My dad had an rd400 when i was 6 year old. He was fixing it and he said to me it is not firing on both cylinders. Without thinking i grabbed. Hold of the downpipe of the cylinder that wasn't firing and my skin stuck to it haha. Needless to say i learnt a lesson that day. I am now 47 and have great knowledge and competence with all combustion engines. It is still my passion.
Here in the UK I have a 1978 RD250E, I've owned it since 2007, an awesome bike and I'm never selling it!! When I pop my clogs it'll be going over to my Son in Australia.
i knew a guy who had a rd 250 1976 model at 17yrs old swapped it for a escort van, 30 yrs later he found it and went and brought it straight away ,stripped it and a full rebuild,took him 3 years on and off and to find still boxed parts for it ,
I bought a 400e in 1981 for £200 fitted some brand new microns £92 fitted a ham yam alloy tank clipons rear sets and tz seat had the barrels ported and some boyesen reeds ❤
I would buy one of these new as my first street bike at the age of 35 if they sold them now. Gotta love that simplicity and lightness. Thanks for posting Mr. K!
Here’s a free tip about RD and RZ Yamahas: when the engine gets rattly and it sounds like it needs a rebore, STOP! Just get a pair of new stock pistons and recheck the clearance. Most of the time it will be correct, no overbore needed. The reason for this is that the piston skirts on these bikes wear relatively quickly, while the cylinder bores do not. It’s easy to spot the wear on the front and rear of the piston skirts, and since that’s where the clearance is checked, it looks like a rebore is needed. However, if you have a bore gauge, it’s easy to check the cylinder for roundness and taper. If it’s correct, just pop in a pair of new stock pistons and you’ll be good to go! I had a 1976 RD400C and put 135,000 km/84,000 miles on it. This included commuting and long distance touring (Toronto to Vancouver, Toronto to Tampa), plus a bit of drag racing (90.0 mph/14.12 seconds). The mufflers were stock, but the baffles were drilled for better flow, with no sound increase. Porting was cleaned up a bit, but still almost totally stock. Anyway, I won’t list all the minor mods. I just wanted to mention that the bike got new pistons every 80,000 km/50,000 miles, with no overbore needed. Just run a hone up and down the cylinder bores to clean them up, then some new stock pistons to restore the snug clearance. Of course, if the bores have been damaged by a seizure or the like, and the damage can’t be cleared up, a rebore might be needed, but always check the clearance with new pistons BEFORE reboring. In many cases, it won’t be needed, and your engine will be ready for 80k km/50k miles before the cylinders need another look, along with the cylinder bores. SPREAD THE WORD! Always check the piston skirts and cylinder bores BEFORE doing a rebore on a Yamaha 2-stroke twin, because it may not be needed.
Could the rate of wear on the piston skirts have any connection with the very large holes that are in the rear piston skirt of this engine and other reed-valve Yamaha engines of that time? Apart from that and also the fuel consumption the RD400 is a really nice bike. Later Yamahas with the Power Valve (that was as you say originally developed to meet emission standards) are not only much faster but they are also much more economical on fuel, since the Power Valve works by preventing unburned fuel escaping through the exhaust at speeds below that corresponding to maximum torque. It does this by effectively reducing the height of the exhaust port at lower speeds.
i had a few 400 rds great to through around seen some crazy mods done to the 400rd ,even seen a 250 rd chopped and altered to fit a 400rd running gear into it with resleeve thicker walls , electronic early gen kit fitted as well.
AMEN! LASTLY, PROPS TO JUDAS PRIEST. KEEP GLENN TIPTON IN YOUR PRAYERS. GLENN HAS HAS PARKINSON'S FOR QUITE SOMETIME NOW. SUCH AN AMAZING GUITARIST. I PRAY THAT HE CAN PLAY FOR A FEW MORE YEARS, BEFORE HANDS GET WEAK AND STIFF, AND CAN NO LONGER PLAY. HOPE YOU'RE WELL BROTHER. WE'VE TALKED A FEW TIMES IN THE PAST. TYPING IN CAPS, BECAUSE I DIDN'T GET ANY SLEEP LAST NIGHT. LOL
When I was in high school I owned the exact 1978 RD 400 Daytona Special in silver color. Got into an accident with it , it was written off. I miss this motorcycle. Now I'm riding a 1999 CBR 919 RR Repsol Fireblade modified with 180 HP at the wheel. Will do 130 KPH in first gear & wheels in all 6 gears. Love this bike, but miss the Yamaha RD 400 Daytona Special.
