Yamaha RD400 is one of the most exciting products from the 1970s, pushing the boundaries of performance slightly ahead in comparison to its 350cc cousin. The motorcycle is safer in most terms while the official listing confirms that the product shared parts with another motorcycle that was listed as a quarter-litre product in the company lineup.
RD400 is the most powerful motorcycle from the retro family and considering its overall proportions, the performance factor seems unbeatable by even modern-day motorcycles. Here are the five quick facts about the legendary Yamaha RD400.
5 Quick Facts About Yamaha RD400
1) Availability – The motorcycle was available with four different names that were primarily used to differentiate the model year. The year 1976 named the same RD400C while 1977 was the year when it was branded as RD400D. In 1978, the model was tagged as RD400E and finally in 1979, it was branded as RD400F. The motorcycle is available in the used market with a price tag of around $4000 (INR 3.03 lakh, approximate) in a decent condition in other countries as the Indian market never got the same at all.
2) Design & Style – The motorcycle features retro-modern bits of styling, with old age lines being a primary part of the profile. The fuel tank is long and sleek while alloy wheels add a touch of premium feel to the motorcycle. It was available in various colours throughout the life cycle and above all, the sporty stripe colour variant looked great for a motorcycle carrying a limited displacement capacity.
3) Power Output – The 398cc, two-stroke twin-cylinder engine on the motorcycle is good for 44HP of maximum power at 7500 rpm and 41.1Nm of peak torque at 7000 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The powerful machine weighs 171kgs and claims to be more powerful on paper in comparison to the present-day Yamaha machines like R3.
4) Dimensions & Capabilities – Yamaha RD400 measures 1995mm in length, 760mm in width and 1060mm in height. The wheelbase measures 1320mm while the seat height on the model is 800mm. The ground clearance for the model is 150mm. The dry weight for the motorcycle is 165.5kgs while wet weight tips the scale at 171kgs. The motorcycle comes with a 16.5-litre fuel tank and claims a mileage of 43 mpg (18.28 kmpl approx). The top speed for the motorcycle stands at 172kmph.
5) Equipment on Offer – Yamaha RD400 was available with 267mm of a disc brake at both ends. The front rim measures 3.00S while the rear comes with a 3.50S rim size. The front forks are telescopic while the rear end features dual shocks. The entire network of equipment makes you good for a quarter-mile time of 14.1 seconds, and that too reaches a top speed of 145kmph.
Yamaha RD400 Tech Specs
- Engine: 398cc, 2-Stroke
- Cooling: Air-Cooled
- No. of Cylinders: 2
- Fuel System: Carburettor
- BorexStroke: 64mm x 62mm
- Compression Ratio: 6.2:1
- Max. Power: 44 HP @ 7500 rpm
- Max. Torque: 41.1 Nm @ 7000 rpm
- Gearbox: 6-Speed
- Overall Length: 1995mm
- Overall Width: 760mm
- Overall Height: 1060mm
- Wheelbase: 1320mm
- Ground Clearance: 150mm
- Seat Height: 800mm
- Dry Weight: 165.5 kg
- Wet Weight: 171 kg
- Fuel Tank: 16.5-litres
- Oil Capacity: 1.8-litres
- Front Brake: 267mm Disc
- Rear Brake: 267mm Disc
- Front Tyre: 3.00S-18-4PR
- Rear Tyre: 3.50S-18-4PR
- Front Suspension Telescopic Forks
- Rear Suspension: Dual Shocks
- Starting System: Kick
- Final Drive: Chain
- Mileage: 18.28 kmpl
- 0-400m: 14.1 secs
- Top Speed: 172 kmph