What Bike? Magazine – November 1991 – Yamaha FJ1200, Cagiva Mito 125 & International Motorcycle Show

Original Vintage British Motorcycle Magazine | New & Used Motorcycle Prices | 1991 Road Tests & Buying Guides

Original November 1991 edition of What Bike?, a British motorcycle magazine featuring contemporary motorcycle road tests, second-hand buying advice, motorcycle price information and a special guide to the International Motorcycle Show.

This issue features the Yamaha FJ1200 prominently on the front cover, alongside articles covering the Cagiva Mito 125, Yamaha FZ600 and Kawasaki KH100.

The magazine also contains a special buyer's guide to the International Motorcycle Show, designed to help visitors compare the motorcycles on display and decide which models best suited their requirements.

An interesting vintage publication for enthusiasts of classic Japanese motorcycles, Italian sports bikes, 1990s motorcycle technology and historical motorcycle prices.

Publication Information

Magazine: What Bike?

Issue Date: November 1991

Original On-Sale Date: 15 October 1991

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Original Cover Price: £2.00

Publisher: EMAP National Publications

Editor: Bob Berry

Assistant Editor: Rosie Marston

Designer: Anthony Swain

Format: Printed Motorcycle Magazine

Main Subjects: Motorcycle Road Tests, International Motorcycle Show, Used Motorcycle Prices, Motorcycle Buying Advice and Rider Training

SKU: 1595

Front Cover – Yamaha FJ1200

The magazine features a distinctive early-1990s cover design with a large pink WHAT BIKE? masthead against a cream-coloured background.

Directly below the title is a prominent black banner advertising:

NEW & USED BIKE PRICES WITH PICTURES

The central cover photograph features a blue Yamaha FJ1200, photographed outdoors on a quiet road with grass and open countryside in the background.

The motorcycle is shown from a rear three-quarter angle, allowing several important details of its design to be seen.

Visible features include:

• Blue fuel tank and bodywork.

• Large touring-style seat.

• Rear grab rail and tail section.

• Rear indicators and registration plate.

• Large rear tyre.

• Alloy wheels.

• Black exhaust system.

• Exposed engine and mechanical components.

• Fairing with integrated front lighting.

• Upright handlebars and rear-view mirrors.

The photograph provides a particularly good view of the FJ1200's substantial sports-touring design, reflecting Yamaha's emphasis on combining high-capacity engine performance with long-distance riding comfort.

The image is surrounded by a thin purple border, with the model name Yamaha FJ1200 printed above in large blue lettering with pink detailing.

International Motorcycle Show Special

The lower half of the cover features a large black panel with a textured, torn-paper-style upper edge.

The main headline reads:

SHOW SPECIAL

Below this, the magazine advertises:

Buyer's Guide to What's at the International Bike Show

The oversized pink and purple typography gives the cover a distinctive appearance typical of British motorcycle magazines from the early 1990s.

This special feature is particularly interesting for collectors researching the motorcycles displayed at British motorcycle exhibitions during 1991.

Inside the Magazine – Detailed Contents

The photographed contents page confirms several motorcycle road tests, used-bike features and practical guides.

Page 8 – International Motorcycle Show: Our Guide for Buyers

One of the magazine's principal features.

The editorial introduction explains that the guide was designed to help visitors identify motorcycles suited to their personal requirements.

Rather than simply presenting the exhibition as a collection of new motorcycles, the article focuses on practical purchasing decisions.

The feature was compiled with input from Bruce Preston of Answers, the magazine's reader-advice column.

This makes it an interesting historical reference for anyone researching the British motorcycle market and International Motorcycle Show of 1991.

Page 18 – Cagiva Mito 125

New Motorcycle Road Test

The magazine includes a dedicated road test of the Italian Cagiva Mito 125 sports motorcycle.

The contents page features a large colour photograph of a red Cagiva Mito, photographed from the rear three-quarter angle.

The photograph shows the motorcycle's distinctive sports-bike styling, including:

• Red full fairing.

• Low-mounted racing-style handlebars.

• Compact sports seat.

• Aerodynamic tail section.

• Large rear tyre.

• Alloy wheels.

• Sports exhaust system.

• Cagiva branding on the bodywork.

The contents describe the motorcycle as extremely fast for a 125cc machine and refer to its racing pedigree.

This is a particularly appealing feature for enthusiasts of classic Cagiva motorcycles and early-1990s Italian two-stroke sports bikes.

Page 24 – Training Costs

Motorcycle Rider Training and Licensing

A practical feature examining the costs associated with learning to ride a motorcycle.

The contents explain that Compulsory Basic Training had been introduced relatively recently and discuss the financial implications for new riders.

The article examines how expensive it could be to become a first-time motorcyclist.

An interesting historical feature for readers researching the development of British motorcycle training and licensing requirements.

Page 27 – From the Showroom

Motorcycle Buying Advice

A column discussing the relationship between motorcycle salespeople and prospective buyers.

The magazine introduces motorcycle salesman Frank Shepherd, who explains aspects of the motorcycle purchasing process.

The feature also covers extended warranties and the potential pitfalls facing buyers.

This provides a period perspective on motorcycle dealerships and sales practices during the early 1990s.

Page 32 – Kawasaki KH100

Long-Term Test Motorcycle

A feature covering the Kawasaki KH100 commuter motorcycle.

The contents explain that the magazine's existing Yamaha XJ600 long-term test motorcycle was being joined by the smaller Kawasaki KH100.

The KH100 had been purchased by regular contributor Rosie Marston for everyday urban transport.

The article is particularly relevant to collectors interested in practical small-capacity motorcycles, classic Kawasaki commuters and the realities of motorcycle ownership during the early 1990s.

