Excessive smoke on the RH cylinder could be a duff RH crank seal, you're sucking the gearbox oil into the crankcase and burning it. The left one might have gone as well but will only suck air. If it runs and idles poorly its worth looking at as the weak mixture will cause you no end of 2 stoke issues!! Nice easy engine to work on though. I had 3 RD250's including a red and white one in 1980's, they're great bikes and led to my life long addiction to bikes (sadly no longer 2 strokes). Good luck with it, looks like a real gem
I never understand folks who purchase an original, rare bike, tell you how rare it is etc, etc, then just bodge it together to try and get it to run. This bike in particular deserves better...
@@shadyjosh5 Sure. I know how exciting the process is of taking ownership of a new (vintage) bike. I remember these as a teenager when they were new. But it needs tlc, not a rush job to get it running - and it will thank you in the long run
@SuccessShared 40 year old crank seals are knackered. I'm amazed at people thinking a 40 year old 2 stroke will be fine. So, many things will have perished. Better and cheaper to buy a bike that has been rebuilt . Restoration is expensive.
I’ve had a couple, they lift the front real easy! Used it to get to work would cut out in the rain sometimes & when it restarted it would run backwards! 😂😂😂😂
Two beautiful babies - congratulations !.I had a ' 76 RD400C , very similar but without the seat tailpiece but same coffin tank in light metallic blue.Of all the bikes I've owned , it was one I regret letting go , a perfect balance of light nimble handling,brakes and fantastic performance , in fact a ' pocket rocket ' sums them up - have fun !.
I've owned 2 RD350 Torque Induction twins and 2 RD400 twins. The last one I had in 1984 was exactly the same 44 bhp model as this one you have here. Really nice,light and responsive bike👌 Take no notice of the several negative commenters below, you running that up on idle for a couple of minutes will do no harm whatsoever. One thing I do agree with in the comments below is buy and fit a new set of genuine crank seals and gearbox output shaft seal and kickstarter shaft seal. They are not hugely expensive and they do get tired with age.
Passed my test in 1976 on the 250 and went straight to Eddie grimsteads in East Ham a got a new RD400 , great bike. I have had lots of bikes over the years but still remember that one
For what it costs and the time involved I would at least pull the cylinders and have a check / measure of everything. Looks an honest bike though. Personally I’d never have another standard one as they aren’t particularly quick but this one looks ideal for a tidy and use / enjoy.
@@shadyjosh5You don't need a new tank. There are plenty of places where you can get those dents taken out and just get that bit repainted without touching the rest of the tank.
Had one back in the day. Mine was 400 Daytona special. I don't know what that difference was but I went from a 350 Rd to 4. 00 then to YZ465. Great bikes. Still riding 67 years old
That looks nice! I have a 1976 RD400. Not much is stock. The motor is high performance and I just recently fired the motor with an auxiliary gas bottle. I'm working on the gas tank and fiberglass body kit. I build and repair bikes, also my own boring and porting (SuperFlow machine). I have never rode this and I know I'm going to need to build a drag wheelie bar system. I'm 69 and flipping over isn't an option anymore haha. I will be running it on the drag strip but I installed all the lights and other needed BS so it will look legal. Got to use the street to test everything. I hope you are enjoying your bike, nothin quite like a 2-stroke on the street. Good luck!
I loved two strokes back in the day. If the feds had not regulated them out of existence for road use, we would have things like an H-1 with 55 years of evolution behind it. Probably fast.
