Which Bike? Magazine – March 1996 – The Ultimate Motorcycle Buying Guide

Ducati Monster | Titan Motorcycle | Harley-Davidson Softail | Suzuki Sportsbike | Motorcycle Buying Advice | 1996 Bike Reviews

Original British Which Bike? magazine from March 1996, featuring a comprehensive motorcycle buying guide, comparative road tests, riding equipment recommendations, learner information and detailed listings of new motorcycles available during the mid-1990s.

This special publication was designed to help readers choose the right motorcycle, whether purchasing their first bike, upgrading to a larger machine or comparing the latest models available from motorcycle manufacturers.

The magazine features striking motorcycle action photography, practical buying advice and a particularly interesting exclusive road test of the American-built Titan motorcycle.

An excellent period reference for enthusiasts of 1990s motorcycles, classic Ducati models, Harley-Davidson cruisers, Suzuki sportsbikes and vintage British motorcycle journalism.

Front Cover – Motorcycle Photography

The front cover features a dramatic full-colour action photograph of two motorcyclists riding along a winding road.

Both riders wear black motorcycle leathers and full-face helmets.

Foreground Motorcycle – Ducati Monster

The motorcycle closest to the camera appears to be an early Ducati Monster, recognisable by its exposed trellis-style frame, round headlight and naked-bike styling.

The photograph highlights:

• Red fuel tank.

• Exposed tubular frame.

• Large circular headlight.

• Gold-coloured front suspension forks.

• Prominent front disc brake.

• Exposed engine components.

• Low, sporty riding position.

• Black exhaust and mechanical detailing.

• Rider wearing black protective motorcycle clothing.

The Ducati Monster became one of the most recognisable naked motorcycles of the 1990s, making this period cover photograph particularly interesting to Ducati enthusiasts.

Background Motorcycle

A second rider follows on a red faired motorcycle.

Visible details include:

• Red front fairing.

• Rectangular headlight.

• Clear windscreen.

• Front indicators.

• Black riding equipment.

• Full-face motorcycle helmet.

The exact model of the second motorcycle cannot be confirmed from the photograph.

Cover Design

The cover uses a large red title:

WHICH BIKE? 1996

The main photograph fills almost the entire front cover, with article headlines positioned across the lower-right section.

The cover also includes two smaller motorcycle photographs near the bottom, illustrating additional types of motorcycles featured in the publication.

The original cover price of £2.75 appears in red near the upper-right corner.

Main Magazine Features

The photographed contents page confirms a wide selection of motorcycle buying guides, road tests and practical information.

Page 6 – Why Bikes?

Written by Chris Dowell.

An introductory look at Britain's motorcycle scene during the mid-1990s.

The feature provides context for the motorcycles and buying decisions discussed throughout the publication.

Page 12 – The Ultimate Test

One of the magazine's principal features.

The Which Bike? testing team examines the motorcycles considered among the best available in 1996.

The article is presented as a guide to choosing from the year's leading machines.

This feature is particularly interesting as a contemporary snapshot of motorcycle performance, design and buying preferences.

Page 33 – Getting Started

Written by Craig Carey-Clinch.

A practical introduction to motorcycling, covering the considerations involved in becoming a new rider.

The article is aimed at readers beginning their motorcycle ownership journey.

Page 41 – Learner Listings

A guide to motorcycles available to learner riders.

The contents specifically reference motorcycles suitable for riders using L plates.

This is an interesting historical reference to the learner motorcycle market and licensing requirements of the 1990s.

Page 47 – Buying Used

Written by Bob Clarke.

A guide to the potential problems and pitfalls of purchasing second-hand motorcycles.

The feature examines considerations involved in choosing a used bike.

Of interest to collectors researching original second-hand buying advice and motorcycle values from the period.

Page 50 – Buying Bashed

Another feature by Bob Clarke.

This article examines crash-damaged motorcycles and whether damaged machines could represent worthwhile purchases.

The feature reflects the practical approach of motorcycle magazines during the period, when buying, repairing and maintaining older motorcycles was a common part of ownership.

