Tracking down the bike I bought 38 years ago.

As the channel is known for trying to track down famous, and sometimes infamous vehicles, I thought it might be fun to try and find my first 'big' bike.
Clutching a fresh pass certificate, purchased a Kawasaki Gpz305 back in 1986 as a 17 year old. 38 years later can I find it and buy it back?
Nostalgia ain't what it used to be, so the saying goes. And this might be a good lesson in just that...

[@mx986]

Restore it and enjoy the nostalgia. I know you'll spend more than it's worth but it's still not a fortune and it's got a good story behind it.

[@robsonma747]

Keep it and restore it, lets see it on the road again 🎉

[@19fireblade76]

Keep and restore it, it’s worth way more in memories

[@RustyWrecks]

if no one else has had it on the road since you then get the old girl up and running and restore her, it will be worth it ( maybe not financially) but emotionally knowing you rebuilt your first bike and the story behind it.

[@alphamailplus]

From a financial point of view it's a disaster but you bought it back because your heart told you to !

[@capB1535]

My mate bought a new Triumph T140 TSX in 1983 and sold it in 1986. He managed to track it down in 2022. The bike was in a bit of a mess. He has now fully restored it and recently won a prize for best Meriden motorcycle at a recent show

[@davecurwen565]

This is the target to strive for..

[@AndrewGibson22]

Make it better than new and keep it the rest of your days 💚

[@dazman6316]

I found my first bike and bought it after 30 years. I rebuilt it and love it. I’ll never sell it. You need to rebuild it. And keep it.

[@sandwichbar8226]

That definitely needs restoring!

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks

[@chris67bug]

@@oscarsgarage447 You've done the right thing getting it back. It would have ate away at you if you hadn't. Provided you have the time, re-build it - luckily it's just been stripped rather than been re-painted so you could keep it looking original if that's what you want. Keeping it that way means you could just take it out and enjoy it from time to time.

[@StoffelDilligas]

I once worked for a dealship in Clapham, I got asked to go cover in Southampton. I agreed. Thinking that the bike they'd give me to use would be of the CBR6, GSXR, ZZR, FZR route, like it usually was. Not this time. GPz305 belt drive model..... Usually they'd give one key, but they gave me two. So that evening I intentionally left the bike parked on the road with a key in the ignition outside my home in raynes park. Other key in my pocket. I woke up the next morning. And to my dismay, the bloody thing was still there. So I had to ride to Southampton and back on it.

[@gordonyoung3668]

Keep it and restore it, it's a piece of history.

[@Natureswealthcouk]

It is a complete waste of time. Keep it.. re-build it... and enjoy it! Thanks another great video.

[@user-io2et5bv2s]

History and nostalgia are ALWAYS important. It is what makes us who we are today. RESTORE!

[@oscarsgarage447]

I'm on it...

[@johnsampey344]

Nostalgia is Priceless. No one else is going to do it. It's up to You. ( Place Guilt Trip Here. )😂

[@Roachie1982uk]

Keep her alive and relive good times 😎

[@maltejuergensen2118]

Resurrect it ….. Go for a ride ……. Go for a long ride ….. cheers from Vancouver Island, BC 🇨🇦

[@jolyonrussell7021]

It’s not just a machine, it’s the memories like the bolt cut out for panniers, the special brake lines and so on, the bike is unique to you and this is probably the deep down reason you purchased it again. There is nothing quite the same as a little nostalgia.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Very true!

[@davidbnsmessex.5953]

Wish I could restore my late wife ! , had her for over fifty years ; now she is my triumph T100 and her photo is in the tax disc holder . Definitely do your bike up , memories are only given once .

[@davidmurray9193]

Memories.......can't beat them

[@besenzon1]

Great video. It’s amazing that you found it and that it still exists. Maybe just put it back together as a wall hanger.

[@oscarsgarage447]

That's a great idea!