i had 3 of them from a early one best one i had was a dx version ,,had a bits and semi tuned one rebored changed con rod higher compression ,i bored the inlet and outlets ,rejetted it had bodged 500 track pipes on it ,changed coils for better higher spark and points ,my mate stuck a bigger set of wheels on it and sproket set changed parts in the gearbox ,was a horror running slow ,ran nice above around 45mph and just kept pulling ,a guy i knew had it for 5years after me,he did aload of stuff to it fitted some strange angled shocks on the back and a cast ally swing arm i think thats what it was made of lower than before ,i had 434 bored to ,heard he had it comp head pistons and a diy mini injector tapped in both heads only tan with injectors at mid range on a switch like a crude supercharer but more fuel and a flap to let more air in,they are crazy money these days
Had to cut watching the video short, on break at work, but what year is this one? I had an '80 in 1984 that looked identical to a '79 Daytona Special, without the red stripe down the center of the tank. But they were almost a pearl white, not a bright white with red side stripes on the side. I figure, with the cowl on the end of the seat, it has to be a '79 or '80 (can't remember if the '78 had the cowl?). I took my rear fender/tail light/license plate bracket off, tucked the tail light under the seat, put Boyessen Reeds and K&N air pods on it. I replaced the pipes with Factory Pipe Products chambers. Just the one muffler, without the head pipe weighed more than the whole box from California with both pipes! I'll bet I knocked 30lbs off it and increased the horsepower by 15 to 20 hp more! Stock, I had to clutch it to wheelie. My favorite thing to do after the mods, was to get on a straight flat road, bury the throttle at about 1500rpm. It would bog, but once the powerband kicked in, it was a ROCKET! It would lift the front wheel without even cracking the throttle! I was pretty good at wheelies for a few hundred feet, but in hind sight, I'm kind of glad I got rid of it as I'm sure someday, I would have flipped it over! Unfortunately, the girl who bought it (mint) from me, dumped it and her brother flipped it over doing wheelies. I saw it after the 2nd incident and nearly cried!
Seriously, don't listen to the negativity of the nasayers trying to dispossess you of the feel good factor of acquiring such a great bike. I've had RD400s (and 250s) back in 70s and early eighties...and currently have a 250 and 400 now (owning various second time around since 2001). In 2013 I had a 250f that had stood 13 years, 10 of those outside under a cover. "Don't try and start it!" were the cries "the bores and bearings will be rusted and the crank seals leaking and you'll get a seizure"! Like you I didn't want to spend a year or two restoring and just wanted to get out and ride. I took the heads off and the bores and pistons looked like the engine had been run that week! Not a hint of rust. I took carbs apart and cleaned jets, disconnected the oil pipes/blocked the holes and put appropriate petroil mix into tank, sprayed highly concentrated petrol/2t into the inlets while turning engine over to get 2t into the bores, bearings etc. I reassemble everything and then started it - smoke absolutely everywhere (especially the right side which is almost certainly a dried out crank seal sucking gear oil, like yours but worse). After a while everything settled down including the smoking. Ive found that dried out seals that have stood idle, very often start functioning properly once heated and moistened again when the engine runs. I tested the oil pump was delivering the right amount of oil (it was perfect to spec). I ran that bike pretty hard at weekends for two years until I sold it to my brother - never had any problems. Your 400 was running far better than my 250 at first start up, that's for sure....(looks to me that you might even get away without stripping the carbs) so all I'd do is test the oil pump output (quite easy using a syringes as a measuring vessel - Google the procedure), change air filter, plugs and probably for peace of mind change the 2 stroke and gear oils (with the former, I would just extract the oil via the filler and refill so you don't have to bleed the pump and lines) then start riding very gently (light throttle and 4krpm max), stopping at say 5 -10 mins intervals to allow to cool and check for overheating (a laser thermometer is a great investment...you can easily compare left and right cylinder/downpipe temperatures which will flag serious issues. Also check brakes aren't binding/overheating. Increase the stopping intervals as you get confidence all is in order. Eventually start taking revs up to 5k rpm and do forth. Come winter when you take it off the rode, then do whatever restoration works you feel you'd like to do. There's always an element of gamble, but that bike sounds pretty sweet already. Alternatively, dampen your enthusiasm and fo a full restoration, miss the spring and summer riding it for this year!
I has RD-400 . For a stock light weight it was quick . Problem I had was keeping the front wheel n the ground . If I could get a new one I might buy it .
Had a black with red band one, back in the 80s. It was tuned with valve ports filed out. Rumoured Beckett tuned. It was a nasty mother which had 2 powerbands. Nothing could get near it and it wheelied from traffic lights when you didn't expect it.
My first bike was a 1978 RD400 with a slight bit of jetting and Basani pipes. Definitely a handfull especially since the auto-oiler went tits up. Thanks a lot for the video and hello from Canada. I hope you and your family are doing well.
Congratulations. I owned a DX that I bough new in 1979 - phenomenal bike. If the oil light is on the two stroke oil reservoir is low - do not run it. The engine sounds very healthy - the choke only works on one carbouretter so it will smoke more on one side than the other. I put a Cibie halogen headlight on mine - makes a huge difference at night - OEM 35W headlight was awful.
