A pre-production model; 45 kilometres since restoration
1975 Yamaha RD400
Frame no. 1A3-000008
Engine no. 1A3-000008

This RD400 was in 'basket case' condition when purchased in April 2007 by the current owner from a German seller, who had been given it when he left employment at his local Yamaha dealership in 1975. On delivery it was noticed that the frame and engine numbers were pre-production (all production Yamahas begin at '101'). Since purchase the bike has been stripped to the bare frame, repainted and restored using virtually all original parts including full exhausts with down-pipes (originals supplied), front and rear mudguards, fuel tank (original supplied) and sundry other items. Almost all the other parts are original. The RD had covered only 1,500 kilometres; its engine was apart and on inspection only required new seals, new piston rings and consumables. The crankshaft is original and the cylinder bores standard. The engine is still running in. This machine features many parts that did not reach production, including the side panel (unique cut out to rear), down pipes, air box (one breather instead of two), rear footrest hangers (shorter than standard), steering lock on frame, left switch-gear (without pass switch) and rubber boots on levers. The bike was dated in 2010 by the classic Yamaha club, and registered for the road that same year. It has covered a mere 45 kilometres since restoration, having spent most of the time in the seller's lounge. Offered with MoT to October 2014 and Swansea V5C, this RD400 represents a very rare opportunity to own a pre-production Yamaha, as most were recalled to Japan and destroyed.