[@neilcrumpton2260]

In the winter of 1982 I totally rebuilt my Trident T160 engine in front of a bone-warming lounge fire in a Welsh cottage. I was upgrading it with a Norman Hyde 1,000 cc kit. Soon after the rebuild the throttle cable jammed and we both went down the road. Shook up I sold the bike to my friend's brother to raise money to buy a house (which I still live in). For the next 39 years I never thought about bikes or my biking days. Then one day I saw the sloping block of a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, something sparked, and I soon bought one. Wow, two summers of fantastic day rides around North Wales with a new friend who's Interceptor I had seen. I began searching for my old Trident to see how it had spent the last 39 years, IF it had. I asked the Trident Owners club and searched photos on the web for months but no sign. I feared the worst. So I bought a T160 for a new conversion project. Then I had a chance meeting with my old friend I'd not seen for 30 years. I said I had been looking for my Trident. He said his brother has still got it, and its in a garage just 9 miles from my house and has been there for years ! I shot round immediately and there he and the Trident were. He said he'd done a high mileage on it and would never sell it. It had won best bike in a show and he had never taken the bottom end apart. I was amazed. In 1982 I had just an old Haynes manual and a new torque wrench for that first and only major build. The guy's then baby son now also has a T160 ! So if you are ever in Snowdonia and you hear three howling Tridents on a misty mountain hop then its probably us enjoying a very very long journey...

[@oscarsgarage447]

Great story, love it!

[@billsomerville1426]

Bought a near new GS750 in 1978 and rode it for 20 years. Put it in the shed for 20 years while the kids grew up. Recommissioned (not restored) it and I’m 25 again. Tried many times to buy a modern companion, but none mean anything to me.

[@noelg3384]

You got it back now. Take your time. Keep it for the memories. Just do a bit on it at a time when you can get the missing bits cheap.

[@markpenn4831]

Restore it mate, for old times and the memories ! It is a nice machine buddy !

[@oscarsgarage447]

Yes indeed!

[@greatwesterner1]

Definitely keep it it’s part of your life and history I wish I could find the one special car and bike I had 40 years ago!

[@MrMarkeboy1234]

You have to get it working and looking good again. Yeah go for it.

[@andrewsmyth6985]

Restore it love the longer videos 😊

[@oscarsgarage447]

Got it!

[@Johnny2Bags47]

When I was about 21 - 22 Around 1997/1998...I had moved into a little 1 bedroom apartment. Well the complex had garages but there wasn't a wall between the individual units. There was 2 garage doors and 2 apartments world use i large garage door and the other 2 something..so one of the residents would always forget to close their garage door leaving the open space vulnerable to theft. So I had no choice but to keep my stand-up jetski trailer in the garage But my 1979 RM 125 & my 1986 Kawasaki 550 stand up were little stored in my bedroom. Snell like gas.i loved it. My living room wad my bedroom 😅

[@oscarsgarage447]

Great story, love it!

[@aleshudek5323]

Good story and good luck with restoration 😉👍

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks 👍

[@Oldguydosestuff]

OMG 😮 Always go forward, never look back 😉 Loving the videos 👍

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks!

[@nonamespecified1262]

My old bikes have long gone, suzuki Ts50er NNF321W, I was the last person to mot it, then my TS50X C352AJA, long gone, I had a fizz 50 as well but I can't remember the full reg EBA,,,T, my brother had a Honda cb250, he bought it brand new JJA3N, long gone.

[@waynemorris4823]

Get it back on the road mate. It’s been a big part of your life and it’s holds many good memories. Even if it becomes a once in awhile rider of a piece of garage art it’s back where she belongs. Great content as usual buddy. 👍

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks!

[@wisecampmotorcycles8258]

I once suffered from nostalgia, for my first Kawasaki Z650 that I got in 1980. 40 years later, I brought one just like it. There was really no difference that it wasn't my original one, the memories were just as strong. I sold it recently, and doubled my money.

