Don't buy new bikes, keep the old ones running

Peter Marquez, an engineer and self-taught motorcycle builder, shares his unique journey of immigrating to America from the Philippines. Passionate about 80s and 90s bikes, he crafts instructional videos on motorcycle building, advocating for the right to repair. Peter reveals the emotional story of losing his brother, a driving force behind his dedication to building bikes in his memory. His resilience in the face of adversity, coupled with an infectiously positive outlook and formidable work ethic, makes for an inspiring episode.
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Music by - Hermanos Gutierrez

[@Nathanielcopuca]

The KZbin community is amazing. Thank you so much for your support. I plan on working on the next video as soon as I can. In the meantime, if you want to listen to Peter's full story on the Archives podcast you can check the links in the description.

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Spotify: spoti.fi/40K4pv4 Apple podcast: apple.co/47jnKFD

[@cmcz1207]

Great interview. You give me hope to actually start a project. I've purchased a few, but always been scared.

[@BoJackHorseman_eatshay]

This was fantastic and exactly what it needed to be: You and your boys nerding out over your passion taking pride in the process as opposed to the end result. The simplicity and rawness of the filming really tied it all together. Felt like I was in the room with you guys. Felt like nostalgia - the Goonies grew up and decided to make a 90s indie Kevin Smith movie for themselves; damn others' thoughts. Good Stuff guys. Subscribing. Also - growing up around many Philippinos - they're zest for life is infectious. Great culture. Peter has that

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

@@BoJackHorseman_eatshaywhat an amazing comment to leave. I appreciate it 🙏

[@mancavecustoms13]

Ive been telling people this forever. Stop buying new stuff all the time! Use what already exists, keep the bikes on the road, modify them, put some love into them!

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Yes sir! Not only do you get to ride a piece of history but you're also saving all those perfectly good parts from ending up in a landfill somewhere.

[@slimfit767]

Definitely not buying any more used bikes. New or nothing.

[@mancavecustoms13]

@@slimfit767 I'm sorry to hear mate. You'll be having a machine you won't be able to work on most likely, is way above normal person's ability to ride and way too fast to have fun on. But each to his own mate.

[@silotx]

​@@mancavecustoms13You don't need to work on it that's the point 😂 not everyone is a mechanic good for you if it's your hobby and you have the time and knowledge. And you don't need to buy a 1000cc supersport bike you can get a cheap ass Chinese low cc bike much cheaper than a custom build with actual cheap available parts and a warranty.

[@wed3k]

I'm not into bikes but just got into the older 2 stroke stand up jetskis. They're pretty easy to work on.

[@10000Mistakes]

Dude, I've been doing this since the late 1980s. 70s and 80s Japanese bikes are remarkably high quality, durable machines. Cheapest was a 1973 CB350 that I paid $36 for in college because the guy let it sit, let the tires go flat, etc. Cleaned the carbs, added fuel filter, new battery and oil change was all it needed. The seller actually talked me down from $50 because I was taking a "problem" off his hands. There are millions of diamonds in the rough sitting in sheds and garages all over the world waiting for someone to show them some love. Like a good dog, they return it 10x.

[@Freiheit1232]

A project bike is a dream of mine

[@Scummy_shovel]

I grew up in my family’s Honda dealership. Those cb350”s were and still are awesome bikes. Some of those 4 carb Hondas are a pita to rebuild and Instal tho lol

[@memphysmoto2649]

I’ve been on 2 wheels for over 30 years, lost few homies on the way, but I refuse to give up, continue doing what you love 👍

[@gcanaday1]

I've played bass for 30+, and I've lost a couple, too. Bandmates don't last forever, and neither does any other crew. You do what you have to do when you have to do it.

[@patrickhackett3878]

I have 2 motorcycles: the first is 27 years old, the second is 50. They are my 2 favorites of more than 100 that I've owned, and I can work on them myself.

