YAMAHA RD 400 (1976-1980) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Yamaha RD 400 was a standard motorcycle manufactured by Yamaha from 1976 as a replacement for the Yamaha RD 350 and continued production until 1979 when it was succeeded by the Yamaha RD 350LC.

In the American market, the bike was discontinued in the early 80s due to new emission regulations and continued to be sold worldwide until the late 1980s. In addition, the RD 400C was the first motorcycle made by a major manufacturer to be fitted with cast aluminum wheels.

In 1976, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Yamaha RD 400, a motorcycle fitted with standard features, such as a round headlight up front, two instrument gauges mounted on top, a one-piece dual seat, side-mounted rear shocks, and seven-spoke cast wheels.

As for the power figures, the 1976 Yamaha RD 400 had installed a 398cc two-stroke air-cooled parallel-twin engine managed by two Mikuni carburetors, delivering 44 hp with a peak force at 7,500 rpm and 41 Nm (30 lb-ft) torque at 7,000 rpm.

The bike's engine worked in tandem with a six-speed manual transmission fitted with a wet multi-plate clutch, sending the power to the rear wheel through a final chain drive, pushing the bike to 172 kph (107 mph).

The bike packed a telescopic fork on the front for suspension and a 267 mm disc for braking power. In contrast, the rear end was handled by two side-mounted shock absorbers and a 267 mm brake disc.