1977 Yamaha RD400

1977 YAMAHA RD400
Pristine With Only 2,872 Original Miles
A 100% Mint Original Museum Quality Survivor
The Finest 77 RD400 For Sale in the U.S.A.

If you're looking for the best on the planet, your search may very well be over.I've spent decades buying, selling, restoring, and displaying some of the world's most desirable motorcycles. At the New England Motorcycle Museum, we have hundreds of classic motorcycles on display and thousands pass through our hands every year. Out of the 168 motorcycles currently in our inventory, this is the one I would keep if I could.

This 1977 Yamaha RD400 is an extraordinary, highly original survivor showing just 2,872 actual miles. It is one of the most authentic, best-preserved examples we've ever encountered and ranks among the finest vintage Japanese motorcycles I've had the privilege to own.

This motorcycle is remarkably original. The paint, chrome, controls, switchgear, gauges, seat, hardware, chain, sprockets, and virtually every component remain factory original. The only notable replacement items are a fresh set of period-correct Dunlop tires installed for safety and rideability.
Simply put, this motorcycle presents itself as a time capsule.

Why the RD400 Matters
The RD400 has earned legendary status among collectors and enthusiasts for good reason.
Yamaha's air-cooled, twin-cylinder, reed-valve inducted two-stroke engine, the RD400 delivered a power-to-weight ratio that embarrassed much larger motorcycles of its era. Equipped with a six-speed transmission, Autolube oil injection, lightweight chassis, factory mag wheels, and razor-sharp handling, these bikes became known as giant killers both on the street and at the racetrack.
Many were raced, modified, or ridden hard by younger owners. Very few survived untouched. Finding an original RD400 is difficult. Finding one in this condition is nearly impossible.
The iconic red paint scheme with orange and black striping remains vibrant and beautiful. The original saddle looks virtually new. The original controls, grips, switch housings, gauges, hardware, and even the original wire retaining clips remain intact.
The originality of this motorcycle is simply stunning.

Comprehensive Mechanical Service Performed
The bike was exceptionally well preserved and had spent all of its years in a climate-controlled private collection, And we just performed a complete service, tune, detail & recommissioning process to ensure it is preserved and operates exactly as Yamaha intended.

Services performed include:

Lightly lubricated cylinder bores prior to startup

Installed new NGK spark plugs

Cleaned and adjusted ignition points

Set ignition timing

Installed new battery

Removed, disassembled, cleaned, and serviced carburetors

Tuned and synchronized carburetors

Drained, flushed, and inspected fuel tank

Installed new OEM Yamaha fuel petcock

Installed new fuel lines and carburetor vent lines

Installed new air filter

Inspected airbox and intake boots

Fresh VP 94 ethanol-free fuel

Drained and serviced oil injection system

Installed fresh injector oil

Bled and tested oil injection pump

Adjusted oil pump cable

Adjusted throttle cables

Installed fresh Spectro 10W40 transmission oil

Serviced and tested all lighting and electrical systems

Every switch, indicator, gauge, and control functions exactly as it should.

Brake System Service
To ensure safe operation, the braking system was thoroughly serviced:

Front master cylinder disassembled and cleaned

Front brake system flushed and bled with fresh fluid

Rear caliper rebuilt and serviced

Rear master cylinder disassembled and cleaned

Rear brake system flushed and bled with fresh fluid

Original Drivetrain
One of the most remarkable aspects of this motorcycle is its originality.
The original factory chain was removed, cleaned, inspected, and reinstalled because it remained in exceptional condition. The original sprockets were likewise cleaned and inspected and showed virtually no wear.
This level of preservation is almost unheard of on a 49-year-old performance motorcycle.

Fuel Tank and Cosmetic Condition
The inside of the fuel tank is astonishing.
No restoration work was performed to the tank interior because none was necessary. The original finish inside the tank is among the finest we've ever seen on a motorcycle of this age.
The fuel cap, seals, hardware, paint, chrome, lenses, turn signals, gauges, controls, and fasteners all exhibit an incredible level of preservation.
Following our 100-point inspection, the motorcycle received a complete rotisserie-level museum detail.
The original paint has been professionally hand polished, and waxed. The frame retains its original finish and was carefully hand polished and waxed. All chrome was polished and detailed.

Ride or Show
This RD400 is equally at home:

In a world-class collection or On display in a museum

At an Antique Motorcycle Club of America event

On a Sunday morning ride

As a blue-chip Japanese motorcycle investment

I would confidently describe this motorcycle as a 99-100 point machine.It is one of the most original and best-preserved RD400s I have ever seen.

Condition Summary

2,872 original miles

Matching original components throughout

Original paint

Original chrome

Original seat

Original controls and switchgear

Original chain and sprockets

Original shocks

Original gauges

Original hardware

Original turn signals and lighting

Fresh period-correct Dunlop tires

Fully serviced and ready to ride or display

Shipping & Financing
We have shipped over 10,000 motorcycles nationwide using professional motorcycle-only transport companies.
No freight terminals.
No transfer trucks.
No unnecessary handling.
Your motorcycle is transported by licensed, insured, enclosed motorcycle carriers and delivered directly to your door.
Financing options are available.

Why We're Selling It
If I could justify keeping one motorcycle from our inventory, this would be it.
Unfortunately, we're currently building a new 12,000-square-foot showroom and need to continue selling these classics to fund the expansion.
This motorcycle deserves to be preserved, appreciated, and enjoyed by its next caretaker.
If you'd like to leave it on display at the New England Motorcycle Museum after purchasing it, we'd be honored to keep it here.