1979 Yamaha RD400F Daytona Special

Description

The last in the long line of Yamaha’s RD series, the RD400F (also known as the Daytona Special) is considered by many to be the best of the model line.

The press went nuts for it – Cycle magazine called it “Dennis the Menace on Yokohama tires, and is the most fun street motorcycle currently available for sale.”

Compared to the RD350, the extra 50cc brought a lot more civility. The engine was more flexible, though you could still easily wheelie the bike in 2nd gear. It was the perfect example of how the RD series had evolved from a hooligan’s toy into a more refined, but still enjoyable, sport bike.

This example is VIN: 2V0001742. The seller purchased the bike through an Iconic auction in June 2021.

The odometer shows 8,108 miles.

Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us replace the battery, replace the brake fluid, and rebuild the rear brake master. We also cleaned, lubed, and adjusted the drive chain, replaced the transmission oil, and cleaned the gas tank and petcock.

Our service department notes the following on their condition report:

Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Transmission Oil Level: Ok
Transmission Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: Ok
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, < 1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, < 1.5% Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Cable Clutch
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 35%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 20%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 10/19
Tire Date Code Rear: 10/19
Tire % Remaining Front: 99%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 99%
Tire Press. Front: 33 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 33 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.75V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.30V
Running Condition: Ok, runs on bench
Test Ride Completed: Yes, unit operates as designed
Test Ride Distance: 2 miles

Notes:
*Aftermarket exhaust
*Braided brake lines

Modifications:
Steel braided brake lines.

Aftermarket exhaust.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on IRC Grand High Speed GS-11 tires with date codes of 1019 and 1019.

The sale includes one key.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Currently located in Panorama City, California, this Yamaha is offered on a clean Florida title. Have any RD400F Daytona Special stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!