The RD400 is a 399 cc (24.3 cu in) two-stroke air cooled six-speed motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1976 until 1979. It evolved directly from the Yamaha RD350 The 350 evolved into the RD400C in 1976, the "D" and "E" in '77–'78 and the final model, the white 1979 RD400F. (The model year for the first RD400, which was sold in the U.S. in the summer of 1975, was 1976.) The RD series was discontinued due to new emissions rules in the late 70's and eventually all road motorcycles were 4-stroke engines and did not burn oil with the fuel mixture to lubricate the pistons.
![]() 1978 Yamaha RD400 DX | |
Manufacturer | Yamaha Motor Company |
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Production | 1975–1980 1976–1979 (model years) |
Predecessor | Yamaha RD350 |
Successor | Yamaha RD350LC Yamaha RZ350 |
Class | Standard |
Engine | 399 cc (24.3 cu in), air-cooled, two-stroke, straight twin |
Bore / stroke | 64 mm × 62 mm (2.5 in × 2.4 in) |
Compression ratio | 6.2:1 |
Top speed | 106.8 mph (171.9 km/h)[1] |
Power | 44 bhp (33 kW) @ 7,000 rpm[1] |
Torque | 30.3 lb⋅ft (41.1 N⋅m) @ 6,500 rpm[1] |
Ignition type | Kick start: points (CDI ignition from 1978) |
Transmission | 6-speed manual, chain final drive |
Frame type | Tubular twin cradle |
Suspension | Front: telescopic forks Rear: swingarm with twin rear shock absorbers |
Brakes | Single disc brake, front and rear |
Tires | Front: 3.00 x 18 Rear: 3.50 x 18 |
Rake, trail | 27.5°, 110 mm (4.3 in) |
Wheelbase | 1,330 mm (52.5 in) |
Dimensions | W: 800 mm (31.5 in) |
Seat height | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
Weight | 165 kg (364 lb) (with 4.5 l; 1.2 US gal (1 imp gal) of fuel)[1] (wet) |
Fuel capacity | 16.5 l (3.6 imp gal; 4.4 US gal) |
Oil capacity | 1.6 litres (1.7 US qt) |
Fuel consumption | 30 to 42 mpg‑imp (9.4 to 6.7 L/100 km; 25 to 35 mpg‑US)[1] |
The RD400 came with a unique self-cancelling light system that measured wheel rotations after the indicator lights were enabled. Also, for convenience, the RD did not require pre-mix fuel in the tank since it came with a 2-stroke oil pump which delivered the appropriate amount of oil when the throttle was engaged.
The brakes were single disc front and rear. It could complete a standing quarter-mile in 14.01 seconds.[1]
The RD400C was the first motorcycle by a major manufacturer to be fitted with cast wheels.[2]
In 1979 the RD was fitted with a capacitor discharge electronic ignition (CDI) unit, as well as thinner spoked cast wheels, a new foot peg position, and some minor engine modifications.
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