Please Note: The bike is currently in dry storage, the seller is unable to provide a cold start video.
The last in the long line of Yamaha’s RD series, the RD400F (also known as the Daytona Special) is considered by many to be the best of the breed.
The press went nuts for it – Cycle magazine called it “Dennis the Menace on Yokohama tires, and is the most fun street motorcycle currently available for sale.”
Compared to the RD350, the extra 50cc brought a lot more civility. The engine was more flexible, though you could still easily wheelie the bike in 2nd gear. It was the perfect example of how the RD series had evolved from a hooligan’s toy into a more refined, but still enjoyable, sport bike.
This example is VIN: 2V0003776, Engine #: 2V0-003776. The seller acquired it 13 years ago from a private party in La Verne, California.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 500 miles after a restoration. The odometer shows 8,047 miles.
“Unfortunately the time has come to part with one of my favorite bikes in my collection. Has been in dry storage for just about 2 years (pistons cylinders coated in oil, fuel removed and drained, no battery). Unfortunately tach needle broken and needs to be rebuilt (speedo works fine). Have receipts, photos, documentation of rebuild. Many components come with sale (old parts, spares, etc.)”
Maintenance:
“Restored 12 years ago ground up. Frame, swing arm, side stand, triple trees, etc were sand blasted and professionally powder coated to match factory paint but be more durable. Front and rear calipers rebuilt with stainless steel pistons, new seals, new dust seals, new lines (stock look). Front and rear master cylinders rebuilt with new seals and painted. Painted like stock with red stripes and white pearlescent, cleared over decals. Forks rebuilt with new seals, fork tubes resurfaced and fork legs bead blasted and rebrushed and cleared. Carbs were rebuilt with new brass, gaskets, etc. K&N air filter, OEM box. OEM exhaust, with rewrapped baffles. Top end was rebuilt. Bored and honed 1 over, Pro-X pistons, wrist pins. Head bead blasted, flattened. Oil pump rebuilt with all new seals and calibrated. OEM reeds, Banshee intake boots with boost tube. Broken in properly and only 400 miles on rebuild. Would recommend a carb clean and sync to run. There are many other things done that I am missing.”
Mechanical Issues:
“Tachometer needle is broken and needs repair. Currently in a dry storage with fuel drained, cylinders lubricated with Motul synthetic 2T oil, no battery. Carbs will need to cleaned prior to running.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Barracuda tires that have aged out with date codes of 2902 and 4002.
The sale includes 1 ignition key, and many spare OEM parts.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
is a selection:
Currently located in Chino Hills, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title on Planned Non-Operational registration. Have any RD400F Daytona Special stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
