Inheriting a project bike from another workshop is a huge gamble. There could be parts missing, the engine could be shot, or the title might not be kosher. Yet, bargains can be had if you know what you?re looking at?and if you have the skills, equipment, and time.
That’s how Purpose Built Moto in Gold Coast, Australia inherited this 1976 Yamaha XT500. An existing customer and friend of the shop, Clint, brought the thumper to them because of the extensive custom work required to resurrect it. The previous shop had bitten off more than they could chew?but this wasn’t an issue for Tom Gilroy and the PBM team.

?Clint knew about the standard of our work, due to his Purpose Built Moto Yamaha DT400,? explains Tom. ?Clint?s DT400 was the build that started us down the road of developing our own vintage motocross-inspired scrambler style and applying it to a number of custom bikes.? With the client on board and the vision set, the crew tore into the bike like a drop bear on a tourist. The first challenge was to modernize the suspension and improve the stance.

The front end from a Kawasaki KX450F was grafted onto the Yammie frame. The forks were re-valved and lowered by Costanzo Racing Tuned, while a pair of lengthened YSS shocks were bolted onto the back end. The dirt-friendly 21F/18R Excel wheelset is new, as are the handmade alloy lower fork shrouds and engine bash plate.
The bodywork is a collection of handmade and new parts. The headlight shroud and front fende...