Just picked up a "basket case" D model. (RD400D, the 77 year model.) Only my second D model. But, I've has ALL the other models, including the grandpa R5. Had the crank bearings go out, so while that crank was being rebuilt, ran the R5 crank and cylinders. The flywheel plates are smaller than the 400 plates. Injector oil would puddle there, if I wasn't on it. But, when I did get on her, all that oil was sucked into the head, all you could see behind me, was a LOT of blue smoke! My Daytona Special had an RZ350 engine in it. I know, don't do that to a Daytona! Put the engine, radiator, and the whole front end. (Forks, wheel, and the lot.) Twin front discs on an RD, just amazing! steve
Yeah i have a buell xb12 right now, its fun and handles amazing...but i just miss the 2 strokes like i grew up on in motocross lol. Are the brakes decent enough?
Michael Peretto, I bet the Buell is a lot of fun too! The brakes on the RD are okay. I’m running drilled disks, Magura Master, and Vesrah pads to help.
Had a 77 Red, 78 silver and a 79 Daytona which I still have. Buddy that had a 750 Honda sold it and bought one as he couldn't keep up with me except on a straight road. Still couldn't keep up with me but he was a lot closer. It's more fun to ride a slow bike full out than a fast bike slow. Nothing better from 76 to 80.
That was so much fun. Would like to have seen a view from trackside as well just to see how far over you were in the corners. It looked pretty close to the ragged edge. Thanks for taking us along. I built a yamaha tr3 replica from an rd350 for street use but often wonder what it would do on a track. After this video I'm thinking I should get my butt out to mosport pk for a track day. Thx. J.
yup that was the sound of me being late for jr. college in 1983...on my 77' RD 400 (my friends called it "rapid death 400) and I smoked VF 750 on a every Friday!
5:00 the dicing begins (I won't ruin it for you) Very enjoyable. The engine doesn't scream like the LC, I prefer the 400 power delivery and extra torque.
i started out on a rd 200 went to a rd 400 silver and blue then at 18 kenny roberts special rd 400 bad ass! GIVE ANYTHING TO HAVE THEM BACK! THE ORIGINAL CROTCH ROCKETS!
I miss my RD250. Had it beefed up, and that thing would run. Was hard to find anyone to run with me from stop light to stop light on the main drag in town. Took a KZ900 to beat me.
i like the spare key on the key ring. Ha! I had a 1974 RD-350 and and 1977 RD-400 (Red) that were loves of my life at 18 y.o. All it took was a ride on the back of an RD-400 Daytona Special to make me lust for my own.
In the early 80s I had a RD 400 what a bike it was I had to watch sometimes because the front used to come up in the air. At the time I put some Micron exhausts on it you could hear from miles away. They were fun but the brakes wasn't up to much but I suppose that was 70s technology.
So much fun and yes, the brakes aren’t as good as modern superbikes but I’ve had good luck with steel lines, freshly rebuilt calipers, and Vesrah pads.
@@TheDustinlangston yes they are fun, did you do a twin disc set up for the front. I expect you would using on the track. Some of the chrome parts would rust especially the front mudguard, at the time I replaced the reed valves with race one to give more air into the intake. In the end the crankshaft oil seal failed and was knocking out one of cylinder's with oil that was the last time I could ride it. I left in the shed for a while before I sold the remains of it. Safe riding 👍.
@@mavericktriple9488 no, I’m running the single disk. I don’t track it much. It mainly sits in my office window. I’ll take her back to the track next year and get some new footage :)
@@TheDustinlangstonyou still got the single disc, I suppose it cuts down on weight if you are racing. No the weather isn't good now wait until the weather gets better next year. I've taken mine off the road, I don't really want to it a financial factor at the moment, I've got to get a new back tyre and Mot the tyre is close to £200. I enjoy every minute riding bikes, no words can describe But you know exactly what I mean by saying That. Have a good season next year or when you ride again 👍.
great vid where did you get or make the spring pre load adjusters on the forks? also what tires you running? I've got a set of Morris Mag wheels and building a crazy Rd would love some input!
Hi! Seeking a new daily rider, and have always loved the looks of the RD/RZ and the 2 stroke soundtrack. My knowledge of them is very limited though! Are these reliable enough to use daily, and even take on some longer multi day freeway trips? How’s the handling in stock form? A lot of older bikes I’ve ridden tend to feel very shaky in the front end. No clue if I’m unlucky, and end up on bikes with bad head bearings, or what? Are these stable machines? Apologies for the million questions!
