Inherit a project a bike from another factory is a big gamble. There may be parts missing, the engine may be shot, or the title may not be more reasonable. However, you can get a bargain if you know what you’re looking at – and if you have the skills, equipment and time.
Like that Purpose of building Moto in Gold Coast, Australia inherited in 1976 Yamaha XT500. A current customer and friend of the store, Clint, brought the thumper to them because a lot of custom work was needed to revive it. The store had previously bitten off more than they could chew – but this wasn’t a problem for Tom Gilroy and the PBM team.
“Clint knows about our work standards thanks to his purpose-built Moto. Yamaha DT400,” Tom explains. “Clint’s DT400 was the bike that started us on the path to developing our own vintage motorcycle-inspired scrambler style and applying it to a number of custom bikes.”
With customers on board and a vision set, the team drops on the bike like a bear on a tourist. The first challenge was to modernize the suspension and improve the stance.
The front part of the Kawasaki KX450F is grafted onto the Yammie frame. The forks have been retuned and lowered by Costanzo Racing Tuned, while a pair of extended YSS shocks are bolted to the rear of the bike. The dirt-friendly 21F/18R Excel wheelset is new, as are the handcrafted alloy lower fork cover and engine guard.
The body of the car is a collection of new, handcrafted parts. The headlight cover and front fender are made from scratch, with the fenders having beaded trim in the original style. 4.5-inch Flashpoint headlights, Hollow Tip indicators and small daytime running lights are all included in the PBM category.
Behind the cover is the Daytona DEVA digital control panel, controlled via PBM switches wired using the shop’s signature ‘Black Box’ control module. The custom rearview mirror is placed low on the new ProTaper handlebars.
The Yamaha XT500’s tank is stock but the mounts have been modified and dimples have been added to accommodate the larger fork at full steering lock. New side skirts also adorn the car, with the electrical box and battery arranged inside.
PBM had to install a larger battery to power the convenient electric starter from Nuts and Bolts Development in France. Overtaking an air-cooled 500 is trying at best, so the electric starter makes it a lot easier. The starter is still equipped, though, so if Clint’s feeling brave, he can roll the dice on a Friday night in front of the pub—and he’s got a backup if the battery dies in the bushes .
Purpose-Built Performance is PBM’s relatively new in-house engine building division, so the electric starter isn’t the only upgrade. A large high-compression bore is fitted along with a polished head and oversized valves. The XT500 mill is also running a hot cam, performance clutch and upgraded charging system.
A powerful Mikuni pump carburetor throws fuel down the beater’s throat, with hot air exiting through a custom nozzle with an FMF power bomb and a Staintune can tip. The classic muffler sits high, bolted to a trimmed and looped subframe and flanked by a custom rear fender. Made in the same style as the front fender, it has a small LED taillight integrated into the rear.
The Yamaha XT500’s loaf-style saddle has been replaced with a custom unit that tilts the helmet to its original shape but with a slimmer profile. It is wrapped in a fabric sandwich with Timeless Auto Trim. PBM LED turn signals and neat license plate mount at the rear of the car.
With the body and engine completed, attention turned to the paint and graphics. Figuring this XT was a bit more powerful than the last one PBM built, Tom looked through the 1970s Yamaha motorcycle catalog. Inspired by the YZ400 off-road bike, Tom decided to design Classic yellow speed block professionally designed by Justin at Popbang Classics.
“The last Yamaha XT500 disturbed person “We have ignited a fire in the hearts of many riders,” says Tom. “We’ve got countless stories of adventures and misadventures on these great old bikes — when we put the finishing touches on this one, it was no different. With heavy nostalgia and equally modern upgrades, this XT500 is definitely my favorite.”
From arriving at the factory in boxes to leaving like this, this classic scrambler is another Purpose Built Moto winner. The entire design is not only classic but also cohesive, sophisticated and impressive. Any motorcyclist with breath in their lungs wants it in their garage… or living room.
Purpose of building Moto | Facebook | Instagram | Image by Tristan Tolley
