Description
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. The 400 motor boasted the same bore as the 350; however, Yamaha increased the stroke, and thereby had to build new crankcases as well. Thanks to some 44 horses on tap, 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 bike weighed about 350 pounds, and it was the most popular two-stroke sportbike of its day.
This example is VIN: 1A1306602. The seller acquired the bike through an Iconic Motorbikes auction.
The odometer shows 9,675 miles.
Maintenance:
The previous owner purchased it in 2017, but the bike didn’t meet his standards at that time so he gave it a “nut and bolt restoration”. His goal was to keep the cosmetics stock but to work the motor so that it would better suited for street duty. He sent the head and barrels to Scott Clough for a Stage 1 tune focused on improved mid range power. Other highlights of the work include a rebuilt crank with new bearings and rods, rebuilt oil pump, and a new coat of Chappy Red paint. Several photos in the album from the previous listing show the restoration process.
In June of 2020, the seller suspected the motor was having an issue so he had us take it apart. We found that the right cylinder was scored and the piston was damaged. We had L.A. Sleeve sleeve the block and then we installed a new piston, top end gasket kit, bearings, and Boysen reeds. We also rebuilt the rear brake caliper and installed new Bridgestone BT46 tires.
In preparation for the listing, the seller had our service department flush the brake fluid and perform a safety inspection. They note the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Tire Year Front/ Rear: 4120/0420
Tire % Front/ Rear: 90/90
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 32/34
Brake % Front/ Rear : 10/30
Front hydraulic fluid: NEW
Rear Hydraulic Fluid: NEW
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid: CABLE
Oil: TRANS OK, INJECTION OK
Coolant: AIR
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: OK
Turn: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: OK
Plate Light: OK
Kill: OK
Horn: OK
Fork: OK
Shock/s: OK
Final Drive: OK
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.3
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.10
Notes:
• GREAT RUNNING BIKE
Modifications:
Stage 1 tune.
Repainted bodywork.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires with date codes of 0420 and 4120
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Yamaha is offered on a clean California title with current Planned Non-Operation (PNO) registration.
Have any RD400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
