5 years ago I bought this and rode it a few times. I even took it to the Vintage Bike Day in Woodstock that summer. Then it sat in the corner of my garage. I just retired and have time to do things I want to do now. The thing is all original other than the air filters and handlebars. The motor has never been apart. The chrome is kind of minty. Full tear down, motor freshen, paint job, and restore to all original is next.
(https://i.ibb.co/ZMSPDqp/20200607-113815.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XCDgRcr)
(https://i.ibb.co/M5XprxT/20200607-113824.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2YbPx12)
(https://i.ibb.co/t3sy7bW/20200607-113852.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nRchHD5)
(https://i.ibb.co/x870BLj/20200607-113839.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3YCqjdN)
Looks like a pretty good starting point. 8)
Yeah, great starting point!! Something that clean should make life easier on you. Make sure to post lots of pics!
Looks pretty darn good to me.
Just like 3-finger Bill's bike, mnein.
I have an emotional Oak Hill race track attachment to stock red '76 RD400's.
Sweet bike, nice toy to tinker with!
2 Steve I bought that bike from Bill and owned it a couple years. It was a pristine bike, loved everything about it. Sold it for RZ's. A few laps at Oak Hill with it.
Well, I was wrong about it never has been apart. On piston was .50 and one .75. Crank seems nice and tight. Ports look untouched. Here's an example of a machinist screw up. They didn't allow for enough honing to remove the fracture marks from the boring bar cutting tool.
(https://i.ibb.co/17pfV0C/20200609-095834.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PFbZpr2)
(https://i.ibb.co/k4SC66v/20200609-095824.jpg) (https://ibb.co/x17T88d)
I wonder if the modified air filters had anything to do not getting the jetting right?
Unfortunately I've seen a lot of that...if you don't have anyone local to do the job let me know. Boring work is almost 2-3 times a week affair here in the shop.
Chuck
Moving along. The brakes were a disaster. Complete rebuild needed. I want to get the black paint right. What is flat or statin? Looks like the triple trees, rear caliper holder, calipers, and master cylinders? Everything else gloss, frame, swing arm, headlight and ears, foot rest bracket, kickstands, chain guard, and battery box? PJ1 engine case satin good for those flat black parts?
(https://i.ibb.co/fNp3vqb/SANY2415.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jwMCRbd)
(https://i.ibb.co/tJ8wXHR/SANY2416.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4VPwdFk)
She is cleaning up and going back together nicely. All original right up to the air box. I may put a Dyna ignition on it. I found a set of beautiful exhaust pipes.
(https://i.ibb.co/6g9Bfc9/20200727-143654.jpg) (https://ibb.co/86vcSnv)
There is nothing wrong with that!
Looking good so far! :thumbs:
that is gong to be sweet. The pipes look new. good find.
Its always easier to start with a complete bike thats in fair to good condition.
You are making good progress!!
Looking good!
Iam also in the process of restoring a old rd400, powder next week.
Its always good to put things back on a freshly painted frame
Central nervous system installed right up to the self-cancel signals. Since I already have my hot rod RD400, I'm selling this one when finished. All stock, includes stock and superbike bars, fully refurbished. Then I can move on to my 1978 IT175 that I bought new and has been sitting for decades.
(https://i.ibb.co/RhrG3Vm/SANYO-DIGITAL-CAMERA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3f65pLq)
(https://i.ibb.co/9TNKZ4q/SANYO-DIGITAL-CAMERA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Yk3n0dt)
That looks tidy enough, good job!
Hmmm, mine is going to be like this one that just sold on Ebay only mine will have a rebuilt motor and brakes, fresh paint, new tires, and a title. :toot: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1976-Yamaha-RD400-/154048340641?ul_noapp=true&autorefresh=true&nma=true&si=rbAITkFVNMBj44Wn4s0BGSXk0Dc%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Quote from: 1976RD400C on August 23, 2020, 02:59:45 PM
Hmmm, mine is going to be like this one that just sold on Ebay only mine will have a rebuilt motor and brakes, fresh paint, new tires, and a title. :toot: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1976-Yamaha-RD400-/154048340641?ul_noapp=true&autorefresh=true&nma=true&si=rbAITkFVNMBj44Wn4s0BGSXk0Dc%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Hi congrats on the progress with your bike and that's awesome to hear. I just clicked on and took a decent look at your posted link here and I have to say you sir have a great achievable goal. I believe you can do it. Your bike will every bit as good as that bike. Which by the way that bike sold for a pretty penny, over 6 grand. I dunno maybe I'm a bit stunned but I don't believe that to be such a rare bike so that seems like a great price. Not that I have a problem with it but I guess I get used to seeing so many RD's being sold on the cheap. I mean the bike didn't have a title and truly was a survivor bike as stated in the ad. The owner got her running but who's to say the crank or rings or oil pump don't give up their ghosts? I'm with you on all the pluses your's will have over that and I think your taking your bike in just the right direction. :twocents:
Ready to roll except for a crack in sprocket side cover that I have to get welded. ;D
(https://i.ibb.co/x3QS4Rf/20200906-085725.jpg) (https://ibb.co/52VW7fn)