I have a 77 rd400 and would like to put a seat with the cowl/tail on it, like a 78. Those are pretty scarce, so will a European model rd seat and tail fit ?
I have a '76 with an XS400 seat, it's got a small cowl on back very similar to a '78 Rd400.
You can see the pics here: https://imgur.com/a/344bBUe
My understanding is the 76-77 had a different seat base when compared to 78 onwards.
Feel free to correct if I'm wrong?
Ace787, I am pretty sure the European seat and tail are identical to the '78 RD400E US model, except for the paint.
'76-'77 seats will not work with the tail section.
I picked up a seat base from hvc for a 78 rd400. It'll bolt right up. Now, just have to find the cowl.
Here's one, not cheap: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1978-Yamaha-RD400E-tail-section-1A2-24756-00-20-NOS/123449508036?epid=9006345308&hash=item1cbe2a00c4:g:UnEAAOSwbzRb0vMI:rk:2:pf:0
On the old 2SW forum there was a guy named "Big Graham" (I think) who had a tail piece for sale. I don't know how much he wanted for it. I think he's on one of the Facebook RD400 pages.
I've seen that one. A little expensive... They're for sale on Ebay( UK site). If I can't find one, I might have to go that route
the seat fits pretty good.
Wow I tried E-bay UK. Bob the seat sells the RD400E seat AND the tail section.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Motorcycle-seat-base-complete-Yamaha-RD250-400-DX/192687837406?hash=item2cdd1710de:g:jqYAAOSw1w1bsKIM:rk:22:pf:0
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-RD250-400-DX-Tail-Fairing/202450043312?hash=item2f22f681b0:g:s~UAAOSwYcBbrPEt:rk:33:pf:0
Not cheap but at least it's possible to find them.
I have a 78 seat with cowl that I want to run on my 77. Chuck told me it wouldn't work. Apparently, the rear fender/brake light bracket etc is different.
If there's a difference between the fender/bracket on '77 and '78 I think you can figure out a way to make the seat fit. The Daytona setup is different from earlier models.
Quote from: Hawaii-Mike on February 27, 2019, 11:42:16 PM
If there's a difference between the fender/bracket on '77 and '78 I think you can figure out a way to make the seat fit.
The '76-77 fender/bracket is different than the '78. Three bolt mount vs. four bolt, and the position of the tail light.
its just means I'm chasing a few more parts...
I have an extra RD seat cowl for sale that I shipped from the UK (Thanks, Mike!)
Yes, the fender, the taillight with 4 bolt mount and the grabrail (has a up kick bend) are different for the '78 model verses the '76 -'77.
Daytona model is the same except the grabrail and fender are painted black and are not chrome like the '78.
Chuck
i got everything except the fender. I'm planning on cutting it down anyway