[@WreckingCrewHR4K]

There is nothing like the overwhelming feeling of either building an old bespoke motorcycle or even personalising a new one, pulling up on a machine that instantly pulls a crowd gives you an anonymous feeling of satisfaction, as specialy as you said: You don't need high tech and expensive tools,...Sadly I've had to stop builds due to old age and ill health, I wish you all the best with your future business venture my friend, Well Done Peter, I'm In.

[@rightleftmiddle1020]

Great stuff, hope this series continues with other home builders that don't get as much coverage as they deserve

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

That's the plan. Happy to have you here, ty for watching!

[@SquarewhiteTV]

Already subbed, this is exactly what the YT motorcycle space needs

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Thank you for this comment

[@ctbuilds]

Keep the old ones on the road, what a powerful mantra !! Hell yeah to that. Fixing old things, making them new again with your hard work.. that's what it's all about.

[@fearsomename4517]

Great to see the passion from a younger man I've been riding since '73. Just subscribed. Lost several Brothers on motorcycles.

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

We are all a big family and we have to keep the passion alive. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, amigo.

[@brettdelmundo]

Great content from a fellow engineer!

[@drewp.wiener1205]

Is he a P-Eng? Where's his ring?

[@jakebu85]

Love the work space, the message, and the drive

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Thanks for being here Jake!

[@whysallfreerun]

Totally relatable, I love this!! Nothing better than riding something you’ve built, especially long distance! And then that feeling of pride and relief when you get home! Plus the compliments you get when people find out you built it yourself, priceless 🙏⚒️

[@Yijun_atShenzhen]

We need to watch more stories like this!

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

More coming!

[@Seakaye2s]

Hey man, I met you at the gas station in Granada hills, can already tell you make great content. Be safe bro!

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Was cool meeting in person, I hope you get a bike soon!

[@sasha_nivar]

loved his philosophy on self reliance my younger brother and I feel the same way, I shared the video with him as he's also repaired his bikes as well

[@barryvercueil2346]

Amazing video. I completely supported keeping old bikes running. Except a Ducati. I was nearly financially crippled by an old Ducati.

[@CCitis]

Making old bikes runners is my passion... usually bikes not many want lol, thats what I can afford... but there is nothing like riding old bikes. Subbed.

[@joalvarez6252]

Never quit doing what drives you, if its your passion, do it for life! Yolo!

[@bucketbuster4077]

That's why Peter is the GOAT! The GOAT!

[@mrpablomx]

I wouldn’t want anyone working on my Bike except an experienced Mechanic.

[@SherKhan-b1kes]

I‘m an ex-London bike mechanic living in Germany, on the 2nd floor. When it’s warmer I‘ll be out downstairs in the yard tinkering around. 80‘s -90‘s bikes can be worked on but things start getting tricky from 2000 on. Love your garage, thanks Peter for your inspiration, Big hugs from Düsseldorf Sher 😉

[@Denaliz93]

Man of many trades.

[@mattdonna9677]

I subscribed because I agree, don't buy new, keep the old bikes going. Age 66 and on my 14th m/c, 2002 Honda VTX 1800R. It's actually newer than I prefer. Still miss my 1st Gen V-Max ☹️

[@meoffjack]

2:43 you can buy the workshop manuals online for modern bikes no problem. At least here in Europe. What's kept under the hood are the OEM diagnostic tools/computers but even for that you can buy aftermarket substitutes for reading out and deleting error codes, or actuate sensors etc... If you want reliable bikes that you can still work on yourself, buy Japanese brands. All the Euro Stuff like Husqvarna, Ducati, BMW... are made so it's harder for the average Joe to do a lot of stuff themselves.

[@AZ-qn3xq]

Awesome video! I am web designer, after work I go to my tiny garage and building motorcycle ! I am completely understand him! Be safe!

[@angelopetrucci8383]

Keep it up admirable cause. Society is too throw away. Teach the people to preserve and have things forever.

