Like most Japanese marques, Yamaha have some truly lovely UJMs scattered throughout their back catalog. Today, we’re taking a look at two of them: an SR500 and an XS500, both from Uwe Kostrewa at Hombrese Bikes in Cologne, Germany.
Both Yamahas are quintessential Hombrese builds; Uwe’s taste skews towards scramblers and trackers, and his bikes always have a pared down but well finished vibe. Both of these are personal projects, and each has its own backstory.

The 1989-model SR500 is actually one of Uwe’s early projects, recently redone. He originally turned it into a cafe racer?but it got neglected, and eventually faded into the back of the Hombrese workshop. ?I didn’t ride it anymore,? Uwe confesses, ?but I didn’t want to sell it either, because it was my first build project.? ?After many years I thought that it was too nice to just stand around. I wanted to get it back on the streets, but not as a cafe racer, because my hands ?fall asleep? too quickly in that riding position.”

“As a big enduro, flat track and vintage fan, the desired direction was quickly determined: a mix.?
Uwe started with a few quick hits to sort out the stance and riding position. The SR500 got a set of custom-spec YSS shocks, new Wirth fork springs for the front, and a set of high and wide tracker handlebars. He also managed to source a drum brake hub for the front wheel, and laced up a pair of 18? rims with Continental TKC80 tires.

The original SR fu...