1976 RD400 FS in Durham NC

[BlueR32]

Not mine:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/4011989685705696/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3Aa2854a50-5e2b-466f-a46d-95a0d0d1a21d

Looks in good shape.

[2steve]

The wife would really appreciate that backrest.

[SoCal250]

It's the 'RD400 Touring Version'. Big windshield and rack with back rest. All it needs is the engine guard crash bar.

[Simmons1]

I lost count of how many used bikes I bought back in the day that the first thing I did after getting them home was remove the sissy bar and crash bars.

[RDryan]

Is that a pretty good deal for the shape it's in? OTOH maybe the price reflects the market? I dunno but I feel like RD400's just seem to fetch more than the 250/350's. Then again maybe they just made less of the 400's?  

So funny to see a backrest on a RD. I've never ridden a 400 but it doesn't seem like the kinda bike I would want to double on. I just imagine the extra weight really making a lackluster experience but just as transportation I know it's doable. Actually upon thinking about it years ago somebody I know admitted to me that he really didn't like doubling with his wife on his HD Fatboy. More or less implied that it killed the thrill, he was happy she got her own bike.

[m in sc]

I had a 75 250 i got that had all that, back rest, crash bars, etc. the wild part was the back of the seat was also worn out, somebody 2 upped that bike a LOT back in the day. The passenger pegs were also worn out. I had never seen that before... Just the way it used to be sometimes.

I will 2 up w angie pretty regular on bikes, and it really doesnt slow me down on rides much, especially on the 1100. On the 70 r5, yes but she likes riding on it. no back rests on any of them. (she doesn't like them to be honest.. and neither do i).

I think its a decent deal on that 400 TBH. yes they typically seem to be more in demand.

[RDryan]

That RD250 looks very unique. Maybe it's the flash of the camera as I imagine the photo was taken at night but the white color really pops. Like it's fresh paint and a contrast to the wornout seat. Interesting story, cool bike. I like the crash bars and rear rack.

What became of that bike? Did you have it for a long time?

[m in sc]

the guy i got that from had rattlecanned that with wal-mart white. it was terrible. the flash makes it look good.

yes, that eventually became a liquid cooled converted 350 'the estate wagon' and yes, i kept all the bars on it, etc. 
the side covers were r5 ones, i painted it a metallic blue similar to station wagons of the 70s, and even wiid grained the side cover and added the badge. 

I cant tell you how well that bike actually worked, it was freaking awesome. the final iteration had 30mm pwks/okos . w the stock pipes on the lc cyls with some modified baffles and 1.5" added to the headpipe, it was an absolute tractor. the water pump was an electric bosch unit, it still used the oil pump, etc.  The guys that have been around for a while def remember this one.

[2steve]

The wife went out with me on the 400. Riding uphill on the on-ramp to I77, that thing stepped up to task. We got home and she commented on how strong it was with both of us on it. Uphill 2-up, 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear - very strong.

When the RZ gets running right with a tag, I will be searching for a subtle backrest, (non-existent, I know). If she feels something at her lower back, I can get her back out again. Her nerves aren't all that good, but if I can get her on a motorcycle, it really is a whole new relaxed world of open space for her.

[RDnuTZ]

I don't think I've ever seen rear crash bars like that.

[RDryan]

The estate wagon, now that is a custom build. I love it.


 So I did get to thinking about how a liquid cooled conversion needs a radiator to hold the coolant. In hindsight I can see the front crash bar serving a  purpose to frame in the radiator. Had to revisit this posted topic to satisfy my curiosity. Again such a cool bike, I would love to be the custodian of that.

[1976RD400C]

I used to let my wife take my RD to go to work. Then there was that day the phone rang, "it stalled out on me on the way home". Went to see what's up and had to install new plugs and flip the choke off.