1976 Yamaha RD400

Description

The seller has also provided a walkaround video:

Additional photos are available here for your perusal.

“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 – displacement was 399cc.Thanks to 44 horsepower, the bigger RD was capable of hitting the ton with a top speed of 105 miles per hour. Keeping the bike in check was a set of disc brakes — both front and rear.

Most people know the 400 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 standard. The 400 motor was more than a bored out 350 unit – 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: 1A1016723. The seller acquired the bike 30 years ago; he is the third owner.

During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 500 miles. The odometer shows 12,369 miles.

Maintenance:
The seller reports that he “kept it in dry storage for 25-years before I began the re-animation.” Afterwards, “a thorough mechanical inspection and refresh was performed. Both front and rear disc brake master cylinders and calipers were rebuilt. The carburetors were cleaned and rebuilt. Many, many hours were spent meticulously detailing the bike. The engine side covers and cylinders re-finished with the correct matte-black, high-heat paint.” Finally, he had a “NOS seat cover professionally installed along with a NOS front fender.”

Modifications:
DG Expansion Chambers. The seller states that the stock Mikuni carbs were re-jetted and tuned to match.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Metzeler ME33 Laser tires that have aged out. The seller notes that “they are cosmetically great-looking but they are ancient! I’ve ridden on them carefully for several hundred miles with no issues. They are perfect for a static display but should be replaced it you plan to ride it regularly.”

The sale includes the stock exhaust.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Per the seller, “the paint is 100% original with the exception of the engine side covers and cylinders. There are a very few small blemishes on the tank that are shown in the detailed pictures. No other cosmetic issues. The front fender was scratched when I bought the bike. At the time, I bobbed the fender and had it painted to match the orange tank and side covers. I’ve just replaced that fender with a NOS Yamaha branded front fender which is flawless.”

Currently located  in Tigard, Oregon, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Oregon title.

Have any RD400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!