[@Ttoe280]

Got to restore it , now you have found it , may take sometime , but it will be worth it , good content for the channel

[@pauljeffries]

I'd restore it........I'd love to know who owns my old yamaha RD250 that I sold in 1986, it's still on the road according to the DVLA,........UNP 203V......there's a challenge for you......find that one lol 😂

[@wesleypegden1685]

Keep hold of it and restore it, would make a great series to follow along to 👍

[@davecurwen565]

Hi.. without any doubt whatsoever, it is a must that you carry out a full refurb on your first bike. I only wish that I could have my old VW Variant back, sadly, it is now bean tins. Also, please, if you do, go for it, please do a progress video on it. Best of luck. Dave 👍🏼

[@kevinmarsh5034]

Ditto my old Ford Cortina, 1600gt 2 door in Monza Blue with high backed racing seats. It could still be about, it had so many oil leaks it would never suffer tin worm!

[@davidsewell3745]

Go for it mate, get it back on the road, sure will be lovely, would love to track down my MK1 Renault Clio what I had when I'd not long passed my test, gotta horrible feeling it's long gone as that was 2008

[@philipreiffel5077]

I bought a ex aussie army 1941 m20 bsa back in 1981, probably pushed it more than I've ridden the thing, leaks oil over the shed floor, and i rarely ride it, but never wanted to sell it, because i know that I'd only want to buy one again years later, so it just sits in the shed.

[@paultierney8867]

Don't give up. It was yours and can be again. Yes buy another one ready to go, but it won't be the same. Get it back to life.....please😊

[@davidpowell3691]

i dream that one day my Kawasaki KH250 LUT552P that I owned when I was 17 turns up somewhere. I doubt it will but I live in hope.

[@RockDinosaur695]

You’ve owned a Gpz 305 probably longer than anyone else has ever done, it’s back home now, get it back as it was and have some fun on it , great video 👍

[@MrVinnyh]

One to restore, with you having history with it.

[@nickbitten9910]

Very interesting. Makes me consider tracking down my GPZ ( last seen by me in 1996 when i sold her to a Kwaka dealer).

[@richardhewitt.easyvanlife.6957]

Got to keep it. I often wonder why people get a bike and take random bits of? If I were you get back on the road all sorted. Then strip it to restore.

[@oscarsgarage447]

The prize parts (like front discs and cdi) were removed to make money.

[@richardnewman8983]

Hi I am Richard I live in Dronfield Derbyshire I have just subscribed to your channel and just seen your old bike. I would love to see you get it back on the road it seems such a shame to give up on it after its sad life after you owned it. So yes yes yes get it back to the way it was when you owned it. I as a younger man had a Kawasaki KH125 and I loved that bike I now own a Harley 883 but being disabled I sometimes struggle to ride it but since my 28 year old son died at Christmas of a heart attack I now feel like giving up but I know my beautiful son would want me to carry on. Me and my son went to Ireland in 2008 on my GSXR 750 SRAD and I can honestly say it was painful but we enjoyed every minute of it. Sorry for the long rant. But please get the Kwack up and running again because even though all the issues you had with it I am sure you had some amazing memories with it and it deserves a second chance to live again. All the best and keep up the good work. Regards Richard 10:19

[@oscarsgarage447]

Richard. That was really inspirational, please keep riding. I have bought a donor so it will live again. Your story will keep me going in the challenging moments. Thanks for your comment.

[@SK-rr8op]

Of course you keep it. It's part of you. Don't look down the importance of nostalgia. And you already have a great history with it... you had it, you lost it and now you have a chance to make it great again.

[@oscarsgarage447]

That's the plan!

[@TheGreatestBeyonder]

You have a duty to your conscious to feed your nostalgia and restore it… like brand spanking new!! 👍 (making it a ‘running’ vid blog and we promise to subscribe!

[@9610SMUDGE]

Most of us cant buy back our memories so i would restore it if you can afford to. Great watch and really enjoy all of your videos

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelj3282]

Classic Trigger's Broom. Fair play to you fella.

[@justso1823]

It wanted saving it told you subconsciously 😂😂

[@carlos.94]

hi oscars garage just wanted to leave a comment on this particular video the gpz305 are my top lovable bikes i use to had 1 myself love these very rear bikes and hope to see that on the channel

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks for sharing!

