“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.
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: 1A1-301537, Engine #: 1A1-301537.
The seller acquired it two months ago from a collector who sold it to help fund the restoration of a 1940’s Indian. Since then he’s covered less than 10 miles. There is no odometer – true mileage is unknown.
“I bought this with the intention of making a Kenny Roberts tribute, but I just have too many other projects and I’m moving out of the country in a few months. It was professionally built by a shop in Michigan, and I’m the second owner since then. It was very well built as you’ll see in the pictures; this isn’t some botched together café racer.” With lower fairings. Without lower fairings.
“Neither I nor the previous owner have ridden it much more than a few miles each. It starts very easily and has always used ethanol-free gas, and there’s no rust in the tank.” The seller recently “cleaned and rebuilt the carbs, installed new jets and needles, rebuilt the autolube pump, and replaced the head gaskets.”
“The tires are vintage, so I’d recommend replacing them if you intend on riding it longer distances.”
“This would make a great vintage race bike, it’s got an Airtech fairing and a Vesco tail piece, as well as clip-ons, rearsets, upgraded shocks, and aftermarket exhausts (not sure the brand).”
“Alternatively, you could add a speedometer (the speedo unit is still on the front axle) and some signals and have a nice and surprisingly comfortable road racer. The headlight is controlled by a toggle switch and the brake light works with both the front and rear brakes.”
Modifications:
In addition to the modifications listed above, this has a custom paint job.
Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller notes “several small paint blemishes that come with age, some very minimal oxidation on the rearsets, footpeg rubber has some chips, a small portion of the tail piece fiberglass is coming delaminated above the taillight.”
Currently located at in Shaker Heights, Ohio, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Ohio title. Have any RD400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
Continental US: Haul Bikes will ship anything sold through Iconic for a starting rate of $750 in the Continental US (prices may increase in rural markets), and Iconic will handle the paperwork on your behalf. You do not need to crate your bike or drain the gas/disconnect the battery if you go with Haul Bikes. We are glad to work with the shipper of your choice as well, but you will have to arrange it.
Please note:
spares/extras will have to be shipped separately via FedEx or similar.
the fee includes $15,000 of insurance with a $500 deductible. Additional insurance can be purchased at a cost of $50 per additional $5,000 of value.
$5,000 for US to Europe/Asia is a VERY ROUGH ballpark which includes transport as well as customs fees and duties. Please contact Shippio for an exact quote.
