Yamaha RD400 Restoration

[tomas_imp]

I love these RD400's. I guy I knew had a orange RD350, I tried for years to buy it from him. He wouldn't sell, and haven't heard from him in awhile now. These and any Kawasaki 2-stroke street bikes I.d like to get my hands on. Good restore job, you did it right. Sure brings back memories.

[Scoobynut_imp]

Thanks, Tomas, I appreciate it.

I rode the bike for the first time a few days ago. It really flies in the lower gears to the extent that I really have to try and behave myself around town for license preservation purposes! It's so fun to hear the growl and ring-dinging of the motor as you go through the gears. The suspension is pretty cushy and supple, but also shows just how far suspension has come in the last 4 decades since this bike was built. But with the short wheelbase and well designed frame the turn-in is very sharp and the handling is fun despite the shortcomings of the forks and shocks. You do have to adjust your expectations and mindset to get full enjoyment from these vintages machines, but if you're willing to do so they are great fun, at least I'm having a lot of fun with it so far.

[hondahoarder_imp]

I guess I get to join your ranks!! Going to pick up this beauty this weekend.

[url=http://s413.photobucket.com/user/Mstarvideo/media/Our%20Vintage%20Bike%20Collection/11060293_784397991635913_7489059862657163243_n_zpsyyitnb9s.jpg.html][/align]

[the Ferret]

Where do you find these gems YamahaHoarderToo?

[hondahoarder_imp]

Travel five states live out of hotels and just to much time on forums and craigslist. Deb helps also!

[ChipBeck_imp]

I want!!!!!

Chip

[Elipten_imp]

I don't think my bikes looked that good when I bought them new!


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[JustPassinThru_imp]

Memories. My first cycle was a 1972 R5C; which became the RD350 the next year. And so on...the one I had was pretty beat up when I bought it, 1985...it had gone through the hands of a Polish immigrant, and then his kid; and his kid had left home and bought a car. To both of them, a motorcycle was something you owned when you couldn't afford a car. Which of course is how it was in the Old Country.

Anyway...I bought that one for $150 in 1985 money. It ran; but not overly well...prone to overheating and the throttle slides would stick open on occasion. There were neither double-cabled throttles required back then - or kill switches. So I had a few wild moments.

I found out what a new Y cable would cost, the throttle cable that would branch out to the two carbs and sliders...and said, helwifit and bought a "new" bike. A 1981 SR 500; still new and unsold in 1986.

Both of those machines were UJB chassis; but more unlike machines from the same manufacturer, ever were. The thumper versus the high-revving smoker.

Nice work. Just watch those sticking sliders!

[hondahoarder_imp]

Deb and I grew up riding bikes, but never went down the two stroke road back in the day always road 4 strokes. When we started collecting we picked up a 1969 125 twin YAS1C and fell in love with two strokes, then picked up a 1972 DS7 (one year only bike pre-RD), and now the RD400. Very pleased with our two stroke finds, and having so much fun with them.

[url=http://s413.photobucket.com/user/Mstarvideo/media/Our%20Vintage%20Bike%20Collection/1969YAS1C_zps535146c5.jpg.html]

[url=http://s413.photobucket.com/user/Mstarvideo/media/Our%20Vintage%20Bike%20Collection/Theds7library_zps630d3811.jpg.html]

[url=http://s413.photobucket.com/user/Mstarvideo/media/Our%20Vintage%20Bike%20Collection/11060293_784397991635913_7489059862657163243_n_zpsyyitnb9s.jpg.html]

[Scoobynut_imp]

Wow, just like mine! Same year and color even. Nice find, Hoarder.