1979 Yamaha Rd400f Daytona Special on 2040-motos

Yamaha Other description

Up for sale is a matching numbers RD400 Daytona.

If you're reading this, you probably know the rarity of this machine.

It was the last of the air-cooled road-going two strokes here in the US.

One of 5000 sent to North America in 1979 (USA and Canada).

How many are left? Hard to know, but less than 5000!

This is a collectors bike and in the pantheon of classic machines.

A single year model, this bike will almost certainly hold its value and likely appreciate over time.

It is also a solid handling, well-built sport machine (albiet from another technical age), and is an absolute pleasure to ride. 

Up 'til about 5000rpm, it pretty mild-mannered and feels like any other 400cc UJM.  Then the revs spin up, and Dr Jekle tears his cloak away and this bike reveals its true power and character.   It's very managable, but if you're not expecting it it can be a little scary the first time!  After you feel it a couple of times, you start looking for places where you can let the leash off.

Once you go two-smoke...

• 18,4xx original miles.
• Clean title.
• Starts on first or second kick and runs beautifully
• Mostly original with the exception of the chambers, upgraded Sudko/Mikuni carbs, and aftermarket rearsets
• Fresh paint and graphics. Seat was recovered about a year ago
• Chambers have a few dings and scratches and paint isn't perfect on them, but really don't see 'em as the run right under the bike.  Funtional but not pretty. 
• I have a set of 1AO mufflers that I'll sell for another $100 or will through in for free for anyone who goes for the Buy it Now. You'll still need the headers from a pre-79 RD400, but that's pretty easy and cheap.
• Front Avon Roadrider tire (awesome tire) has a few hundred miles on it. I have a brand-new matching rear that will come with the bike.
• In the last year I've also replaces the battery, the plugs and caps and wires.
• Bike looks very good, but is not perfect. Up close you can see a few scratches on the frame, the rubber boot around the ignition key is old and weathered and there are a few other little signs of its age.
• It also needs a horn (I'm looking for one now, which, if I find one will be included)
• Front brake light switch is missing (the little plastic unit that pops into the lever).
• Both the horn and brake switch are 5 min fixes and probably pretty cheap - just haven't got to it yet.
• This bike is still fitted with its original oil pump. In my opinion this is a big plus as the pump adjusts the amount of oil in the combustion chambers based on throttle position, so the engine is always getting the right amount of oil, something you can never get running pre-mix.  They are also stone ax simple.  Weigh the risk of the (highly unlikely) failure of the pump, verses almost never having exactly the right mix, but rather a close approximation with pre-mix.  Your call.  You can pull the pump and block it with a $5 cover.  It'll be yours, you can choose!

Please examine pics carefully.  And if you would like any more pics of something specific, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Prefer the balance of payment after the deposit to be made as a bank transfer or cashiers check.  Thank you.