“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: 1A1-312893.
The odometer shows 8,819 miles.
In the seller’s words, “I bought it from a local guy who had just bought it from a guy who had his for many years – he was only interested in flipping it. He said the owner who had it for a long time took great care of it and had to sell needed to money but hated to let it go. I have had it for around 6 years and rode it as a weekend bike only. I also took it to two RD shows.”
“It has sat for around 3 1/2 years only being started a couple of times. 6 months ago a mobile mechanic came to my home and tuned it up with all my other bikes.” His other bikes included the 1-mile Daytona Special that was recently sold here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions, as well.
“It’s tight but time to let it go! As far as I know it’s never blown up or been molested. It has a couple of small chips in the tank and the sale includes the stock pipes!”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us rebuild the oil injection pump as it was leaking.
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 non-op registration.
Have any RD400 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
Additional Information
Location
Santa Monica, California
Year
1977
Make
Yamaha
Model
RD400
Mileage
8,819
VIN
1A1-312893
Title
Clean
Title State/Country
California
Private Party/Dealership
Private Party
Additional Charges
No
Total Bids Placed: 35
Auction has ended.
Highest bidder was: p********3
After the auction ended, the seller accepted an offer of $8,132 including buyer fees.
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.
