1979 Yamaha RD400F

1979 YAMAHA RD400F DAYTONA SPECIAL

Last of the air-cooled RD two-strokes, in unrestored, showroom-stock condition, just 63 miles from new

To find any Yamaha RD in virtually intact showroom-stock condition is a rarity, let alone one like this RD400F that shows just 63 miles! Yamaha's 1970s "pocket rocket" two-strokes were invariably ridden hard, their modus operandi usually including wheelie-popping getaways and heeled-over cornering, sparks aflying. Many were successfully road raced and, road or track, expansion chambers were an almost mandatory addition. Very few examples outside a museum have made it through to today unmolested.

The 1979 RD400F was the last of the line, a one-year-only model, before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency forever put the kibosh an air-cooled two-stroke street bikes. To everyone's surprise, the 400F sneaked past the EPA's increasingly stringent anti-pollution regulations via a clever system of vacuum-activated butterfly valves within the exhaust system to reduce hydrocarbon emissions under deceleration. One color scheme was available, white with a red stripe, Yamaha's international racing colors, echoed by a new model name, Daytona Special.

Cycle magazine summed things up nicely in its period road test of the Yamaha: “Innocent-looking, trim, petite, quiet—all of it's a sham. The 400F encourages the unwary to go too fast, accelerate too briskly, stop too hard and wheelie too often. Anyone with the narrowest streak of anti-social behavior will find the RD the perfect conspirator. It is Dennis the Menace on Yokohama tires, and is the most fun street motorcycle currently available for sale.”

It is indeed fortunate then that this RD400F was barely ridden and tucked away in storage for most of its 41 years. All original equipment remains in place with the exception of the age-checked Yokohama tires, replaced with new classic-pattern Heidenaus, though the originals are in included in the sale. In the current owner's care, the Yamaha was ridden a couple of times on short jaunts and then put on static display. Refreshing the battery and a simple recommissioning would be all that is required if the new owner should want to add any more miles to the RD's odometer.

The Yamaha is located in Costa Mesa, California, has clear title, and is available for inspection by appointment. For overseas buyers, we offer free delivery to the shippers of your choice in the Long Beach/Port of L.A. area.