Yamaha XT500 Scrambler | Purpose Built Moto

Today, we're sharing a project that's close to home: turning an old farm XT500 into a custom MX inspired scrambler.
Phil's last visit and his intrigue with our DT400 Scrambler set the wheels in motion for this project. Focusing on a single XT500, we began a comprehensive build, combining classic and modern elements to create something unique.
Project Highlights:
- Detailed engine rebuild with performance upgrades
- Crafting a custom exhaust and fine-tuning the aesthetics
- Upgrading wheels and suspension for a modern ride
- Handmade fenders and headlight shroud for a personalized touch
- Painting in the iconic Yamaha colours to honor its legacy
Join us as we take this XT500 from barn to built.
Big shout out to our sponsors:
‪@Motul‬ @linkinternational
Check out the release on ‪@Pipeburn‬
purposebuiltmoto.com/blogs/ne...

[@chazlyle41]

I hate that I saw this scrolling and actually tricked myself into being super hopeful that Yamaha was releasing a brand new XT500 for a moment!

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

We can only hope Yamaha will take note!

[@Mika-vs6cr]

The brand mash has released a motorcycle thats basicly an XT 500 with an 650 engine.

[@Senna-xi1gr]

Oh me too. 🙏😀

[@dakotahayden6937]

Yep, me too.

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Me too 😂

[@rumo201]

Very cool! No ABS. No watercooling. No E-Gimmicks. No Keyless-Go. No E-Starter. Only riding. One for me please. Or two 😊

[@rsmith7430]

That is the best modified XT500 I have ever seen, awesome bike.

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

Wow, thanks!

[@Speedytrip]

What a beautiful, tasteful resto mod.

[@haydnnelson1271]

Great job - a classic resurrected.

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

That’s what we aim for, thanks Hayden

[@ericweber1969]

Outstanding build. I’ll never understand why Yamaha didn’t resurrect this instead of the SR400. While I love the SR, the XT would have been a huge success.

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

You and me both mate!

[@Wugawamp]

Regardless of some opinions I have seen here, there is a reason these guys rebuilt this bike. It's a passion. They had a vision for their rebuild and made it happen. Nothing wrong with that. I think this bike is totally sweet. Nice job!

[@ianstewartbrown5308]

Always loved the XT500, that one is superb

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

they're a crowd favourite for a reason

[@sonnycaplar1661]

My first job out of high school I bought the xt500 to go the next town to apprentice as an automotive machinist I loved that bike and you guys did a fantastic job with the xt . Currently I have the xr650l.

[@virongreene5146]

Hello from Alabama USA. I have to say, that is the sweetest XT 500 I've seen in a long time. Great work!

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

Thanks Mate! we've got a few more of these bikes in the works, so subscribe to the channel and keep an eye out for those!

[@andrewrowe5668]

An absolute top job on a real classic! Loved my old XT, lots of great memories!

[@gelnat7100]

Me too. I still have my XT500D but it hasn't run in years. Had a LOT of fun with that bike when I was a young man.

[@andrewrowe5668]

Hi hope you can restore your XT? Definitely bring a huge smile on your dial!

[@thomasbrauner5463]

That what I call a GEM. Well thought through. Thanks for sharing 👌

[@atolfree]

So nice ! The sound of that Staintune!

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

Hell yeah 🎉

[@geoffcarter8]

Absolutely gorgeous XT500! Well done guys!

[@Wolfie387]

My favourite bike..I owned an XT 500 in 1978. Even now, I loved that bike more than another in my 50 yrs of riding a vast array of bikes. Great video.

[@mirandahotspring4019]

I loved my XT 500, favourite bike I ever owned! I wish Yamaha would make them again.

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

They won't because they last too long!

[@mirandahotspring4019]

@@dr.emilschaffhausen4683 Good point!

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

We can only hope! I hear suzuki is doing a similar big single again soon.

[@rotaxtwin]

Well then... you really did that old girl justice. Probably the most tasteful assortment of modifications possible.

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

Make sure you check out our other scrambler builds

[@kingcrust]

Imagine yamha came with this, and 6 speed gearbox. Probably will be best selling bike of the decade.

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

I saw something the other day about suzuki doing a very retro styled 650 single

[@norbertpecheq3427]

I really like this bike !! Looks awesome ,because is not completely black as is usuall today..Only one thing I´d change is this LED front light...Rest is great ,good job boys !!

[@tazyt3388]

turned our really good guys such a great bike my moded 91 xt 250 is just a fun thing too cant beat old yammys goodonya cheers

[@quailhunt1964]

Man, that's awesome all around! Best sound ever!!!!!

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

Thumper by name, thumper by nature

[@bxl1121]

Another great build.

[@markdelichte5401]

Thanks for sharing this video great job. Beautiful motorcycle

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@danrcoker]

love it... great job.. reminds me so much of the my younger days,, would love to own it..

