Christmas Bash.

This feature adds a social and cultural element to the magazine's motorcycle content.

It may be of interest to collectors researching British rockers, motorcycle clubs, classic motorcycle gatherings and the social history of motorcycling.

Dave Degens Profile

A further cover feature is a profile of Dave Degens.

Degens is associated with the British custom motorcycle and café-racer tradition, particularly the Dresda name and specialist motorcycle frame engineering.

The advertised profile makes this issue relevant to collectors interested in British motorcycle specials, café racers and the personalities involved in custom motorcycle development.

Motorcycle Handling and Safety

The cover also advertises an article examining motorcycle handling and safety.

This subject is particularly relevant to the magazine's wider emphasis on motorcycle engineering and riding characteristics.

It adds a practical dimension alongside the classic motorcycle features and custom-bike coverage.

Why This Magazine Is Collectable

This issue brings together several interesting aspects of British motorcycling at the beginning of the 1990s.

The Vincent cover photograph is particularly appealing because of the motorcycle's historic significance and distinctive mechanical design.

The Hagon's Thumper and Yamaha 880 headlines introduce a different aspect of motorcycle ownership, focusing on individually modified or specially constructed machines.

The Dave Degens profile and Rockers' Christmas Bash coverage add historical and cultural interest.

Together, these subjects make the magazine a useful period publication for enthusiasts researching the British classic and custom motorcycle scene.

It may also appeal to collectors who enjoy original motorcycle photography, vintage magazine artwork and historical motoring publications.

Condition – Important Information

Pre-owned vintage magazine showing visible age-related wear and handling marks.

The supplied photograph shows the actual magazine being sold.

Front Cover

The front cover remains attractive and the main Vincent motorcycle photograph is clearly visible.

The original red border, yellow masthead background and editorial lettering retain their colour.

However, there are several visible imperfections.

These include:

• Noticeable rubbing along the left-hand spine edge.

• Small areas of paper wear around the spine.

• Creasing near the upper-left corner.

• Light surface scuffing and handling marks.

• Minor scratches and rubbing across the cover.

• Small dark specks and general age-related marks.

• Slight discolouration to the lighter printed areas.

• Edge wear along the top and bottom.

• Small creases and rubbing at the lower-left corner.

• Minor bending and wear around the outer corners.

• Slight unevenness along the cover edges.

The left-hand spine is particularly worth noting, as there is visible wear and some irregularity to the paper edge.

Spine and Binding

The spine shows signs of previous handling and storage.

There is visible rubbing, minor creasing and small areas of edge wear.

The magazine appears to retain its general shape, although the binding and individual internal pages have not been fully inspected in the supplied photograph.

Interior Pages

No interior pages are shown in the supplied photographs.

Consequently, the condition of the internal pages, any possible writing, missing pages, internal tears or other defects cannot be confirmed.

The magazine should be regarded as a used vintage publication rather than a pristine collector's copy.

Overall Condition

Used vintage condition with visible spine rubbing, edge wear, light creasing, surface marks and age-related discolouration.

The front cover remains presentable, with the Vincent motorcycle photograph and major headlines clearly readable.

Please study the supplied photograph carefully before purchasing.

The photographs form part of the condition description.

Original Promotional Items and Extras

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

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

Any historical advertisements, offers or promotions contained in the magazine should not be considered current or redeemable.

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

• Vincent Motorcycles.

• Classic British Motorcycles.

• Vintage Motorcycle Engineering.

• Hagon Motorcycle Specials.

• Monocoque Motorcycle Construction.

• Yamaha 880 Specials.

• Custom Yamaha Motorcycles.

• Dave Degens.

• Dresda Motorcycles.

• British Café Racers.

• Custom Motorcycle Frames.

• British Rocker Culture.

• Historic Motorcycle Clubs.

• Classic Motorcycle Restoration.

• Motorcycle Handling and Engineering.

• Vintage Motorcycle Photography.

• British Motorcycle Magazines.

• 1990s Motorcycle Publications.

Summary

Original Silver Machine Magazine, May 1990, Issue No. 10, featuring a classic Vincent motorcycle on the front cover.

Advertised features include Vincent motorcycles, Hagon's one-off monocoque Yamaha, the Yamaha 880, Dave Degens, a Rockers' Christmas Bash and motorcycle handling and safety.

A vintage British motorcycle publication with particular appeal to enthusiasts of classic motorcycles, custom engineering and historic motorcycling culture.

Condition: Used vintage condition with visible spine wear, rubbing, light creasing, edge wear and general age-related marks. Interior condition has not been fully verified.

Included: Magazine only. Any original separate promotional extras are no longer included.

UK Packaging: Protective hardback envelope.

International Packaging: Sturdy cardboard mail-size box.

SKU: 1595