I bought one brand new from Fraser-Paulls in Falmouth back in the day. It was ok, but the Honda 400F was the better machine, imo. Guts me to say that mind, but you gotta say it as it is man.
Had the Rd 200 and 400 neither handled or stopped well but 400 was bonkers fast to a teenager. My mate got the at the time the new 350 LC which was in a different league .
i had a new FS1E back in 77 and i remember looking at all the bikes in the show room whilst mine got its first free service i think the RD400 was a blue colour is this an RD400 E
i have one a 77 the bearings went. they had weird bearings on the crank . the bearings had a dimple on it .only on a rd 400. i burried it 30 years ago behind my house
Very nice I had an identical coffin tank 400f with chrome microns and a single cafe racing seat.. she had a savage power band .. for reference rd350 ypvs pistons with the lower port tags removed were the standard replacements about 20 years ago .. I still have a set of handlebar clamps for a 400.. thanks for sharing brought back good memories 👍🏻 give the carbs and the emulsion tubes a good clean out .. should give u a better throttle response when it warms up.. don’t underestimate the power delivery!! If u let it come on song it will lift the front wheel very easily or snake the rear
I'm going to ride this very, very carefully - I had one about 3 years ago that lifted the front wheel for a two man wheelie on the first ride - terrifying! I'll do a good service and sort out before I ride it for sure, want to take good care of this bike
@@shadyjosh5 might be worth pulling the exhaust manifold springs and shining a torch up into the bores to check the pistons and rings .. noticed the right bank was nice and lubed and Smokey but the left bank looked a little dry .. check for throttle cable stretch at the Y junction and make sure both carb slides are synced.. u don’t want to starve one of the pots .. good luck and I’m really happy to see a 400 tinging away my old frame no was E11 10r-238-10 👌👍🏻
My profile pic is an original '76 RD400C U.S. spec model numbers matching bike that I did modify but, still retain every original part. The exhaust pipes are very hard to find so I figured it would be cheaper to replace a set of expansion chambers than the originals if I ever laid the bike down. My 1st bike was a '72 RD250 then a '73 RD350 that was basically a race bike with a headlight, taillight, and mirrors and I smoked(literally) any Honda CB750-4 stop light to stop light until the VFR-750 Interceptor came out. That bike lifted the front when it hit the powerband in the first 3 gears so I always had a smile on my face. My current bike is completely original numbers matching but, I tricked it out and I am preserving the original parts. I wish I had the trim parts around my seat. I love the smell of 2-stroke in the morning. Enjoy your bike and thank you for keeping it alive.
nice my first real bike was the suzi x5 the 200 then a 1973 rd 250 had a kqak 250 tripple that just used to eat chains sprockets and back tyres and wanted to kill me ,went to a rd 400 after that fast bikes
Beautiful bike - and as you say, very special. The 400 versions of the popular 250 variants were always much better bikes in my view. They seemed represent the designers vision for the machine before downsizing it for the 250 market. Think I would try to fix the original tank as this bike is most worthy of some TLC. I suspect there must be some talented restorers out there that can pull out the creases in the tank and blend into the original paint without disturbing the original decals - some clever folks out there. The rest of the bike is just in honest and excellent condition and I think I would just try to clean it and maintain it as is - and most of all ride it and enjoy it! BTW back in the day I had a friend who put a TZ350 engine in to one of these - totally gutless until it hit the powerband ...and then it went crazy....the standard 400 was much better for the road.
I may well just ride it as is, but if I do a restoration I'll probably buy a new tank if I can - the rest of the tank needs painting anyway for a restored bike
The advert in 1976 went something like “Its New Blue and moves at 106 mph” what I do find fascinating is people of your generation showing love for these old strokers. You never grew up with them (people would swap out barrels 250 to 400 etc), so no real connection for people of your age……..and yet here you are, which I have to say is brilliant! They really were fun bikes, lost a few mates to them but that’s how it goes motorcycles bite back, good luck with the resto if that’s the way you take it.
I had one in 2019/2021 and thought the front brake was a deathtrap waiting to happen... I'll not ride this one fast, it does seem like it wants to kill you
:-) thank you, I get it everyone had one back in the day so know more about it than me, fair enough. I'm no expert but will do my best to restore the bike.
