MX-Style Yamaha XT500 Scrambler Feels Right at Home on Rugged Terrain

As we’ve already covered their work on several occasions, many of our frequent readers know exactly what to expect from this crew. Thus, we’ll skip the unnecessary introductions and turn our attention straight to the custom showstopper pictured above. It is a Yamaha XT500 infused with heaps of vintage motocross styling, first revealed on the official PBM website earlier this month.

The commission came from a returning customer by the name of Phil, who is the proud owner of the Gravel Gorilla. We’ve talked about that build – a rad Harley-Davidson Fat Bob street tracker – right here on autoevolution, as well, so feel free to check it out after reading this article. For the newer XT500 build, PBM and their client settled on a very different stylistic approach, with the end goal being a capable, classic MX-inspired scrambler.

But first, the Aussies needed to make the old Yamaha roadworthy once again, as it had clearly seen better days and was in dire need of some TLC. After taking everything apart, Tom’s specialists kicked things off with a complete overhaul in the powertrain sector. The motorcycle’s single-cylinder mill gained a myriad of internal upgrades to help it reach its true potential.

These included larger valves, high-compression pistons, and an aftermarket camshaft, but one may also find a modern clutch replacing the stock unit. In addition, the cylinder head got ported and polished during the rebuild, while the engine’s exterior was scrubbed to a mirror finish. It now looks clean enough to have your lunch on, and some fresh breathing equipment also makes an appearance.

On the intake side of things, there is a Mikuni flat-slide carb topped with a DNA air filter. The new custom exhaust is even more enticing, employing a stainless-steel header complete with an FMF PowerBomb module. Ultimately, the pipework ends nice and high in a premium Staintune silencer. With the powertrain-related work taken care of, the next course on the menu was the XT500’s suspension package.

Unsurprisingly, the Purpose Built squad spared no expense here, installing the inverted WP forks of a KTM 250 SX at the front. These are complemented by adjustable YSS shock absorbers at the opposite end, longer than the stock modules to get the bike sitting just right. The aforementioned KTM also donated its front wheel hub and Brembo brake, but the front and rear rims are both Excel parts made of aluminum.

Their diameters measure 19 inches up north and 17 inches down south, with dual-purpose tires providing optimal grip both on and off the asphalt. In terms of bodywork, this scrambled XT features a mixed bag of stock, custom, and off-the-shelf paraphernalia. The factory side covers have been retained, but the gas tank was corroded beyond repair and had to be swapped with an aftermarket alternative.

At twelve o’clock, we’re greeted by a high-mounted aluminum fender built from scratch, sitting right below a snazzy headlight shroud. The latter houses a 4.5-inch LED headlamp from PBM’s own catalog of bolt-on goodies, flanked by small turn signals and auxiliary LEDs that act as daytime running lights. Handmade lower fork guards round out the creature’s attire at the front, and its rear end received just as much attention.

Timeless Auto Trim handled the seat fabrication, using gripper fabric like the one you’ll find on fully-fledged dirt bikes. A bespoke alloy fender can be seen behind the saddle, bearing multi-function LEDs and a compact license plate bracket. There is also a secondary inner mudguard, keeping road debris at bay without adding any visual clutter. Moreover, the side covers now conceal a tailor-made electronics box manufactured in-house.

Off-roading foot pegs and a small skid plate are present down low, but a lot has changed about the cockpit area, too. There we find a Renthal handlebar with billet aluminum switches and underslung mirrors, as well as a digital dial wired to PBMs proprietary Black Box controller. Of course, the closing act of this transformation had to do with the paint job.

The striking red, black, and white color scheme was penned by Purpose Built Moto and executed by Justin Holmes at PopBang Classics. Many areas were left unpainted and instead polished to a mirror finish, giving this custom beauty just the right amount of shine. Phil was understandably stoked with the result of PBM’s labor, even if he already knew they would deliver something amazing right from the get-go.