[@deepbludude4697]

Sweet!

[@lowellcalavera6045]

Loved (and still love) these bikes. My 76’ was my only transportation for nearly a year back in the 70s’, rain or shine, but it sure beat riding the bus. A lot of fun to ride.

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

I'll second that, more motorcycles less busses

[@user-lp9vl4bo3c]

Awesome, wish Yamaha would bring that model back.

[@qtrhors1]

Loved those. I bought a 1980 XT250 brand new. Always wanted to trade for the XT500 when it came out.

[@rnginu59]

Great looking bike!

[@moto3463]

Beautiful, Yamaha always shines.

[@richardwalker4518]

Fantastic job on one of the best bikes from the old school, great to see it mate!

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@user-px3kq3sh3o]

Excellent job…bravo!!!

[@thepope9794]

I used to own that bike. Best one hands down I've owned, and I've had many. Was bulletproof.

[@brentcomstock7915]

Awesome build!!! My first big thumper was a 1977 xt500 slightly modded for the time around 1983.

[@williamclarke2020]

Analog all the way baby! I want that bike. Perfect. Great job guys.

[@markothwriter]

that's cool. love the vibe. I'm droooling

[@Steve-motorcycles]

I’m from South east England. Just had to add what a brilliant, great looking bike. Love the XT500

[@ronaldrussell5481]

That was the first motorcycle I bought, a new '76 XT500. Traded it for an XS500 road bike and eventually had two more TT500's that I raced. They were(are) very good and fun bikes!

[@ranchodeluxe1]

I love it. The local car show here in SD had a very trick one just a few weeks ago. Dude made his own billet cylinder.

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

That’s pretty epic stuff

[@milnerontheroad57]

The bike looks brilliant. Back in the day I had TT 600 so I love the big ol thumpers. Great show by the way.

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

Thanks Mike, make sure you check out our other videos

[@stigweird3155]

What a beautiful thing to do for a beautiful classic bike 👍

[@guesshoo703]

fantastic hit for yamaha if they could copy this fine example

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

@yamahamotorco. give me a call!

[@paulwhittaker606]

Beautiful

[@aabe4327]

Your audio is all in the right channel. better to put it center if your source is mono. Wonderfull bike you got there.

[@yahoodlums]

The yellow XT in the background looks 🔥

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

Had its first start today. You’ll see that on the channel soon

[@Donnyboyjr]

Looks so damn good!

[@tranceending5914]

Looks great 👍

[@deanwaring6100]

Nice work 👍🏻👍🏻

[@oakdalegirl57]

Nice job guys!!

[@Bill-xx2yh]

NICE SOUND.

[@zeepro_tv]

My right ear really loved this video

[@robskully3539]

OMG … That bike looks freaking AWESOME 👍🏻👍🏻

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

We’ve got a couple more on the way too

[@fredtedstedman]

Such a handsome bike !

[@10ring60-bp5ml]

I dont think you forgot any thing, Damn nice

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@BudFox559]

Very nice, Excellent work, it looks great

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

appreciate you watching!

[@kymmarshall1116]

Tom I just love the build mate. When I was younger the XT500 was on my list but didn’t get to own one. I had a Honda 500 and it was okay but the Yammie was the bike that I really liked. Good stuff mate 👍🏾

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

Right on Kim! We have an XL500 in progress at the moment Make sure you keep an eye out for that o e

[@10ring60-bp5ml]

one of a kind is an understatement

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Excellent job guys, it looks great 👍

[@RealHooksy]

Nice bike 😎

[@user-rb1yf4he9q]

Have always liked the scrambler style of bikes. Dad had an XT 500 as a kid. Almost broke my leg trying to kick start it! A 500 2stroke is a wicked bike to kick start!

[@xzqzq]

Hence the compression release.

[@user-rb1yf4he9q]

@@xzqzq Yep, but you miss that little red dot by a bit, and you get launched into orbit! But damn , if you do get it, what a monster!!!🤣

[@xzqzq]

I used to go ' super bike ' hunting on Mount Tam, north of SF, with my SR 500. A guy on the latest super-bike, in expensive leathers, and I would just about ride up their tailpipe on the mountain road...on my little 500 single...

[@campo2309]

Nice

[@boboneleg]

That is a truly great looking bike .

[@baumie4618]

Very VERY nice! 👌❤️

[@lucapizzamano9285]

Bellissima!!!!! Bravo!!

[@paulwhittaker606]

Love it

[@beijingpete]

Nice sound

[@onanysundrymule3144]

I had one of these from brand new in 1980, it was ace and I loved it. It cost........... £999 on the road. Around about the same time I bought a brand new Kett waxed cotton motorcycle jacket, that cost me £29.99. I still have the jacket, and it only just fits now, wish I still had the XT too!....... but I've got an XF 650 now (well, for 25 years in fact), so the thumper itch is still catered for.