Great score you got there by the looks of it and what a survivor it seems to be. I am very fortunate to own two E models and an F and G model. These are my all-time favourite bike and fully worthy of the praise they receive from the cognoscenti, given the enjoyment they provide when riding them. Enjoy!
I had one of these back in the mid 80s it’s one hell of a bike .
I had the blue 200 , electric start , rare back then .
Excessive smoke on the RH cylinder could be a duff RH crank seal, you're sucking the gearbox oil into the crankcase and burning it. The left one might have gone as well but will only suck air. If it runs and idles poorly its worth looking at as the weak mixture will cause you no end of 2 stoke issues!! Nice easy engine to work on though.
I had 3 RD250's including a red and white one in 1980's, they're great bikes and led to my life long addiction to bikes (sadly no longer 2 strokes). Good luck with it, looks like a real gem
Still one of my favorite bikes. One of the first mass production bikes with cast wheels, If not the first. A real head turner. Enjoy ♥
Nice machine and a rare find as most were used up. They were the best two stroke street bike being reasonably reliable and a breeze to work on.
I borrowed one once ...and promptly nearly killed myself as a dust cart came round the corner,Taught me a lesson,beast of a bike!
Rd400E i believe
I had one when I was a teen. So much fun! Just seeing this brings back alot of great memories. Thanks for sharing
Just the best bike from my youth, the sound has taken me back 40 years and now I want one again
My all time favourite 2 stroke of all time. Wonderful sound with Microns (im that old). Glorious.
Microns and Boyeson reeds
The sound is so good, I prefer the lower note of standard exhaust pipes
I always preferred the original exhaust rumble.
@@shadyjosh5
Yep my chrome microns had a beautiful harmony when it came on strong and tick over ting ting ting ting ting .. 🎵🎶
@@pandrop490 your going back the good old days i can smell it from here.
Glorious old school two strokes
You have an awesome bike there.
I was around when these were new.
Enjoy
Absolutely beautiful! I owned a 400E and 400F in the late 70s and early 80s before buying the then new RD350LC, I know you'll enjoy it!
Stop it, RD350LC, You're making me come over all emotional now. This was the golden era for 2 strokes
Why am I not surprised that it has a dented fuel tank! Those bikes were all ridden like they were stolen when they were new! Fast bikes in their day.
I never understand folks who purchase an original, rare bike, tell you how rare it is etc, etc, then just bodge it together to try and get it to run. This bike in particular deserves better...
In fairness all I did was join the wires in the fuse box, because the connections were broken - I'll replace them before riding it
@@shadyjosh5 Sure. I know how exciting the process is of taking ownership of a new (vintage) bike. I remember these as a teenager when they were new. But it needs tlc, not a rush job to get it running - and it will thank you in the long run
Agreed: 'Chrome cleaning rag' picks up dirt from the floor, wipes the exhaust, leaves headlight dangling, oil pump not checked etc.
@SuccessShared 40 year old crank seals are knackered. I'm amazed at people thinking a 40 year old 2 stroke will be fine. So, many things will have perished. Better and cheaper to buy a bike that has been rebuilt . Restoration is expensive.
Leave the lad alone its he's bike he can do what he likes good luck with it mate love them bikes Denis from Ireland 🇮🇪 👍 😉
Congratulations for the acquisition of a wonderful baby! And for the child as well!!!
Haha I know what you mean! Thanks!
I’ve had a couple, they lift the front real easy! Used it to get to work would cut out in the rain sometimes & when it restarted it would run backwards! 😂😂😂😂
Two beautiful babies - congratulations !.I had a ' 76 RD400C , very similar but without the seat tailpiece but same coffin tank in light metallic blue.Of all the bikes I've owned , it was one I regret letting go , a perfect balance of light nimble handling,brakes and fantastic performance , in fact a ' pocket rocket ' sums them up - have fun !.
Luved every minute, and the way you presented it. Thank you 👍😊
Thanks so much, the video has done much better than I expected!!
Had one in the early eighties exspansion pipes &kn filters ,could get the front wheel up at 40 mph 🤪
Great bike, had one back in the day, great wheelie machine in 3rd gear and sooo much FUN!
2 Strokes motorcycles must be banned 🚫. You got to learn about the pollution from it. 😢
So what do you suggest I should do with the bike?
Ahhh that sound ! That sound takes me back to the good old days .