[@anemone104]

Doesn't look like a crispy horror show, so go for it, they're not complex. You didn't pay much for it (other than time), so you haven't lost much. And you know the bike. 'What it's worth' is a pretty relative concept anyway. A donor bike would be good. Look for a ratty runner. You will need carbs - didn't see any in your parts. I still have the GPz 550 I rebuilt in the lounge of an ex-Council terrace in Dorking in the early 90s. Stripped it, re-sprayed it, fired it up when the neighbours were out and rode it out of the door. It was my ride to work for years.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Great story

[@MiniDaly87]

Keep it mate enjoy your youth. If i had the chance of buying 90% of my previous cars i would in a heartbeat

[@bryanmills5346]

I thought this was Mrs. Watkins my next door neighbour, I thought she'd gone and bought a motorbike! Anyway, sometimes the past is better best forgotten, like my ex's, I wouldn't take any of them back even though we had some good times.

[@andyday1981]

I’d 100% get it back on the road, even if it’s just chucked together with bits and pieces rather than fully restored, unless funds allow you to do that. Definitely don’t sell on, you’ve done the hard bit getting it back. You should do a build series on it along side your normal videos.

[@timelord74]

Restore it get it up and running great vid look forward to the update Lisa

[@oscarsgarage447]

That's the plan!

[@JohnHonda101]

I had to Fizzys in 1982 when I was 16, 20 odd years ago I found one of them. After my Mother died in 2010 I decided to restore it, everything was wrong on it, it had YB 100 parts including switch gear, shocks and speedo, all of the bodywork including seat side panels, oil tank and indicators were off the last model fizzy made, I had to have brackets remade around the bottom of the frame where it was rotten. Anyway, I use it quite a lot alongside my RD 125lc, MT 10 and R1-m. Restore it, it'll make no sense and cost a fair amount of money but you'll end up like me, my Fizzy will be the last of my bikes to go when its time.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Great inspiration... thanks!

[@davidhayter8516]

Right Corporal, now have the lads put it back together.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Yeeessssssiiiiirrrrrr

[@Valeman7689]

You'll do the right thing by rescuing it. It may be hard going but the rewards you'll achieve will more than make up for the pain awaitng you in the restoration. And your viewers will be with you all the way, and you'll increase your viewership. Go for it.

[@davidcannon1148]

I remember that trip 😊

[@markstokes5365]

It’s been part of you for most of your life, it’s a second chance you you both. Restore and enjoy it again. Get the jacket and bike back together!

[@Jinxnator]

Just come across your video and subscribe keep it and do it up promise you. Your regret it if you don't after all the years you had it and then to track it down. Is amazing 😊😊😊

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks!

[@kevinhayden341]

Hi Oscar the bike found you again and that says something Restore her and bring back to life remember she is a big part of you that's what I would do Kev East Devon👍👍

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I have seen a few previously owned motorbikes come through Ebay and Auto-Trader. My 18 year old son is still with his first car and I have told him to keep it, even if it only goes into store.

[@jd6549]

I enjoyed the video, lets see if you can get it going again, it will be a fun challenge and I've subscribed to find out and give you encouragement along the way.🏍

[@oscarsgarage447]

Welcome aboard!

[@jonathanthorpe1653]

It’s definitely worth getting it back on the road. I would do what you suggest and find yourself a donor bike to aid in its restoration. My first bike a SS50 (VFE313R) is still out there. It’s also never had an MOT since I sold it. I would love to have it back.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Donor already purchased!

[@johnpirie3800]

Its too far gone, too many years have passed, you'll get a similar one, almost the same for less money, etc etc....that's why you have to restore "your" original first big bike. How much to restore? Irrelevant. How long will it take? Irrelevant. This bike, you, your time of owning it as a seventeen year old, is priceless, special and unique to you!! Your heart and head should be pointing you down the road, which I know I would take. You know it makes sense and oh, by the way, new subscriber. I look forward to seeing photos of its restoration. Enjoy, best wishes and regards.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Thanks for the sub and the support.

