1978 Yamaha RD400

Description

Additional photos of this Yamaha RD400 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.

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: 1A1351113, Engine #: 1A1-351113. The seller is the original owner – he purchased it from Competition Accessories in Xenia, Ohio.

The odometer shows 7,513 miles.

The bike was in storage for 30 years, and in 2020 it was “completely restored mechanically so it rides like a new bike” by Dayton Performance Cycles with work which included the following:

Gas tank flushed and sealed.

Rebuilt both forks and new seals.

New brake calipers front and rear.

New battery and two new tires and tubes.

New points and condenser, carburetor synced, fresh engine oil, new fuel filter, air filter.

Seat reconditioned with new leatherette.

Cosmetic Blemishes:
The seller notes “minor glazing of the paint on the tank, small amount of pitting on chrome, two small scratches on the tank, and the side cover is missing a small piece of the decal.”

The sale includes three keys, the original owner’s manual, and a Haynes workshop manual.

Currently located in Dayton, Ohio, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Ohio title.

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