I've owned 2 RD350 Torque Induction twins and 2 RD400 twins. The last one I had in 1984 was exactly the same 44 bhp model as this one you have here. Really nice,light and responsive bike👌
Take no notice of the several negative commenters below, you running that up on idle for a couple of minutes will do no harm whatsoever.
One thing I do agree with in the comments below is buy and fit a new set of genuine crank seals and gearbox output shaft seal and kickstarter shaft seal. They are not hugely expensive and they do get tired with age.
Choke is down on that model and please put some fuses in it
Yes I remembered, will do a rewire of the fuse box area, the clips are broken which is why I joined them to get the electrics to work
Enjoy my friend and stay upright
had a barcol tuned rd400e....what a bike.looney as f**k....aah the good ol days.
Cool find, I have 1988 yz 250 supersport mx
Amazing loved these bikes I went from a fs1e to one off these beeline racing put expansion pipes on its was bliss
Ah yes beeline my favourite expansion chambers over the microns everyone else had.
I used to have the RD125LC. Loved it!
I used to go doo doo in my pants. Loved it!
Me too! An 85 model! If I remember right it done a ton?
I bought one for 75 pounds back in the day I road the bearings out of it 😂
@@jasonantigua6825 thats the one! with the wind behind you maybe 100 lol
@@jasonantigua6825 the magic TON !!
Keep it deffo I would keep it and sleep with it I love them
Passed my test in 1976 on the 250 and went straight to Eddie grimsteads in East Ham a got a new RD400 , great bike. I have had lots of bikes over the years but still remember that one
Smiffy had an rd350b, we used to go to the Ruskin arms on it and then try to get home in one piece afterwards.🤣
@@alex-E7WHU I remember the pub , seen a lot of bands there in the 70s , different world then
Couldn’t pay me to go to East Ham now
Had a RD400E back in the day loved it enjoy the RD400 lovely bike
Nice 👍great bikes, rare to see on the road nowdays
For what it costs and the time involved I would at least pull the cylinders and have a check / measure of everything. Looks an honest bike though. Personally I’d never have another standard one as they aren’t particularly quick but this one looks ideal for a tidy and use / enjoy.
Yes I will do, likely I'll do another video doing a basic restoration when I can find the parts - tanks are hard to locate
@@shadyjosh5You don't need a new tank. There are plenty of places where you can get those dents taken out and just get that bit repainted without touching the rest of the tank.
I had one of these back in the 80s , it was an absolute space ship 🚀
I’ve got five of them, Josh. Daughters, that is, not RD400’s. Cracking find, by the way.
This is my first and she's great - love the RD
Wish I still had mine
I loved this bike..but the RD350LC was the better bike..Frame...Brakes in rain...
My 400 had a Gulliari seat..wonderful.
Memories, 👍👍👍👍.
SORT it OUT PROPERLY !!!II HAD A 74 350 Souped up !!!!FASTER !!! THAN a 400 g
Had one back in the day. Mine was 400 Daytona special. I don't know what that difference was but I went from a 350 Rd to 4. 00 then to YZ465. Great bikes. Still riding 67 years old
Bought new one out the box in 1977, blue, with the optional mags. Also raced one in mid 80s. loved this bike!
Congratulations. Here in America the old 2 strokes are almost unobtainable........ for a decent price that is.
That looks nice! I have a 1976 RD400. Not much is stock. The motor is high performance and I just recently fired the motor with an auxiliary gas bottle. I'm working on the gas tank and fiberglass body kit. I build and repair bikes, also my own boring and porting (SuperFlow machine). I have never rode this and I know I'm going to need to build a drag wheelie bar system. I'm 69 and flipping over isn't an option anymore haha. I will be running it on the drag strip but I installed all the lights and other needed BS so it will look legal. Got to use the street to test everything. I hope you are enjoying your bike, nothin quite like a 2-stroke on the street. Good luck!