[@robbell7630]

4:38 ha!! Talking about the fear of riding something you built. I remember that feeling when I started packing my own parachute. I was thinking “I don’t know if they know what they’re doing. But, I KNOW I don’t know what I’m doing.” 😬

[@FormerArea51]

Keep the passion alive! The older stuff has its place. He is absolutely right about what he said, when I get home the next thing I want to do is get on my old 79’ sporty and just ride. It was a basket case that smells of oil and gas but I love it.

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Hell yeah! Nothin' like a 4 speed ironhead! Thanks for your support, amigo.

[@GeorgeLoch]

Love this. It's the man and his horse or the girl and her dragon story. It's the spirit of riding.

[@hasibulislamshanto1981]

Men, this is my dream, I just need to get old bikes and start restoring

[@KRANKiT]

I love finding another channel focusing on the stories behind the motorcycle world... I really enjoyed this video, looking forwards to the next one!

[@mikeshay6614]

You remind me of myself. I've been doing this kind of stuff since I was a kid. I'm 56 now and retired, more time for motorcycles now.. People like us are rare. I have some more books I'd like you have for your collection.

[@jimkraft9445]

Good advice. I am 83 years old, and got my first Harley, a 1942 "45" flat head in 1955. My current ride is a 99 Softail Custom. I rode an 84 Iron head Sportster for 23 years. I actually started riding on a friends Whizzer motor bike when I was 8 in the late 40's. I was hooked the second I let the clutch out and it carried me away. Should have kept the 42. It was loads of fun with the hand shift and foot clutch. Any way, nice video. The new bikes are nice, but they have lost something in the process. I like my solid mounted engine and carburetor. It is simple an easy to work on. Actually, it has been pretty trouble free.

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Awesome comment Jim, you said it very well. I have a 82 Ironhead and I love that bike and also dream of those old Harley flatheads. Thanks for watching the video!

[@aderiley6592]

You SHOULD have the RIGHT to FIX IT! Couldn't agree more brother. Liked n subscribed. Keep on keeping on man ❤️‍🔥

[@ateliermerlin]

I also get my motorcycle license only 5 years a go and then started to look for a bike and the only one I loved was the bikes from 70’ to 80’ I get a old BMW bike and totally transform it to my style and now I have mode more then 30 of them for my friends and lovers of my work This give me a absolute satisfaction exactly like on this video there is no equivalence of this work It have to do with magic!!! Yes please continu this great videos love them Regards from Switzerland

[@jakocadiz]

as a fellow civil engineer, seeing that this is possible give me hope that I'd settle down with a life like this.

[@teediggy1785]

Never stop no matter what anybody says you are amazing never stop please peace and love you rock never forget that ever

[@cuballstars]

I’m super glad this popped up on my feed. I may not have a garage to work on, but I love keeping old bikes running, especially obscure ones in North America!

[@Ehlersbp]

I love this! It's a dream of mine to do what you are doing... maybe a little at a time. I just got my first bike. 2003 Honda VT750. I'm working on fixing/cleaning it up (it sat for a while) and enjoy riding it every chance I get! Keep doing what you love doing! Those older bikes are gorgeous.

[@CanastyMoto-xu8ej]

I'm in from Laguna, Philippines. Same rule I try to live by "create / repair it yourself to learn something new (DIY or Motorcycle)". So true, I try to learn how to fix what ever is broken to learn and not be reliant on others as much as possible. Keep it up!

[@IchibanMoto]

Badass Awesome. So happy youtube dropped this in my feed ! Subscribed

[@Doomzday831]

Way to motivate I just started riding a year ago and really want to build a frisco chopper! That’s for the encouragement!

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

message me on ig @motoarcives when you start building. I'd love to see the progress!

[@The9meister]

I am with you on motorcycles, they are a escape from the world, motorcycles can be life and death, that is what excites us, I have been riding for 50 years, and still get that buzz.😊

[@bc8265]

I appreciate your spirit for this, most are intimidated, others to lazy. This is fun and therapeutic once you get into it.