My original exhaust went on the wall as soon as I saw the replacement cost shortly after buying mine seen in the profile. If I had a get off for any reason it’s cheaper to replace the expansion chambers.
That is one fucking gorgeous, badass bike, with a beautiful color scheme . It would either be between this color, or the Red and White RD 400 Daytona Special. Billy was toying with that bike. Really nice looking boots that Billy is wearing.
These are stroked, so the torque happens earlier than the 350s. Reeds work better with near square bore/stroke ratios. Some stock RD250s were faster feeling and better running than the oversquare 64/54 three fifties.
in this modern world of terrible tragedies government corruption and the decline of Americans hope for a better future ....all shot at us like a barrage of arrows...Kap your videos are a break of positivity creative passion for the stress relief of riding 2 wheels...your videos are great truly...Kaplan America lives! I think our energy and mental health crises could both be solved by buying your bikes....fuck a 80k Tesla that bikes sound ...a special sound kept alive by Kap
I graduated to an RD400D from a Honda CB250G5. The first time I tried to overtake a car I opened the throttle, hit the power band and almost ended up ramming the vehicle instead of passing it. Such fun!
I had a rd400c in 76. Had a friend on the back and going up hill I went to over take a car but forgot my friend was there. All I saw was two legs waving in front of my face. Luckily he stayed on. Great bike and drove it all the way from England to Finland two up. And also to Norway. Went like a rocket never missed a beat. Wish I still had it now.
Lost count of the bikes I have owned but I’ll NEVER forget the RDs. I’ve had several but the 76 RD 400 was more refined and not as violent when up on the pipe. It pulled hard but had more low end so the rush of the RPM induced acceleration at 4500 wasn’t as pronounced. Of all the bikes I’ve owned, the RD400 was the one I miss most. For around $1200 new it was the most bang for buck at the time. I think I paid around $900 for a new RD350 in 73. Two stroke twins from Yamaha were a cut above the rest but dangerous in the wrong hands. These things will eat you up and spit you out if not careful or a good and experienced rider and I wouldn’t recommend it for a first time rider. My first ride on a two stroke twin Yamaha I was equally impressed and nervous with its explosive performance. What a rush! If you find one that’s affordable, don’t hesitate, just buy it. You will not regret it.
Man, how hard is it to start that thing? He almost had to put some force into it! When they are warm, all I needed to do, was stop holding my leg up, and gravity takes over. If you look at the cylinder bore, and the porting, right above the intake port, there is a little passage, that reduces the cylinder pressure, so it starts easily. That same port, allows the pipe to pull intake right out of the carb, when it is "on the pipe." steve
What braking system did you put on it? I'm restoring a 1977 RD400 in Medellin, Colombia. Just overhauled the electrical system and will be moving on to the brakes soon. I did a custom exhaust to make the footpegs fit nicer and to give more clearance on the kickstart as well as gear shifter. Can't wait until she's up and running to go for a rip.
No matter how stock people keep their RD's the first thing that has to go is the stock handle bars. They are so high up that when the front comes up its a little more dramatic. My 1st RD350 had clip-ons but, Superbike bars are perfect for me now.
This is a bike I would like to own...........to ride ! For me to buy (Import) a bike like this would be astronomical in cost. Yes.....at 67 I would just have to dream on ! Thank you guys ! Trinidad & Tobago. West Indies.
Respect bro 🙏....bike is fookin awesome.....not used to seeing 👀, road bikes 🏍, on your lott.....it's usually crossers...Great vlog once again, massive respect 🙏 🫡
Yamaha certainly cornered the 2 stroke market in the late 70s and 80s. A shame US emission rules prevented you guys from enjoying the later liquid cooled 2 stroke RDs
Huge 8 cylinder trucks cause so much pollution, but they had to ban ( relatively ) tiny little 400 cc 2-stroke motorcycles. Does not even make sense to me. Love 2-stroke bikes, and wish ban is lifted on 2-strokes.
Many moons ago some bonehead i knew grabbed my mates keys off the bar and shot off on one of these, 2s up with his partner in crime. I was walking with a pal of mine back to his house and i heard it coming a mile away so i turned expecting to see him on his beloved yam, what i dud see was this idiot without a helmet absolutely raggin it with the pillion sat the wrong way round with his helmet on back to front😂 I knew they were approaching a tricky crossroads with a severe camber,well they hit a parked car and moved it about 3 feet with the impact.
My dad had an rd400 when i was 6 year old. He was fixing it and he said to me it is not firing on both cylinders. Without thinking i grabbed. Hold of the downpipe of the cylinder that wasn't firing and my skin stuck to it haha. Needless to say i learnt a lesson that day. I am now 47 and have great knowledge and competence with all combustion engines. It is still my passion.