I loved two strokes back in the day. If the feds had not regulated them out of existence for road use, we would have things like an H-1 with 55 years of evolution behind it. Probably fast.
i had 3 of them from a early one best one i had was a dx version ,,had a bits and semi tuned one rebored changed con rod higher compression ,i bored the inlet and outlets ,rejetted it had bodged 500 track pipes on it ,changed coils for better higher spark and points ,my mate stuck a bigger set of wheels on it and sproket set changed parts in the gearbox ,was a horror running slow ,ran nice above around 45mph and just kept pulling ,a guy i knew had it for 5years after me,he did aload of stuff to it fitted some strange angled shocks on the back and a cast ally swing arm i think thats what it was made of lower than before ,i had 434 bored to ,heard he had it comp head pistons and a diy mini injector tapped in both heads only tan with injectors at mid range on a switch like a crude supercharer but more fuel and a flap to let more air in,they are crazy money these days
Had to cut watching the video short, on break at work, but what year is this one? I had an '80 in 1984 that looked identical to a '79 Daytona Special, without the red stripe down the center of the tank. But they were almost a pearl white, not a bright white with red side stripes on the side. I figure, with the cowl on the end of the seat, it has to be a '79 or '80 (can't remember if the '78 had the cowl?). I took my rear fender/tail light/license plate bracket off, tucked the tail light under the seat, put Boyessen Reeds and K&N air pods on it. I replaced the pipes with Factory Pipe Products chambers. Just the one muffler, without the head pipe weighed more than the whole box from California with both pipes! I'll bet I knocked 30lbs off it and increased the horsepower by 15 to 20 hp more! Stock, I had to clutch it to wheelie. My favorite thing to do after the mods, was to get on a straight flat road, bury the throttle at about 1500rpm. It would bog, but once the powerband kicked in, it was a ROCKET! It would lift the front wheel without even cracking the throttle! I was pretty good at wheelies for a few hundred feet, but in hind sight, I'm kind of glad I got rid of it as I'm sure someday, I would have flipped it over! Unfortunately, the girl who bought it (mint) from me, dumped it and her brother flipped it over doing wheelies. I saw it after the 2nd incident and nearly cried!
Seriously, don't listen to the negativity of the nasayers trying to dispossess you of the feel good factor of acquiring such a great bike.
I've had RD400s (and 250s) back in 70s and early eighties...and currently have a 250 and 400 now (owning various second time around since 2001).
In 2013 I had a 250f that had stood 13 years, 10 of those outside under a cover. "Don't try and start it!" were the cries "the bores and bearings will be rusted and the crank seals leaking and you'll get a seizure"! Like you I didn't want to spend a year or two restoring and just wanted to get out and ride. I took the heads off and the bores and pistons looked like the engine had been run that week! Not a hint of rust. I took carbs apart and cleaned jets, disconnected the oil pipes/blocked the holes and put appropriate petroil mix into tank, sprayed highly concentrated petrol/2t into the inlets while turning engine over to get 2t into the bores, bearings etc. I reassemble everything and then started it - smoke absolutely everywhere (especially the right side which is almost certainly a dried out crank seal sucking gear oil, like yours but worse). After a while everything settled down including the smoking. Ive found that dried out seals that have stood idle, very often start functioning properly once heated and moistened again when the engine runs. I tested the oil pump was delivering the right amount of oil (it was perfect to spec).
I ran that bike pretty hard at weekends for two years until I sold it to my brother - never had any problems. Your 400 was running far better than my 250 at first start up, that's for sure....(looks to me that you might even get away without stripping the carbs) so all I'd do is test the oil pump output (quite easy using a syringes as a measuring vessel - Google the procedure), change air filter, plugs and probably for peace of mind change the 2 stroke and gear oils (with the former, I would just extract the oil via the filler and refill so you don't have to bleed the pump and lines) then start riding very gently (light throttle and 4krpm max), stopping at say 5 -10 mins intervals to allow to cool and check for overheating (a laser thermometer is a great investment...you can easily compare left and right cylinder/downpipe temperatures which will flag serious issues. Also check brakes aren't binding/overheating. Increase the stopping intervals as you get confidence all is in order. Eventually start taking revs up to 5k rpm and do forth. Come winter when you take it off the rode, then do whatever restoration works you feel you'd like to do. There's always an element of gamble, but that bike sounds pretty sweet already.
Alternatively, dampen your enthusiasm and fo a full restoration, miss the spring and summer riding it for this year!
I monoshocked mine and put the obligatory allspeeds on.....well, I was a teenager for god's sake.
I has RD-400 . For a stock light weight it was quick . Problem I had was keeping the front wheel n the ground . If I could get a new one I might buy it .
Had a black with red band one, back in the 80s. It was tuned with valve ports filed out. Rumoured Beckett tuned. It was a nasty mother which had 2 powerbands. Nothing could get near it and it wheelied from traffic lights when you didn't expect it.
