Cold Start Video:
Short Riding Video:
“Cool doesn’t even come close.” That’s how Visordown summarized the iconic RD400 in one sentence, but the longer story isn’t very complicated either. The RD400 came about when Yamaha made the RD350 a bit bigger in 1976 when the displacement was changed to 399cc. Thanks to the 44 horsepower, the bigger RD was capable of hitting the ton with a top speed of 105 miles per hour.
Most people know the RD400 simply for being an easier to ride upgrade over the 350, but it was also notable for being the first production motorcycle to feature cast wheels as the standard option. The RD400 motor was more than a bored out 350 engine; Yamaha increased the stroke and in doing so they had to build new crankcases as well. The bike weighed about 350 pounds, and it was the most popular two-stroke sportbike of its day.
This example is VIN: 1A1314746.
The odometer shows 21,692 miles.
“I received this motorcycle from my dad’s estate. He had this motorcycle for as long as I can remember. It was one of my dad’s favorites and due to that he babied it. However he did ride it a lot. It was always kept in the garage in his ownership. The only miles I put on the bike are test rides as I was restoring the bike and what you see in the videos. My dad being the second owner had put around 20k miles on it due to family photos showing the odometer at 1,716. The engine did have a full rebuild back in 2014 however I can not find the receipts for the parts. The gear oil has also been replaced with a Lucas full synthetic of the correct weight. I also have receipts for all items replaced on the bike.”
Maintenance:
“A full restoration/refresh was done. The engine had its gearbox oil drained and inspected. With the oil drained, the crankcase and the gearbox were inspected with a borescope for damage. Nothing was found so I settled on just adding new rings. The bike as a whole had many parts sent to be professionally powder-coated. The frame was not powder-coated in order to keep the original Yamaha VIN sticker. The carbs and oil pump were removed, cleaned, and rebuilt with new seals and gaskets. All hoses were replaced including oil lines and fuel lines. The bike also received brand new Bridgestone tires in the front and rear. The battery was also replaced along with the chain. Braking systems were all flushed and rebuilt with new seals. The only items that were not touched are the paint, harness, frame, and chrome.”
Modifications:
“Intake was upgraded to a K&N pod filter, brand new reproduction mirrors, cafe style handlebars, tires, and a HVC Cycle kickstand relocation kit so expansion chambers can be fitted.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone BT46 tires with date codes of 4724 and 0225.
The sale includes 1 ignition key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Scratches/paint wear on both sides of the engine covers. A ding and some small scratches on the front fender. Blemish on the top of the right exhaust. Paint damage on the right of the gas tank. Rust pitting on the rear fender and some around the versus parts of the frame. Scuff on the top of the rear tail light. The factory center stand is also not included with the bike.”
Currently located in Tracy, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title with registration current through May 2026.
Have any RD400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