[@waynecooper3256]

No harm in letting your heart rule your head as the other way is boring but it can affect you bank balance!!!. Although as being a You Tuber it does give great content plus you may have started a journey getting it back on the road which we could all come along on🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@zygoteu]

Go for it Trevor, it’s not about £. You’ve gone this far so why not 🙂

[@procta2343]

I recon you should restore that, with it been an old friend, that has stuck with you over the years. Id do the same with my very 1st car, sadly that i believe was binned off 6 months after i pxed it 19 years ago. It was used for 6 months and then unlicensed.

[@forddoctorforddoctor5918]

Rebuild it 100%🤙🤙🤙

[@davefrench3608]

It looks to be mostly there. Dismantle, clean and reassemble and see what’s missing. I’d love EPL966V back but that went 41 years ago.

[@malcolmhutchison62]

Rebuild and enjoy

[@terryL5290]

I just got a similar bike in as far as condition. I have been trying to get it on the road for a few months now.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Keep going and you will get there!

[@l8ton803]

It is the price we sadly have to pay for nostalgia. There are two things I wish I had never sold within the last 4 years, '90 Audi 90 & my '94 CBR900. Would I pay over the odds for them 🤔 probably 😂

[@brakenoodle105]

It's not just about the money, to many of us motorcycles represent more than that.

[@oscarsgarage447]

Too right!

[@garychillingworth]

I thought the 305 was a belt drive? Yes it's a folly, but all bikes are follys and that's why we love them. It deserves to live

[@oscarsgarage447]

The very first batch (suffix A1) were chain drive.

[@garychillingworth]

@@oscarsgarage447 I never knew that. Then if it's that rare, you must restore it. Good content

[@chrishart8548]

​@@garychillingworththe z250 scorpion was almost the same as the 305

[@mikes747]

Got to restore it! It's had a tough life and deserves some love!

[@chrishart8548]

@@mikes747 it's going to need a donor bike for spares

[@davegray4763]

Go for it restore it❤

[@justincampbell4301]

bring it back to life

[@chrishart8548]

Lovely one on e bay right now same colour £800 starting bid and it ends in 14h its in Liverpool. I'm tempted myself.

[@daverose4774]

No fix it It's all there mate I had a 305 great bike please restore it

[@darthvirago]

Fix it up I would. I have a 1961 BSA C15 that I got in 1975 and still have it. In 49 years it's only been on the road 3 or 4 years overall

[@thetwistedsock3253]

Fix it up in time for your 40th anniversary together 👍

[@oscarsgarage447]

Good call

[@Tommy_Poole]

Nostalgia is a dreadful curse. We’ve all sold something that we’ve later gone onto regret. I’m just about to do something similar only in my case I’m replacing a car I sold back in the 90’s with something that’s costing me more money than I spent buying my house. I’d invite you to come and take a look but it would mean another trip up the M5.

[@chrishart8548]

My dad's house only cost £3700 and grandads house only cost £929 but people didn't get paid as much. One of those big old £5 notes adjusted for inflation would be £286 now wonder people were worried about losing them.

[@oscarsgarage447]

M5 isn't that terrifying!

[@michaelstark9485]

Keep it and rebuild it

[@satbilla9291]

Seems that Bike helped you at a time when you needed it. It’s a part of your history, restore it and keep it. 👍🏽

[@katywalker8322]

Restore it! I had an Aprilia AF1 Futura from 1991 until 1993, which I traded in to an RS125 (I have a liking for 125 2 strokes - I already had my full licence). In 2008 it turned up on Ebay so I bought it back.

[@michelbrown1060]

The eternal fight betwen the heart and the mind. . .

[@oscarsgarage447]

So very true!

