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 breed.
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: 2V0004052, Engine #: 2V0-004052. The seller acquired it three years ago from a Mecum auction.
During his ownership, the seller has covered roughly 400 miles. The odometer shows 7,213 miles.
“I bought the bike at the auction with my dad in Las Vegas. A year later my son was diagnosed with Autism. My focus now is him. I wish I had more time to fix the bike but I don’t.” The seller sent the bike to Iconic for us to make it a runner before auctioning it off.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, change the transmission oil, clean/lube/adjust the chain, flush the hydraulic fluids, replace the front brake switch, replace the headlght unit, install an upgraded H4 unit and a missing nylon headlight adjuster nut, replace the front brake pads, rebuild the rear brake caliper, replace the rear brake pads, repair the positive battery terminal wiring, install the horn, and install a missing inner tube in the front tire.
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: 1/2 Full
Coolant Level: N/A, Air Cooled
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: 100%, New
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 100%, New
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 10/21
Tire Date Code Rear: 26/20
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 36 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 38 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.4V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.60V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench, Runs Well on Test Ride
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 1.9 Miles
Notes:
-Aftermarket pipes
-Big Carbs
-K&N Air filter system
-Tires aged
-Short tight spot in chain
RECOMMENDED SERVICES:
-Replace tires(aged)
Modifications:
The Mecum auction that the seller bought the bike from notes a 410cc big bore kit, hardened and stuffed crank, milled and split head, 34mm carbs, and “$4,500 in parts and labor done by Spec II.”
Aftermarket exhaust.
Aftermarket rearsets.
One mirror has been removed.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Pirelli Sport Demon tires with date codes of 2620 and 1021.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Yamaha is offered on a clean New Jersey title. Have any RD400F Daytona Special stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