[@jammiefortier1480]

that's some solid looking riding gear you're wearing boyo!

[@iankerr6884]

I want one! I had one of these in 88. It bit me a few times but best memories. Can’t believe the price of these today.

[@tracythorleifson4108]

Dang. That’s way prettier than my old XT ever was! 😃

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

Pretty is nice, but not necessary on a battle axe like the XT500

[@DA-pj3or]

Great looking bike! I like the look a lot. Back in the late 80's I owned a 82 XT550 of all the bikes I've owned over the years street and dirt that was the most fun bike to ride. It's funny you mentioned thumper because I had a personal plate on mine that said thumper. 😂 I could count on that bike to get me anywhere I wanted to go. That's saying a lot since I live in Washington state USA in the PNW I would ride that bike around mount Rainer all the time.

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

If been to mount Reiner it’s a beautiful part of the world

[@DA-pj3or]

I'm less than a 40 min ride to the gate! It's so much fun to ride up there and explore all the service roads.

[@johndocbikerestorations831]

Nice job there man, really like what you have done with it . I built a fairly standard XT500 but may revisit it with some custom ideas. In the UK, so your not local for a visit!!

[@andrewmillard5326]

This is the best XT 500 that I've ever seen well done you guys 😂

[@tamc1766]

Mega Tidy Mods !!! I'm 60 from Scotland ! Grew up with XT s Nice Bike Man ! sorted !

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

If you stick your head out the window you might hear it thumping from Australia. Thanks mate 👍🏼

[@Senna-xi1gr]

Love it 💥💪🏼👍🏆

[@schwedr]

Really nice work 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@mancavecustoms13]

Cool build and great video. Can't say i enjoy the sound. Sounds like it's stereo, targeting one side. Change the sound to mono, so it uses both speakers for the voice.

[@user-mn7vh9pv9s]

Awesome 🥰👍🇬🇧😊👍

[@airadaimagery692]

Sweet

[@allandrennan4916]

Nice.

[@Paiadakine]

Nice style

[@frankmlchaelglasscock6539]

that bike is the bee's knees 👌💯💯👍

[@danmorgan8604]

Super sweet. I like the KTM forks the best. I still have my 1977 XT I bought in high school! It would be 100% better with those forks 😊

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

Tuned by the best at Costanzo racing this bike feels great

[@xzqzq]

The Yamaha 500 ' Thumper ' is an excellent motor....only 29 BHP, but good torque. Had one in my SR 500.

[@dirkpollmanns5905]

Im in love. In the 80 th i drive a xt 500. i hate me that i sold the bike. I would buy this one at once

[@louis__bm]

Hey mate, great video, but is it possible that you exported it in mono, not stereo? Only my right speaker is playing the sound. double checked it with other videos, it´s just this video. Cheers

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

I’ll check that out Thanks for letting me know

[@broncoridesagain3176]

Yep happened for me on my tv too, was ok on mobile but still off. Amazing build.

[@geoffgreenleaf]

Great to see you using Staintune. They make Klr’s roar.

[@bennyfisher4415]

Beautiful bike! I would definitely make an adventure bike out of this one.

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

Any bike can be an adventure bike depending on where you take it!

[@bennyfisher4415]

@@PurposeBuiltMoto Yes this is true. Mine have to be capable of extreme off-road. I had one of these back in the day. It saw more dirt than highway. I hated riding on the highway. Still do to this day. 😂

[@michaelstrauss6587]

sweet

[@pabs8345]

I have an xt500, sr500, xt250 and a tdr250. Yamaha's finest.

[@peterzangerl7927]

What a bauty 😍

[@rickydlayaute5387]

Whaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!! 🤩 👍😎🇫🇷🏁

[@felipem1959]

my right ear rly liked this vid

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

Dude! I’m not happy seeing this beautiful machine is not being offered by Yamaha .

[@hawktuner11]

Now that's a Thumper!

[@wuttmodel3232]

XT500 i liked❤❤❤❤❤

[@edge6715]

Extremely low volume on video so had to use subtitles ! Great video and awesome bike/build. 😎👍

[@charliecoutts3003]

You fellas are geniuses! I'm old so remember when a friend of mine bought an XT when they first came out '78/'79? Please one request though, please wear proper kit when out riding mate....just concerned 👍.

[@MrCrispyduck]

I'm drooling right now 🌹😵

[@PurposeBuiltMoto]

Make sure you subscribe we’ve got 2 more vintage MX bikes like this coming out very soon!

[@jaywinters2483]

This reminds me of Honda's Trail 125. Had Yamaha had enough wisdom, they would make this & it would sell like crazy in US.

[@SlamNFunc]

Sorry to ask but can you check your audio mix with headphones if your not already, this one was panned hard right at the beginning (I didn’t check the whole thing with headphones) and I couldn’t listen to it until I put it on something that could go through speakers?