rd400 seat tail/cowl

[ace787]

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 ?

[Halmic]

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

[Hardy]

My understanding is the 76-77 had a different seat base when compared to 78 onwards.

Feel free to correct if I'm wrong?

[Hawaii-Mike]

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.

[ace787]

I picked up a seat base from hvc for a 78 rd400. It'll bolt right up.  Now, just have to find the cowl.

[Hawaii-Mike]

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.

[ace787]

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

[ace787]

the seat fits pretty good. 

[Hawaii-Mike]

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.

[e30 gangsta]

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.

[Hawaii-Mike]

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.

[SoCal250]

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.

[ace787]

its just means I'm chasing a few more parts...

[biggraham]

I have an extra RD seat cowl for sale that I shipped from the UK (Thanks, Mike!)

[SUPERTUNE]

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