Here in the UK I have a 1978 RD250E, I've owned it since 2007, an awesome bike and I'm never selling it!! When I pop my clogs it'll be going over to my Son in Australia.
Back in the day I had a red 400 here in Australia the same model as the one in this video
i knew a guy who had a rd 250 1976 model at 17yrs old swapped it for a escort van, 30 yrs later he found it and went and brought it straight away ,stripped it and a full rebuild,took him 3 years on and off and to find still boxed parts for it ,
I bought a 400e in 1981 for £200 fitted some brand new microns £92 fitted a ham yam alloy tank clipons rear sets and tz seat had the barrels ported and some boyesen reeds ❤
Another dream bike of my childhood! Would see a lot of these at my relatives in Quebec!!! Moreso than NY. Lucky I was able to own 2 RZ350s!
Fantastic example of a timeless treasure👌!
Awesome machine, brings back many memories! In 1987 my first bike was a white 79 RD400 Daytona Special, one of my "I wish I'd never sold it" bikes!
I would buy one of these new as my first street bike at the age of 35 if they sold them now. Gotta love that simplicity and lightness. Thanks for posting Mr. K!
Every time I tune into your videos it’s like a history lesson. So many rad bikes. Thanks kaptain
Here’s a free tip about RD and RZ Yamahas: when the engine gets rattly and it sounds like it needs a rebore, STOP! Just get a pair of new stock pistons and recheck the clearance. Most of the time it will be correct, no overbore needed. The reason for this is that the piston skirts on these bikes wear relatively quickly, while the cylinder bores do not. It’s easy to spot the wear on the front and rear of the piston skirts, and since that’s where the clearance is checked, it looks like a rebore is needed.
However, if you have a bore gauge, it’s easy to check the cylinder for roundness and taper. If it’s correct, just pop in a pair of new stock pistons and you’ll be good to go!
I had a 1976 RD400C and put 135,000 km/84,000 miles on it. This included commuting and long distance touring (Toronto to Vancouver, Toronto to Tampa), plus a bit of drag racing (90.0 mph/14.12 seconds). The mufflers were stock, but the baffles were drilled for better flow, with no sound increase. Porting was cleaned up a bit, but still almost totally stock.
Anyway, I won’t list all the minor mods. I just wanted to mention that the bike got new pistons every 80,000 km/50,000 miles, with no overbore needed. Just run a hone up and down the cylinder bores to clean them up, then some new stock pistons to restore the snug clearance. Of course, if the bores have been damaged by a seizure or the like, and the damage can’t be cleared up, a rebore might be needed, but always check the clearance with new pistons BEFORE reboring. In many cases, it won’t be needed, and your engine will be ready for 80k km/50k miles before the cylinders need another look, along with the cylinder bores.
SPREAD THE WORD! Always check the piston skirts and cylinder bores BEFORE doing a rebore on a Yamaha 2-stroke twin, because it may not be needed.
Could the rate of wear on the piston skirts have any connection with the very large holes that are in the rear piston skirt of this engine and other reed-valve Yamaha engines of that time? Apart from that and also the fuel consumption the RD400 is a really nice bike.
Later Yamahas with the Power Valve (that was as you say originally developed to meet emission standards) are not only much faster but they are also much more economical on fuel, since the Power Valve works by preventing unburned fuel escaping through the exhaust at speeds below that corresponding to maximum torque. It does this by effectively reducing the height of the exhaust port at lower speeds.
i had a few 400 rds great to through around seen some crazy mods done to the 400rd ,even seen a 250 rd chopped and altered to fit a 400rd running gear into it with resleeve thicker walls , electronic early gen kit fitted as well.
That bike is ahead of its time.
Man, that's beautiful. I need get a 2 stroke motorcycle. My first street bike was a 1974 TS 100 with 847 miles from original owner.
My oldest brother had a KAWI 500 triple. I love ❤ that sound n looks nice to ride !! Take me back .. I’m dying n gone to heaven !
Make Two Strokes Great Again
AMEN! LASTLY, PROPS TO JUDAS PRIEST. KEEP GLENN TIPTON IN YOUR PRAYERS. GLENN HAS HAS PARKINSON'S FOR QUITE SOMETIME NOW. SUCH AN AMAZING GUITARIST. I PRAY THAT HE CAN PLAY FOR A FEW MORE YEARS, BEFORE HANDS GET WEAK AND STIFF, AND CAN NO LONGER PLAY. HOPE YOU'RE WELL BROTHER. WE'VE TALKED A FEW TIMES IN THE PAST. TYPING IN CAPS, BECAUSE I DIDN'T GET ANY SLEEP LAST NIGHT. LOL
@@sonnyseabury4051 RIGHT ON BROTHER
Totally 👍
The best sound - the best smell - 2stroke 🙂
When I was in high school I owned the exact 1978 RD 400 Daytona Special in silver color.