Page 36 – Yamaha FJ1200 A

New Motorcycle Road Test

The main cover motorcycle receives a dedicated road test.

The contents describe the Yamaha FJ1200 A and specifically mention its ABS anti-lock braking system.

The magazine compares the experience of testing this technology with previous experiences of ABS-equipped BMW motorcycles.

The contents page includes a smaller colour photograph of the Yamaha FJ1200, showing the front fairing, windscreen, front wheel and touring-style bodywork.

This feature is particularly interesting for Yamaha FJ owners and collectors researching the introduction of anti-lock braking technology on large-capacity motorcycles.

Page 44 – Yamaha FZ600

Used Motorcycle Road Test

A second-hand motorcycle feature examining the Yamaha FZ600.

The magazine describes the FZ600 as an earlier machine preceding the Yamaha FZR series.

The test was arranged with assistance from the Harborough Bike Centre.

This article provides an interesting contemporary perspective on the Yamaha FZ600 as a used motorcycle in 1991.

Used Motorcycle Prices Update

The photographed contents page includes a prominent green panel headed:

USED BIKE PRICES UPDATE

The magazine explains that second-hand motorcycle prices could vary considerably between dealers and that its used-bike price guide was being updated regularly.

The text refers to newly designed listings covering motorcycles up to six years old.

It also mentions price changes affecting manufacturers including Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW and Honda.

This is a particularly interesting feature for collectors and restorers researching the historical market value of motorcycles.

The magazine's original pricing information provides a useful snapshot of what buyers could expect to pay for second-hand motorcycles in Britain during 1991.

Motorcycle Photography and Period Advertising

The photographed interior pages retain the magazine's original early-1990s editorial presentation.

The contents page includes a large photograph of the red Cagiva Mito 125 and a smaller photograph of the Yamaha FJ1200.

The facing page also shows part of a contemporary motorcycle advertisement featuring a Kawasaki-branded machine and period pricing information.

The combination of original motorcycle photography, advertisements, road tests and price guides makes this magazine an appealing piece of British motorcycling history.

It provides a useful record of motorcycle design, technology, marketing and consumer preferences during the period.

Condition – Please Read Carefully

Pre-owned vintage magazine showing noticeable age-related wear, particularly to the front cover and spine.

The photographs show the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover Condition

The front cover retains its original colour design, with the pink title, blue Yamaha FJ1200 photograph and large International Motorcycle Show headline remaining clearly visible.

However, the cover shows noticeable signs of handling and storage.

Visible imperfections include:

• Rubbing and scuffing along the left-hand spine.

• Creasing and wear around the top-left corner.

• Small areas of paper wear near the upper spine.

• General surface marks and light scratches.

• Age-related discolouration and small speckled marks, particularly across the cream-coloured upper cover.

• Noticeable rubbing across the black lower section.

• Surface scuffing around the large pink SHOW SPECIAL lettering.

• Small creases and marks around the cover edges.

• Wear and slight fraying at the bottom-left corner.

• Minor wear along the bottom edge.

• Slight corner bending and general handling wear.

The black lower section shows particularly visible rubbing and surface scuffs, which are more apparent because of the dark background.

The cover also has a slightly aged appearance, with some discolouration around the outer edges.

Spine Condition

The spine shows noticeable wear from previous handling and storage.

Visible signs include rubbing, small creases and areas of edge wear.

There is some paper wear near the upper-left corner and additional wear towards the lower spine.

The spine is not in pristine condition.

Interior Page Condition

The photographed contents page is generally clean and readable.

The original black, red and green text remains legible, and the motorcycle photographs retain their printed colours.

Visible imperfections include:

• Light age-related yellowing.

• Minor surface marks.

• Small spots and speckling on the page.

• Slight creasing near the outer edges.

• Light handling wear.

• Minor corner wear.

The visible pages remain attached, and the photographed contents page lies reasonably flat when opened.

Overall Condition

Good used vintage condition, with noticeable cover and spine wear, surface scuffing, edge rubbing, light creasing and age-related discolouration.

This is an original magazine from 1991 and should not be expected to have the appearance of a new publication.

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

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully before purchasing, particularly the spine, cover edges and lower black section of the front cover.

The photographs form 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, promotional offers, prices or advertisements mentioned inside 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: 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 collectors and enthusiasts of:

• Yamaha FJ1200 Motorcycles.

• Yamaha FJ1200 ABS.

• Yamaha FZ600.

• Yamaha XJ600.

• Cagiva Mito 125.

• Kawasaki KH100.

• Classic Japanese Motorcycles.

• Vintage Italian Sports Motorcycles.

• 1990s Sports-Touring Motorcycles.

• Motorcycle Road Tests.

• Vintage Motorcycle Buying Guides.

• International Motorcycle Shows.

• Motorcycle Price Guides.

• Used Motorcycle Values.

• Early Motorcycle ABS Technology.

• British Motorcycle Magazines.

• Classic Motorcycle Restoration.

• 1990s Motorcycle Advertising.

Summary

Original What Bike? Magazine – November 1991, featuring the Yamaha FJ1200 on the front cover and a special buyer's guide to the International Motorcycle Show.

The issue includes road tests of the Cagiva Mito 125, Yamaha FJ1200 A and Yamaha FZ600, alongside Kawasaki KH100 ownership coverage, motorcycle training advice, dealership buying guidance and historical used motorcycle prices.

An appealing vintage publication for classic motorcycle enthusiasts, collectors and anyone researching the British motorcycle market of the early 1990s.

Condition: Good used vintage condition with visible cover rubbing, spine wear, scuffing, creasing and 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