[@simonthomas5367]

Nice clip buddy, thanks for sharing. I feel the same on my old ST1100. She’s a regular ride and never lets me down. Got a 2005 Bandit 650S also as well as a 2018 Africa Twin. All great bikes but there’s something about those 90’s machines….

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Old is gold, mi amigo!

[@HelloImIsaiah]

Love it, can feel the passion behind the content

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Thanks Isaiah!

[@1995Focus]

Wow the Harley looks so good, I can’t tell how much I actually like it. Top notch👍

[@heel4reel387]

Awesome video im glad i happened upon it, will keep watching 👍

[@fmagalhaes1521]

I have a 1994 Electra Glide classic. I don’t want a newer bike. I want to keep this one running forever.

[@JestesZBoczkiem]

We need more videos likes this

[@makethingshappen8427]

I got one of those manuals for my 99 gsxr, always stop and marvel at the cool hand drawn section views.

[@Phil-qz6oc]

The production quality and the aesthetics on this are fucking awesome!

[@h.ydhanush2962]

Even i would like to own a handbook like that 😅

[@n8rm]

Dude my man great video. I'm fixing up a 71* Honda CL350 that was my stepdads. He passed away in Sept. Seeing videos like this makes me know I'm on the right path. Thx bro

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Thanks for sharing about something so personal. I'm sure you're on the right path, amigo. Can't wait to see your '71 when it's complete.

[@tomduffy5129]

My advice is keep the motorcycle industry alive! But buy buy brand new from the dealerships, I mean I won't but you somebody has too (:

[@jerrylong381]

Great work! Follow your passion. FYI you can get factory shop manuals for almost any bike. They may be expensive. A factory shop manual for a Harley Davidson Heritage Classic will run you around $200. The parts book, with every part shown in assembly drawings (exploded view) are available also, in book or pdf file. I don't buy new machines, and I buy a manual for every machine I buy, so I can work on it correctly.

[@davonraymond3274]

I'm on same journey and this is inspiring I hope you get a chance to read this comment

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Love it bro, keep on working!

[@jameshunt22]

idk how my KZbin algorithm led me here but I'm happy it did! Awesome video and Peter is the man!

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

I'm happy that the alg brought you here too amigo!

[@ozziewaldo]

Holy moly, the passion leaking from this is super moving

[@jaimininorath5760]

Love this, just a kid at heart with his toys. the way it should be

[@burningrider8500]

Just subscribed, feeling the same passion. Currently building my first cafe racer out of a honda seven fifty '97

[@duncanarmstrong8134]

OMG, Who said "You're doing it wrong quit now"? It's all fluid...

[@mikependlebury7506]

Sunday morning drinking coffee and watching the first episode. Subscribed straight away.

[@jawbraker561]

Incredible video, very much looking forward to the next video.

[@mikeberrisford9772]

Your passion & purpose are bob on. Keep burnin the rubber dude. From England

[@timebadlyspent]

woah your passion is evident. I can't believe you don't have more likes and subs. Such an emotional short video, this is what youTube is for. A sub from me.

[@ajinugrohop]

I love bikes, i love cars, i love engines, especially older generation bikes, and i love the way you deliver the messages not only through the story but also the visuals that you provide just refreshes my passion riding my bike, Much Love from Indonesia bro, hope The Motorcycle Archives team have a great day and I hope I can see some more home builder stories ❤‍🔥❤‍🔥❤‍🔥

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Thank you, this comment means the world to me! No team here, just me Nathaniel

[@Venture-of-Error]

Very profound content! Superb quality. Really enjoyed watching this. Peter's energy and emotion when he was talking about motorcycles really touched me.

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Thank you! Peter is the man.

[@garydetaeye7081]

My 2023 kx 250 owners manual is a shop manual I was surprised my old bikes I would have to order a shop manual

[@OFCarbon24]

Keep it up Nate - come a long way since our tennis days mate.

