Description
2/10/23 Update: In the previous running video, a commenter noticed that the carbs were leaking. The seller had Steve fix the sticking floats and clean the jets. We have updated the running video to demonstrate that the bike is no longer leaking fuel.
Additional photos of this 1978 Yamaha RD400E 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: 1A1353192, Engine #: 1A1353192. The seller acquired the bike in 2020.
During his ownership, the seller estimates that he has covered less than 250 miles. However, there is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, this 1978 Yamaha RD400E was “fully refurbished by combining it with a rare race model TZ350 from Brazil. It has been carefully crafted into a Yamaha TZ GP replica.”
Moreover, he states that the “parallel twin was overhauled with new pistons, rings, and seals” and that the bike features an “entirely refinished wiring harness” with “all new MIL-DTL-26482 plugs and upgraded modern ignition components” — “fully electric ignition, no points.”
Finally, the seller reports that “the oil has been changed and the carbs have been adjusted and cleaned within the last 100 miles.” He also notes that the “fork oil and seals have been recently overhauled.”
Modifications:
TZ-replica bodywork “finished in white and red as a tribute to Yamaha’s 1960s GP race bikes.”
Frame modified with head tube gussets, fairing stay mounts, and gloss black powder-coating.
Wicked Motorsports dual exhaust system with TYGA mufflers.
Hand-built 18″ GP Akront alloy rims with Buchanan stainless steel spokes and original competition hubs “from the Brazil donor.”
35mm telescopic fork fitted with DG air valve top caps.
Öhlin’s competition shocks with twin preload and compression adjustable gas.
DG aluminum swingarm.
Woodcraft aluminum clip-on handlebars with Renthal grips.
267mm drilled brake rotors.
Mikuni flatslide carburetors.
Custom solo seat pad.
Koito Japanese headlight.
Custom taillight.
Gustafsson windscreen.
Relocated ignition switch.
Veglia Borletti 12k-rpm tachometer.
Stock autolube oil tank modified with a manual tap valve.
Not pictured: Peformance Dyna S ignition system by Vintage Smoke, Rick’s combined regulator/rectifier module.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Avon Roadrider tires with date codes of 3411 and 4111.
The sale includes two keys.
Extras:
Toolbox full of spares.
Spare and take-off parts.
Build book.
Original RD400 service manual.
Maintenance records and parts receipts.
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 registration current through February 2023.
Have any RD400E stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
2/10/23 Update: In the previous running video, a commenter noticed that the carbs were leaking. The seller had Steve fix the sticking floats and clean the jets. We have updated the running video to demonstrate that the bike is no longer leaking fuel.