My first bike was a 1978 RD400 with a slight bit of jetting and Basani pipes. Definitely a handfull especially since the auto-oiler went tits up. Thanks a lot for the video and hello from Canada. I hope you and your family are doing well.
Great bike, and I love the ‘70s styling 👍
Congratulations. I owned a DX that I bough new in 1979 - phenomenal bike. If the oil light is on the two stroke oil reservoir is low - do not run it. The engine sounds very healthy - the choke only works on one carbouretter so it will smoke more on one side than the other. I put a Cibie halogen headlight on mine - makes a huge difference at night - OEM 35W headlight was awful.
I bought one brand new from Fraser-Paulls in Falmouth back in the day. It was ok, but the Honda 400F was the better machine, imo. Guts me to say that mind, but you gotta say it as it is man.
Great bike. I had its predecessor the RD350B. I would hardly call it a beast though!
Love survivors like that beauty! It sounds like she's found a good home. Good on ya!
Had the Rd 200 and 400 neither handled or stopped well but 400 was bonkers fast to a teenager. My mate got the at the time the new 350 LC which was in a different league .
Still diddend sound to good to me . need's a good set up,, had two of them , also 200, and the 250. ,, nice find , lucky bugger. , lol.
i had a new FS1E back in 77 and i remember looking at all the bikes in the show room whilst mine got its first free service i think the RD400 was a blue colour is this an RD400 E
Yes,400 E commonly named the 'White Heat' model.
I owned one of these models in the early 80s.
Still have my R5B 71 350 Yammy 2 stroke. 110 was top speed, factory gearing and all. But, it sure was peppy getting there.
i have one a 77 the bearings went. they had weird bearings on the crank . the bearings had a dimple on it .only on a rd 400. i burried it 30 years ago behind my house
My first bike was a dt125 a week later i bought a rd125 for the engine but ended up keeping the rd on the road so much fun
I had one in blue with spoked wheels in my teens was my 1st road bike at 63 its the only motorcycle I regret selling.
Clearly one of the cylinders or the exhaust is choked up, with carbon.
Wow I love the colors on this one. I just bought a 75 RD350 in great shape
I passed my test on an RD250.
Fantastic video
Had one, heaps of fun. Only lost one passenger off the back. He said boot it, so I did. 😅
Very nice I had an identical coffin tank 400f with chrome microns and a single cafe racing seat.. she had a savage power band .. for reference rd350 ypvs pistons with the lower port tags removed were the standard replacements about 20 years ago .. I still have a set of handlebar clamps for a 400.. thanks for sharing brought back good memories 👍🏻 give the carbs and the emulsion tubes a good clean out .. should give u a better throttle response when it warms up.. don’t underestimate the power delivery!! If u let it come on song it will lift the front wheel very easily or snake the rear
I'm going to ride this very, very carefully - I had one about 3 years ago that lifted the front wheel for a two man wheelie on the first ride - terrifying! I'll do a good service and sort out before I ride it for sure, want to take good care of this bike
@@shadyjosh5 might be worth pulling the exhaust manifold springs and shining a torch up into the bores to check the pistons and rings .. noticed the right bank was nice and lubed and Smokey but the left bank looked a little dry .. check for throttle cable stretch at the Y junction and make sure both carb slides are synced.. u don’t want to starve one of the pots .. good luck and I’m really happy to see a 400 tinging away my old frame no was E11 10r-238-10 👌👍🏻
They were fantastic bikes, wish you could still get them or similar.
I had an RD50 when i was 16,exactly the same style and colour
I had a 1976 RD-400-C here in the USA . It was dark Green .
I had the rd 250 one of the best first bikes I had in yellow and black mag wheels 😂
DRRRRRRRING DING _DING DING DING its a crazy Yam ! Georgeous ! remember it well .