[@drj9506]

awesome stuff Peter 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@sadunsujeewa4221]

I’m Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 I like motorcycle 🏍

[@dominickrizek3445]

Awesome👌

[@debasishboruah5073]

You are high on your passion, keep doing what you love. Love from India, Assam!

[@mitchthewonderboy]

This is some immaculate storytelling. Incredible work

[@biscuitdesigner7836]

My 68, SX150 Lambretta agrees.

[@mexicanocowboy]

This was amazing carnal, love the detail in storytelling and how emotional it got towards the end

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Thanks hermano, i appreciate you!

[@passthataxe]

I've saved myself a ton of money by doing all my own oil changes. Buy filters and oil when theyre on sale. Also, some quick lube shops will scam people and charge you for a filter they didnt even change.

[@enzodelia8]

Subscribed right away. I don’t ride bikes but really want to get into something old and cool, this gave me a little more motivation to go back to scrolling marketplace

[@rmart8827]

Dig this one! Went to MMI and realized that everything I learned was more so from doing it the "wrong way", which proved to be an important tool for learning. Currently tackling my dad's 62 Panhead that's been sitting for 30 years. Limited on space in my shared garage with no power outlets and limited time but it's coming along. Can't wait to see another builder vid soon

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Awesome story, I'd love to see the '62 build. DM me on insta

[@findingretreat]

love wt u do!!! am an architect also a custom bike builder!!! liked & subed!!! good staff #customoods #findingretreat #enfieldholydays #srilanka

[@filipshulikov143]

Great story. Awesome dude. Keep ‘em coming!

[@AgrippaKCsGunTime]

i have only ever owned one new motorcycle. the rest have been rescues that all have been put back into circulation. my current bike a 1996 kz1000p has spent more time down than running but i have never given up on it. it’s my bike.

[@bisket2003]

Daymn. Beautiful start on a new channel. SO looking forward to what's in store.

[@theobviouschicken]

Subbed. Perfect. Right amount of talk to bike to working on bike to shop look around. Music didnt get in the way either. Dont change a thing just make more. I know it isnt padded to get over that magic 10 minutes but that made it perfect. Very engaging. To the builder : yup. everything you said and have done. If the opinion of a fat anonymous internet person in australia means anything then yup 👍

[@nocodepiper2097]

I know nothing about bikes but there are 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@NorthernWind603]

You, my man, earned a sub. Keep up the content. Love the old-school mentality!

[@donnyhud]

great video brother!!! 👍 totally connected with it!!

[@AaronJThompson]

This is so awesome. Love it!

[@kristiewilliamson4767]

Great to see your passion I feel ya brother I worked on my bikes and my dads had a 1990 dr 250 1991 xr250r 1981 TT 250 my dad has a 2003 v max I love wrenching on motorcycles

[@eldeadbeat]

Sold my xs650 a few years back it was a shit built but it was my shit built lol. I’ve rode a lot of other bikes since and nothing has the same feeling as an old death trap you built with your own two hands. I’m now on the search for another xs650 just to get that feeling back, thanks for this video I appreciate people you like you and videos like this 🤟🏽🤟🏽

[@TheMotorcycleArchives]

Haha, that's an awesome story xD. Funny enough, I have an XS650 motor and frame sitting around. If you're interested, send me a DM on insta

[@firall.ardunda]

you earned my sub! cant wait for the next episode

[@everlongvideo7228]

Amazing video! Thanks!

[@EDUGTAV]

Really nice work man! Definitely subscribed!! So sick!! 🔥 greetings from Spain!

[@watleygasoline236]

Just awesome! congrats!

[@ericgeber6145]

Perfect video ...inspirational even for a car guy like me but i love motorcycles too . Hope there will be mor videos like this❤

[@BRETT_TROEGER]

Way to go man. Keep going.

[@commander993]

So glad im here from episode one! Love this!

[@surfnrak.com.a]

Love it mate that’s commitment 👏🇦🇺