Hi Sarah! This bike is one of my daily commuters and it's fantastic! Handling is fantastic for a vintage bike even in stock form. Mine is pretty stock actually. Front end feels very stable. I've had some other vintage bikes that suffer from head shake but thankfully not the RD400. Feel free to ask any questions!
As a stock bike is is really fast, an quite reliable. I use mine everyday . Handling is great. Keep in mind it is 40s years old. I have honds CBs, and triples too. But if you find a great rd. You cannot get enough if it.
That's decided. Want one. Just have to get rid of my mint 2000 955i first. And only 12k miles. Reason is finding biking boring now. Need to get a two stroke stinkbag. Any takers for px or swap?
Wish I still had my RD. I can't figure out why you let that dual sport get away from you. Looks like you could use some cylinder porting and bigger carbs
Stock carbs re-jetted with the Dave F mod. K&N filter w/2in to one boot. Vintage DG pipes, Weisco pistons, Weisco billet clutch basket (Banshee) and Barnett clutches. Vesrah pads, stock calipers, and Magura master. Dyna electronic ignition. Otherwise a stock bike.
hay Dustin: Is it an optical illusion or, is you'r "Crown nut" loose ? The front forks seem to be shaking allot . Not a broken head weld ? May you keep the rubber side down and, the wind to you'r back oh and, keep the Barnies off you'r oss. LoL
Slowing down for the corners? Honest question, have you ever rode at this track? What lap times are you turning? How does one not brake before corners without completely running off track? Genuinely curious. 😊
@@TheDustinlangston Me being naughty had a few 2 strokes late 70s early 80s on the road not the track but never got the same out of them as you have done. Apologies. Regards Mark.
I had to stop riding them , too expensive . They love rpm till they go bang and as the old ditty goes “ yam yam yam goes the crank , pistons and barrels , Rds eat engines “ lol
Mine is still on the pistons and crank from last rebuild in 2013. I did retard the timing slightly to make up for unleaded fuel. I could have more power if I advanced it but felt it was a good tradeoff.
@@TheDustinlangston ha ha yeah I saw your rebuild , nice work 👍 . I worked in tuning shops and have a habit of ringing a motors for all it’s got lol . I think the only yams that withstand the abuse well is 200 blaster and 350 banshees . I might put a Stan stevens 525 in an LC RD this upcoming summer , light, great handling and 125bhp . Hopefully that might stop it going bang when you got more power than is needed lol
Those supermonos and supermotos sound like an irritating farting cow. And listen to the sound of nervous buzzing 2 strokers. Does not matter if opponents are stronger or faster, I would ride the smokey ones.
Thanks for the comment. This is my street bike. Not even close to a race bike. Just having a little fun on the track. And yes, compared to my race bike, it’s slow.
@@TheDustinlangston yeah, that was my impression my 77' with rear sets, basoni pipes, I hit red line all the time ,but it was still fun to watch! I had a vf1100 sabre (The fastest production motorcycle in the world at the time), and a Vmax 1200 fun bikes, but the two stoke is king of fun!...if they made that in 500cc today! I wish!
Who would like me to do this again soon and what would you like to see?
Just picked up a "basket case" D model.
(RD400D, the 77 year model.) Only my
second D model. But, I've has ALL the
other models, including the grandpa R5.
Had the crank bearings go out, so while
that crank was being rebuilt, ran the R5
crank and cylinders. The flywheel plates
are smaller than the 400 plates. Injector
oil would puddle there, if I wasn't on it.
But, when I did get on her, all that oil was
sucked into the head, all you could see
behind me, was a LOT of blue smoke!
My Daytona Special had an RZ350 engine
in it. I know, don't do that to a Daytona!
Put the engine, radiator, and the whole
front end. (Forks, wheel, and the lot.)
Twin front discs on an RD, just amazing!
steve
Dude this fucking awesome! Love it when i show up to the track and see people still ringing the shit out of vintage 2-strokes!
This is awesome, love the clip ons. Kinda want one of these for a daily rider. 2 strokes are love, 2 strokes are life.
This bike is my daily. So much fun.
Yeah i have a buell xb12 right now, its fun and handles amazing...but i just miss the 2 strokes like i grew up on in motocross lol. Are the brakes decent enough?
Michael Peretto, I bet the Buell is a lot of fun too! The brakes on the RD are okay. I’m running drilled disks, Magura Master, and Vesrah pads to help.