[@motorcyclejunkie7564]

I tried a similar thing trying to find my first "big bike", a GPZ500S Reg K474 JGU. It ran out of tax & MOT in 2020, thats all I know, wish I could find it. I have brought a couple of other GPZ500S's and am currently trying to restore them on my channel. Anyway, my point is, restore this bike, accept that you will likely spend more on it than the final product will be worth, thats not why you are doing it. You have one chance, this is it, JUST DO IT!

[@chrishart8548]

I had a G gpz500s red and white. Ended MGF on the number.plate. did your K reg have 17" wheels by then.

[@motorcyclejunkie7564]

@@chrishart8548 No, it was the early rear drum brake model, Although the two I have now are the later ones.

[@chrishart8548]

@@motorcyclejunkie7564 mine had the rear drum and red 16" wheels with 80 profile tyres 17" wheels had 70 profile tyres so outer diameter was probably similar. 60hp dohc 8v liquid cooled was good for the time along with not being that heavy. Almost a real sports bike in 1986

[@frglee]

My first two bikes in the 70s were small older 2-strokers (a Suzuki 98cc CC1 and a CZ175) but tbh, I didn't think much of either of them. The first new bike I had in 1979 - and passed my test on - was a Honda 'Superdream' 250N that I thought was pretty neat, and I even took it touring in France and Ireland. That would be a nice bike to restore and ride again, but I think it's long been scrapped. Same with my second bike, a Honda 750KZ, which was probably the favourite of all the bikes I've had, before and after. Sadly nicked by white van scum in 1989 - probably for the engine and parts, there being a big thing in the area I lived in on the South Coast for choppers and trike conversions at the time.

[@carolotsful]

Restore it definitely,, I did the same with an FS1E was sold in 1979 and I tracked it down in 2017 now sits in my garage along with the fond memories of my late brother in law

[@nonamespecified1262]

I had my old fizz in 86, my first bike on the road, all I remember from the reg is EBA...T, I have a photo of it but it's of the front of it with my brothers RxS100 next to it. Love to know where that went, sold it in 1987 for £100, it was still in mint condition.

[@carolotsful]

@@nonamespecified1262 I did a full check on it and received the last registered owners address, I managed to track him down via social media and he actually called me back and gave me all the info on the bike . He had painted it blue and was in the back of a shed .

[@sunalp2]

Put it back together. 👍

[@stevehill4615]

I had a 305 a few years back (got it cheap (£50) as the gearbox was stuck in 1st --- turned out to be someone when they had it apart had put the selector arm springs back in the wrong places), nice enough bike but always seemed to need a lot of revs to really get going and physically always felt quite small in comparison to Superdreams (I worked at a Honda dealership so dreams/superdreams were easy to come by, the 305 felt more like a 125 compared to the Hondas), I'd put the Gpz back together (don't get into restoration yet) and get it running & driving then if it makes you happy then go for a resto, if not let it go and recoup your money. ps. mine had Goodriidgefront brake hoses definitely improves the front brake, also it had a Motad exhaust (chrome) which I wanted to change for a Motad NETA system which is black chrome with a silver wrap can not dissimilar to the Micron system but I could never find one available.

[@TwistedTrenti]

Restore and keep your memories alive

[@richardcurtis114]

My first bike was a suzuki a 50 not the ap 50. If I see it again I would have it

[@OllieGilbertson]

Keep it rebuild it and enjoy it again!

[@oscarsgarage447]

That's the plan!

[@OllieGilbertson]

@@oscarsgarage447 good man keep up with the videos! Enjoy them very much!!

[@LarryNorman-tu5os]

You must restore it . I wish I could find my old bike . I would buy it in a flash

[@andypicken7848]

I think if you get up early on a Saturday morning and have a full weekend on it you will probably get it roadworthy again. Best of luck Andy

[@oscarsgarage447]

Now there is a challenge...

[@leegr3732]

You need to restore it and enjoy it, if only every now and again, still have my first bike from 17 years ago, a 95 cbr600, it’s uncomfortable to ride as I’m 6’2 and get cramp in my legs, don’t ride it often but will never sell it, the only thing I’ve managed to keep a hold of over the years.