Got into an accident with it , it was written off.
I miss this motorcycle.
Now I'm riding a 1999 CBR 919 RR Repsol Fireblade modified with 180 HP at the wheel.
Will do 130 KPH in first gear & wheels in all 6 gears.
Love this bike, but miss the Yamaha RD 400 Daytona Special.
You never forget your first love and mine was my 77 RD400. The speed, the sound and the smoke it had everything to get your heart racing.
Absolute beauty
Had this bike in 77-78. Loved this bike. Rode it year round in New Jersey. One hell of a bike.
I had a '77 in '82 i loved that bike 😂😂 1/4 fairing drop bars 😂
My mom rode one these back in the day, my mom is a badass! 😆
The bikes you guys have are amazing....just bring some over to the UK.😊
Hopefully these incredibly well engineered bikes will inspire future engineers to get back to their simple and highly effective designs!
I had a green 76 back in the day.... I sure do miss it.
Wow! She's a beauty also a remarkable job Sir in keep her in such a wonderful condition 🙏
Thank you!for sharing.
Nice .Original exhausts too.
My original exhaust went on the wall as soon as I saw the replacement cost shortly after buying mine seen in the profile. If I had a get off for any reason it’s cheaper to replace the expansion chambers.
The body work on that bike is for a 1978 RD 400
Man, I Love 2 stroke street bikes.
Looks great 👍 sounds great 👍. Awesome bike. Definitely a keeper
No doubt about it...Bad-a** bike
I had one of these as my second motorcycle I ever owned. Most amazing to me at the time.
That is one fucking gorgeous, badass bike, with a beautiful color scheme . It would either be between this color, or the Red and White RD 400 Daytona Special. Billy was toying with that bike. Really nice looking boots that Billy is wearing.
Crazy powerband these bikes had.
These are stroked, so the torque happens earlier than the 350s. Reeds work better with near square bore/stroke ratios. Some stock RD250s were faster feeling and better running than the oversquare 64/54 three fifties.
in this modern world of terrible tragedies government corruption and the decline of Americans hope for a better future ....all shot at us like a barrage of arrows...Kap your videos are a break of positivity creative passion for the stress relief of riding 2 wheels...your videos are great truly...Kaplan America lives!
I think our energy and mental health crises could both be solved by buying your bikes....fuck a 80k Tesla
that bikes sound ...a special sound kept alive by Kap
Thanks Andrew!
I graduated to an RD400D from a Honda CB250G5. The first time I tried to overtake a car I opened the throttle, hit the power band and almost ended up ramming the vehicle instead of passing it. Such fun!
I had a rd400c in 76. Had a friend on the back and going up hill I went to over take a car but forgot my friend was there. All I saw was two legs waving in front of my face. Luckily he stayed on. Great bike and drove it all the way from England to Finland two up. And also to Norway. Went like a rocket never missed a beat. Wish I still had it now.
Coo that sound takes me back.
Lost count of the bikes I have owned but I’ll NEVER forget the RDs. I’ve had several but the 76 RD 400 was more refined and not as violent when up on the pipe. It pulled hard but had more low end so the rush of the RPM induced acceleration at 4500 wasn’t as pronounced. Of all the bikes I’ve owned, the RD400 was the one I miss most. For around $1200 new it was the most bang for buck at the time. I think I paid around $900 for a new RD350 in 73. Two stroke twins from Yamaha were a cut above the rest but dangerous in the wrong hands. These things will eat you up and spit you out if not careful or a good and experienced rider and I wouldn’t recommend it for a first time rider. My first ride on a two stroke twin Yamaha I was equally impressed and nervous with its explosive performance. What a rush! If you find one that’s affordable, don’t hesitate, just buy it. You will not regret it.
Man, how hard is it to start that thing?
He almost had to put some force into it!
When they are warm, all I needed to do,
was stop holding my leg up, and gravity
takes over.
If you look at the cylinder bore, and the
porting, right above the intake port, there
is a little passage, that reduces the cylinder
pressure, so it starts easily. That same
port, allows the pipe to pull intake right
out of the carb, when it is "on the pipe."
steve
What braking system did you put on it?