My profile pic is an original '76 RD400C U.S. spec model numbers matching bike that I did modify but, still retain every original part. The exhaust pipes are very hard to find so I figured it would be cheaper to replace a set of expansion chambers than the originals if I ever laid the bike down. My 1st bike was a '72 RD250 then a '73 RD350 that was basically a race bike with a headlight, taillight, and mirrors and I smoked(literally) any Honda CB750-4 stop light to stop light until the VFR-750 Interceptor came out. That bike lifted the front when it hit the powerband in the first 3 gears so I always had a smile on my face. My current bike is completely original numbers matching but, I tricked it out and I am preserving the original parts. I wish I had the trim parts around my seat. I love the smell of 2-stroke in the morning. Enjoy your bike and thank you for keeping it alive.
nice my first real bike was the suzi x5 the 200 then a 1973 rd 250 had a kqak 250 tripple that just used to eat chains sprockets and back tyres and wanted to kill me ,went to a rd 400 after that fast bikes
We had to discount these in the 70s to cheaper than the 250 as no one wanted them back then!
Beautiful bike - and as you say, very special. The 400 versions of the popular 250 variants were always much better bikes in my view. They seemed represent the designers vision for the machine before downsizing it for the 250 market. Think I would try to fix the original tank as this bike is most worthy of some TLC. I suspect there must be some talented restorers out there that can pull out the creases in the tank and blend into the original paint without disturbing the original decals - some clever folks out there. The rest of the bike is just in honest and excellent condition and I think I would just try to clean it and maintain it as is - and most of all ride it and enjoy it!
BTW back in the day I had a friend who put a TZ350 engine in to one of these - totally gutless until it hit the powerband ...and then it went crazy....the standard 400 was much better for the road.
I may well just ride it as is, but if I do a restoration I'll probably buy a new tank if I can - the rest of the tank needs painting anyway for a restored bike
Had one exactly like that one, learned to wheelie on it, didn’t really have a say in it 😁
Let’s see if it’s restored before your daughter is walking 😂
Do a road test !! Top end ?? 110 MPH ?? I am a T500 Suzuki man
The advert in 1976 went something like “Its New Blue and moves at 106 mph” what I do find fascinating is people of your generation showing love for these old strokers. You never grew up with them (people would swap out barrels 250 to 400 etc), so no real connection for people of your age……..and yet here you are, which I have to say is brilliant! They really were fun bikes, lost a few mates to them but that’s how it goes motorcycles bite back, good luck with the resto if that’s the way you take it.
yeah the RD400 caught a few lovers of speed out and it was famously known for many a death on the road !
@@brianjones4026the 250 one was why learners ended up being restricted to 125cc bikes
Oh thats right yes, the 250 RD was fast as hell but as i recall lacked massively braking power !@@Seven-yg2sr
I had one in 2019/2021 and thought the front brake was a deathtrap waiting to happen... I'll not ride this one fast, it does seem like it wants to kill you
yeah it had a nickname as I recall , but i forget it now, was a long time ago ! Alot of people died on them 250,s@@shadyjosh5
Damn good bike. I had a blue dx with the coffin tank.
Maybe your oil seal is bad because the right one smokes crazy
Did they not have an electric start? I know the 200 did.
I had a rd350....beast...550 Suzuki eater!!
Cool bike the RD 400 ❤ check out my GSXR 400 ❤
I had the 200 and loved it, but a 400 was always the one I wanted!
great bike, NICE SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!
the 400 was a nice bike but the 350 was the better of the two.
These sound like the way God wanted a 2 stroke to sound.
Wow, so many experts in the comments. Hey Josh, I hope you enjoy your new purchase…since it is yours.
:-) thank you, I get it everyone had one back in the day so know more about it than me, fair enough. I'm no expert but will do my best to restore the bike.
Great score you got there by the looks of it and what a survivor it seems to be. I am very fortunate to own two E models and an F and G model. These are my all-time favourite bike and fully worthy of the praise they receive from the cognoscenti, given the enjoyment they provide when riding them. Enjoy!
I can't wait to ride it but am not sure whether it is sensible to remove the engine to give it a good checkover first - any thoughts?
When trying to start a bike or a car turn the lights off.
i had one for a while. it blew up. had a 125lc too
Reminds me of the Alien scene in the Life Of Brian !!
Beautiful bike! ❤
Takes me back to my youth - jealous!!
My ultimate bike ever but in yellow/black. Always regretted not buying one when I had the chance.
I like the yellow and black, had one about 3 years ago, have a short video online
The yellow and black was a great choice. Memories of Kenny Roberts duelling with Barry Sheene.
Loved mine. Brakes were interesting in the wet.
Happy days I first bike was a RD250 that sound I away use to think it was saying my name when a flipped the throttle vin vin vin!!!still do
The exhaust sound is excellent
I had the 250 in that colour scheme.