Oh it is. Its probably the best handling bike ive ever ridden...but with them going under, parts will be hard to find in future years.
Had a 77 Red, 78 silver and a 79 Daytona which I still have. Buddy that had a 750 Honda sold it and bought one as he couldn't keep up with me except on a straight road. Still couldn't keep up with me but he was a lot closer. It's more fun to ride a slow bike full out than a fast bike slow. Nothing better from 76 to 80.
I had an RD250C, D. Followed by an RD400D, E & F. Absolutely Loved those bikes.
Could've left that second key at home to save a little weight. Nice vid
Heh heh
All day long love it
I need to get her back on the track soon!
I had an 76 RD 400 20 years ago. I have never experienced the same level of fun until I bought an S1000rr in 2013.
Love both of those bikes! The S1000RR is an amazing machine!
That was so much fun. Would like to have seen a view from trackside as well just to see how far over you were in the corners. It looked pretty close to the ragged edge. Thanks for taking us along. I built a yamaha tr3 replica from an rd350 for street use but often wonder what it would do on a track. After this video I'm thinking I should get my butt out to mosport pk for a track day. Thx. J.
Do it! You won’t regret a track day on these bikes! ✊🏻
I wish I still had my RD.
Such a fun bike!
Looks like so much fun!!!
Too much fun! I hope to go back this year and get some updated footage.
yup that was the sound of me being late for jr. college in 1983...on my 77' RD 400 (my friends called it "rapid death 400) and I smoked VF 750 on a every Friday!
Love it! Haha!
5:00 the dicing begins (I won't ruin it for you)
Very enjoyable. The engine doesn't scream like the LC,
I prefer the 400 power delivery and extra torque.
i started out on a rd 200 went to a rd 400 silver and blue then at 18 kenny roberts special rd 400 bad ass! GIVE ANYTHING TO HAVE THEM BACK! THE ORIGINAL CROTCH ROCKETS!
I have an RD200 as well. Such a fun bike!
@@TheDustinlangston yours blue?
@@elvis-jj1sc indeed!
I miss my RD250. Had it beefed up, and that thing would run. Was hard to find anyone to run with me from stop light to stop light on the main drag in town. Took a KZ900 to beat me.
🤙🏻
i like the spare key on the key ring. Ha! I had a 1974 RD-350 and and 1977 RD-400 (Red) that were loves of my life at 18 y.o. All it took was a ride on the back of an RD-400 Daytona Special to make me lust for my own.
Had to replace the gas cap so that’s the key for it :)
In the early 80s I had a RD 400 what a bike it was I had to watch sometimes because the front used to come up in the air. At the time I put some Micron exhausts on it you could hear from miles away. They were fun but the brakes wasn't up to much but I suppose that was 70s technology.
So much fun and yes, the brakes aren’t as good as modern superbikes but I’ve had good luck with steel lines, freshly rebuilt calipers, and Vesrah pads.
@@TheDustinlangston yes they are fun, did you do a twin disc set up for the front. I expect you would using on the track. Some of the chrome parts would rust especially the front mudguard, at the time I replaced the reed valves with race one to give more air into the intake. In the end the crankshaft oil seal failed and was knocking out one of cylinder's with oil that was the last time I could ride it. I left in the shed for a while before I sold the remains of it.
Safe riding 👍.
@@mavericktriple9488 no, I’m running the single disk. I don’t track it much. It mainly sits in my office window. I’ll take her back to the track next year and get some new footage :)
@@TheDustinlangstonyou still got the single disc, I suppose it cuts down on weight if you are racing. No the weather isn't good now wait until the weather gets better next year. I've taken mine off the road, I don't really want to it a financial factor at the moment, I've got to get a new back tyre and Mot the tyre is close to £200. I enjoy every minute riding bikes, no words can describe
But you know exactly what I mean by saying
That. Have a good season next year or when you ride again 👍.
great vid where did you get or make the spring pre load adjusters on the forks? also what tires you running? I've got a set of Morris Mag wheels and building a crazy Rd would love some input!
Thanks! I ordered the pre load adjusters from economy cycle. I’m runnng Continental Classic Attack tires.
Hi! Seeking a new daily rider, and have always loved the looks of the RD/RZ and the 2 stroke soundtrack. My knowledge of them is very limited though! Are these reliable enough to use daily, and even take on some longer multi day freeway trips? How’s the handling in stock form? A lot of older bikes I’ve ridden tend to feel very shaky in the front end. No clue if I’m unlucky, and end up on bikes with bad head bearings, or what? Are these stable machines? Apologies for the million questions!