Page 55 – Clothing

A motorcycle riding equipment guide.

The contents describe a selection of motorcycle clothing and identify the items considered suitable for contemporary riders.

The cover specifically advertises:

Leathers, Helmets, Boots, Gloves, Suits

The feature is relevant to collectors interested in the development of motorcycle safety equipment and riding fashion during the 1990s.

Page 71 – The New Bike Listings

A substantial reference section covering motorcycles available new at the time of publication.

The contents describe this as the definitive list of new motorcycles on the market.

This section is particularly interesting for collectors because it provides a historical record of motorcycles offered for sale in 1996.

It may be useful for researching period specifications, manufacturers and model availability.

Page 111 – Titan Versus Hog

Exclusive Titan Motorcycle Road Test

One of the most notable features in this issue.

The article is written by Heather Martin and covers the magazine's first UK test of the Titan motorcycle.

The contents state that the Titan was compared against a Harley-Davidson Softail Custom.

The feature provides an interesting comparison between American V-twin cruiser motorcycles.

Titan Motorcycle

The Titan motorcycle was an American-built custom-style V-twin machine.

The feature examines how the Titan compares with Harley-Davidson's established cruiser design.

The magazine describes the Titan as a powerful V-twin motorcycle and presents the comparison as an exclusive test.

Harley-Davidson Softail Custom

The Harley-Davidson Softail Custom provides the comparison motorcycle.

The Softail range was well established during the 1990s and was known for its traditional cruiser appearance.

The comparison is of particular interest to enthusiasts of American motorcycles and custom V-twin engineering.

Interior Photography – Suzuki Sportsbike

The photographed interior contents page features a dramatic full-colour photograph of a Suzuki sports motorcycle being ridden through a corner.

The motorcycle has distinctive blue, white and red racing-style bodywork.

Visible details include:

• Suzuki branding on the fairing.

• Large aerodynamic front fairing.

• Twin-style front lighting arrangement.

• Clear windscreen.

• Front disc braking system.

• Wide sports motorcycle tyres.

• Full fairing extending around the engine.

• Racing-inspired colour scheme.

The rider wears a black full-face helmet, red and black protective clothing and motorcycle boots.

The photograph captures the motorcycle leaning sharply into a corner, emphasising the sporting character of the machine.

The image is typical of the dynamic motorcycle photography used in British performance motorcycle magazines during the 1990s.

Editorial Introduction

The photographed contents page includes an introduction from editor Craig Carey-Clinch.

The editorial explains that the publication aims to provide readers with information about new motorcycles available on the market.

It also highlights the magazine's special road tests and practical buying features.

The introduction discusses:

• New motorcycle buying decisions.

• Road tests of leading motorcycles.

• The exclusive Titan motorcycle test.

• Comparisons with Harley-Davidson.

• Motorcycle clothing and protective equipment.

• Buying used motorcycles.

• Purchasing damaged motorcycles.

• Motorcycle training.

• Changes to motorcycle licensing tests.

The editorial also states that the publication intended to produce two editions of Which Bike? during 1996, with another planned for October.

This makes the magazine an interesting example of a specialist motorcycle buyer's guide rather than a conventional monthly motorcycle magazine.

Motorcycle Licensing and Training

The magazine includes information about motorcycle training and licensing requirements.

The editorial refers to changes in the motorcycle test and the introduction of the new direct-access test.

This provides historical context for motorcycle licensing in Britain during the mid-1990s.

For enthusiasts researching the development of UK motorcycle training and learner regulations, the magazine offers an interesting contemporary perspective.

Motorcycle Equipment and Accessories

The cover advertises a dedicated clothing section covering:

• Motorcycle leather jackets.

• Protective motorcycle trousers.

• Full-face and other motorcycle helmets.

• Motorcycle boots.

• Protective gloves.

• Motorcycle riding suits.

The issue examines motorcycle clothing available to riders during the period.