I'm restoring a 1977 RD400 in Medellin, Colombia. Just overhauled the electrical system and will be moving on to the brakes soon. I did a custom exhaust to make the footpegs fit nicer and to give more clearance on the kickstart as well as gear shifter. Can't wait until she's up and running to go for a rip.
AWESOME!
I wish it was over here in the uk
Man, that really is a sweet RD 400.
No matter how stock people keep their RD's the first thing that has to go is the stock handle bars. They are so high up that when the front comes up its a little more dramatic. My 1st RD350 had clip-ons but, Superbike bars are perfect for me now.
Damn that thing sounds Crisp AF
This the best RD I’ve seen, damn!
man thats a beautiful old RD. My first road bike
Stunning! Fun factor is off the charts. Quick Silver, away!
Awesome miss my 1976 mint condition bought mine from the original owner who raced it AL Hahn with Rich Schlatner
This is a bike I would like to own...........to ride !
For me to buy (Import) a bike like this would be astronomical in cost.
Yes.....at 67 I would just have to dream on !
Thank you guys !
Trinidad & Tobago.
West Indies.
Thats a nice 78 rd !
I had the same bike was my very first road bike thanks for the video ❤
Only the 78' RD's had that seat with the rear cowl.
77's to my knowledge didn't come in silver
I also thought it was a '78 by the color. And the seat cover.
Wow classic of classics
Awesome street machine
I remember these (rice rockets) back in the 70s in highschool. Fast Fast.
wish i could afford this bike. love rds. great job Ken and company!!
There is NOTHING like a two-stroke
Sweet Yamaha
That thing is so awesome and I'm not a big motor bike guy
以前私もYAMAHA RD-350に乗っていましたが、さすがトルクが大きく乗り易いバイクでした。
Respect bro 🙏....bike is fookin awesome.....not used to seeing 👀, road bikes 🏍, on your lott.....it's usually crossers...Great vlog once again, massive respect 🙏 🫡
I had the same bike long ago. So much fun! When it ran, it ran so well…. when it ran lol 🏍💨💨
That’s a 78 isn’t it? It’s the RD400E
Love it! Put D.G pipes on it.👍🔥🔥🔥
1972 RD250, zeeltronic, shiftlight, quickshifter, orginal gold....big smile,
My buddy Tim wills had the exact same bike I have a 79 Daytona special
Y'all should get a 2 stroke Motorized Race Bicycle after all motorcycles originally started as a bicycle with a engine
thank for the vidéo sa me rappelle ma 125 rdx. a long time ago
Dream bike love two strokes
Red 77 super bike bars cafe fairing and bassani exhaust pirrelli dragon tires. My friends hated it. Yes it was badass.
Sorry bro it's a '78 as in the title. Silver color, unique to its year tail section.
What a GEM! I'll trade you for my Honda MB5!
I'm not 100 percent but the Rd350 is the platform for the banshee engine
Yamaha certainly cornered the 2 stroke market in the late 70s and 80s. A shame US emission rules prevented you guys from enjoying the later liquid cooled 2 stroke RDs
Wr did get the RZ for a few years though...
The smell of 2 stroke bel ray oil 😋
Love it. How much?
I would buy that one.
Very nice 👌
Thar bike is absolutely mint
Eu tive uma rd 350 ano 1975.
man I wana find a rd , rz project in MA.
Huge 8 cylinder trucks cause so much pollution, but they had to ban ( relatively ) tiny little 400 cc 2-stroke motorcycles.
Does not even make sense to me.
Love 2-stroke bikes, and wish ban is lifted on 2-strokes.
That's nice then any Honda from that generation.
That thing sings like Mikey "love."
Should sing like his cousin, Carl
Dean Wilson.
steve
No helmet 😮
sounds tops
👀 dream bike
Nearly 50😮
That's beutiful.
Yamaha rd 400!!!the white death!!!!!🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀
Drool!
i have a brand new one in the crate
in red and white brand new condition
Not Really
RD😊
She sweet 😊
So what are you askin.........15,000
Honda ns 400
Many moons ago some bonehead i knew grabbed my mates keys off the bar and shot off on one of these, 2s up with his partner in crime. I was walking with a pal of mine back to his house and i heard it coming a mile away so i turned expecting to see him on his beloved yam, what i dud see was this idiot without a helmet absolutely raggin it with the pillion sat the wrong way round with his helmet on back to front😂 I knew they were approaching a tricky crossroads with a severe camber,well they hit a parked car and moved it about 3 feet with the impact.
Bullet proof them bikes ,u can't kill em