Hi Sarah! This bike is one of my daily commuters and it's fantastic! Handling is fantastic for a vintage bike even in stock form. Mine is pretty stock actually. Front end feels very stable. I've had some other vintage bikes that suffer from head shake but thankfully not the RD400. Feel free to ask any questions!
As a stock bike is is really fast, an quite reliable. I use mine everyday . Handling is great. Keep in mind it is 40s years old.
I have honds CBs, and triples too. But if you find a great rd. You cannot get enough if it.
@@chrostopheragius4516 is 5k too much for an ok rd400? they seem to be pretty expensive here on the west coast compared to other places i look
That's decided. Want one. Just have to get rid of my mint 2000 955i first. And only 12k miles. Reason is finding biking boring now. Need to get a two stroke stinkbag. Any takers for px or swap?
Proud of u and the bike. What track was that?
Thanks! Hallett Motor Racing Circuit
👍
Wish I still had my RD. I can't figure out why you let that dual sport get away from you.
Looks like you could use some cylinder porting and bigger carbs
That was a Suzuki V Strom 1000. He had quite a bit more grunt on the straights.
It would have been nice to see the whole bike at some point
I have several photos of it on Instagram-
instagram.com/dustinlangston?r=nametag
I have several photos of it on Instagram-
instagram.com/dustinlangston?r=nametag
What’s your setup? Like what carb , exhaust.. etc
Stock carbs re-jetted with the Dave F mod. K&N filter w/2in to one boot. Vintage DG pipes, Weisco pistons, Weisco billet clutch basket (Banshee) and Barnett clutches. Vesrah pads, stock calipers, and Magura master. Dyna electronic ignition. Otherwise a stock bike.
@@TheDustinlangston Wow, no porting or head work?
@@TurbodanNM no porting.
hay Dustin:
Is it an optical illusion or, is you'r "Crown nut" loose ?
The front forks seem to be shaking allot .
Not a broken head weld ?
May you keep the rubber side down and, the wind to you'r back
oh and, keep the Barnies off you'r oss. LoL
It is an illusion. I double checked!
Empty circuit and he is slowing down for the corners, ring it's neck wide open. IMHO
Slowing down for the corners? Honest question, have you ever rode at this track? What lap times are you turning? How does one not brake before corners without completely running off track? Genuinely curious. 😊
@@TheDustinlangston Me being naughty had a few 2 strokes late 70s early 80s on the road not the track but never got the same out of them as you have done. Apologies. Regards Mark.
@@Bustedflat51042 all good! They are too much fun!
La moto cross se le fue a la mierda 😮😂
I had to stop riding them , too expensive . They love rpm till they go bang and as the old ditty goes “ yam yam yam goes the crank , pistons and barrels , Rds eat engines “ lol
Mine is still on the pistons and crank from last rebuild in 2013. I did retard the timing slightly to make up for unleaded fuel. I could have more power if I advanced it but felt it was a good tradeoff.
@@TheDustinlangston ha ha yeah I saw your rebuild , nice work 👍 . I worked in tuning shops and have a habit of ringing a motors for all it’s got lol . I think the only yams that withstand the abuse well is 200 blaster and 350 banshees . I might put a Stan stevens 525 in an LC RD this upcoming summer , light, great handling and 125bhp . Hopefully that might stop it going bang when you got more power than is needed lol
@@pauldean8638 awesome!
Those supermonos and supermotos sound like an irritating farting cow. And listen to the sound of nervous buzzing 2 strokers. Does not matter if opponents are stronger or faster, I would ride the smokey ones.
In the late 70s i was top 5 AFM & ARRA 400 cc Production racer
In So Calif, I hate to say this but this guy is extremely SLOW.
Thanks for the comment. This is my street bike. Not even close to a race bike. Just having a little fun on the track. And yes, compared to my race bike, it’s slow.
@@TheDustinlangston yeah, that was my impression my 77' with rear sets, basoni pipes, I hit red line all the time ,but it was still fun to watch! I had a vf1100 sabre (The fastest production motorcycle in the world at the time), and a Vmax 1200 fun bikes, but the two stoke is king of fun!...if they made that in 500cc today! I wish!
good safe laps, enjoying the time on the track, not kenny roberts a usual joe, enjoyed the
ride,