These features are particularly interesting for collectors of vintage motorcycle equipment and enthusiasts researching the development of protective riding gear.

Publication Details

Magazine: Which Bike?

Publication Date: March 1996 – exact day not stated

Publication Year: 1996

Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Original Cover Price: £2.75

Format: Printed Motorcycle Magazine / Motorcycle Buyer's Guide

Editor: Craig Carey-Clinch

Publisher: Steve Myatt

Featured Motorcycles: Ducati Monster, Titan Motorcycle, Harley-Davidson Softail Custom and Suzuki Sportsbike

Main Subject: Motorcycle Buying Guide and Road Tests

SKU: 1595

Condition – Important Information

Pre-owned original magazine showing visible signs of age, handling and storage.

The photographs show the actual magazine being offered.

Front Cover

The front cover retains its original motorcycle photograph and printed headlines.

The main image remains clearly visible, with reasonably strong colours and legible text.

However, there are several visible imperfections.

These include:

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

• Creasing around the upper-left corner.

• A visible fold or bend at the top-left cover edge.

• Light surface scratches and scuffing.

• Handling marks across the darker areas of the cover.

• Small creases around the lower edge.

• Rubbing and wear at the bottom-left corner.

• A noticeable diagonal crease at the bottom-right corner.

• Minor corner curling and edge wear.

• Slight age-related discolouration.

• General surface wear consistent with a used magazine.

The bottom-right corner has a particularly visible diagonal fold line extending into the dark printed area.

The left-hand edge shows rubbing and minor paper wear, particularly towards the bottom.

Interior Pages

The photographed contents page remains clear and readable.

The large Suzuki motorcycle photograph retains its colour and printed detail.

Visible interior condition includes:

• Minor edge wear.

• Slight page curling.

• Light handling creases.

• Small marks on the printed surface.

• Some age-related wear around the page edges.

• Minor wear close to the spine.

The contents page appears generally presentable, although the magazine has clearly been handled.

Spine and Binding

The spine shows visible rubbing and age-related wear.

There is some creasing along the spine, together with minor fraying and wear near the corners.

The photographed pages remain attached, but the entire magazine has not been checked page by page for completeness.

Overall Condition

Good used vintage condition, with visible spine wear, cover creasing, corner folds, surface scuffing and general age-related handling marks.

The magazine remains visually attractive, particularly the original motorcycle action cover and interior Suzuki photograph.

It is not in mint or pristine condition.

Please examine all supplied photographs carefully, especially the spine, upper-left cover corner and lower-right cover crease.

The photographs form part of the condition description.

Original Promotional Items and Extras

This is a pre-owned magazine.

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

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

Packaging and Delivery

The 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 publication may appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of:

• Ducati Monster Motorcycles.

• Classic Ducati Naked Bikes.

• Harley-Davidson Softail Custom.

• Titan Motorcycles.

• American V-Twin Motorcycles.

• Suzuki Sportsbikes.

• 1990s Japanese Motorcycles.

• Classic Motorcycle Road Tests.

• Motorcycle Buying Guides.

• Vintage British Motorcycle Magazines.

• Motorcycle Training and Licensing.

• Vintage Motorcycle Clothing.

• Classic Motorcycle Helmets.

• Motorcycle Restoration.

• Motorcycle Specifications.

• 1990s Motorcycle Advertising.

• British Motorcycling History.

Summary

Original Which Bike? Magazine – March 1996, featuring a comprehensive guide to motorcycles available during the mid-1990s.

The magazine includes an exclusive Titan motorcycle road test against the Harley-Davidson Softail Custom, motorcycle buying advice, learner motorcycle listings, protective clothing recommendations and an extensive new-bike reference section.

The cover features two motorcycles being ridden on a winding road, with a Ducati Monster-style motorcycle prominently photographed in the foreground.

The interior includes a dramatic Suzuki sportsbike action photograph and an editorial introduction explaining the magazine's buying-guide format.

Condition: Good used vintage condition, with visible cover creasing, spine rubbing, edge wear and minor corner damage.

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