RD400

[Raxxis]

So after years of owning 4 strokes about 400 of them, I finally bought my first real bike!  I look forward to being part fo the forum!

Bruins in 4.     

[Redbird]

Smoking is addictive.

"Hi, my name is Chris... and I mix Gas and Oil"

[SoCal250]

Welcome!

[RDryan]

So after years of owning 4 strokes about 400 of them, I finally bought my first real bike!  I look forward to being part fo the forum!

Bruins in 4.     

Hey Dude, way cool Where abouts in Ma. do you live? I live in Gloucester. Welcome to the forum and congrats on  a unique bike. I have a RD250. Took a spin on her today around town and got two compliments on separate occastions and plenty of stares

[Raxxis]

I live in West Boylston.  Here is a pic of the new bike and some of the others.  I pick up the RD at the end of the month.  Other than the seat and mirrors can anyone tell me what else is wrong with the RD?

[SoCal250]

Hard to tell from the RD photo what issues it may have. The forks/triples area looks a little unusual, like the vertical spacing is not normal. Just guesssing because it's difficult to tell from that photo. Better (closer) photos of the bike from the side and different angles would be helpful

But from the other photo I think it's pretty obvious you have a Honda problem

[SUPERTUNE]

Welcome!
Lots of 2smoke nuts here!
I have 6 RD's , 5 of them 400's
Let us know when you get it!
Chuck

[Hawaii-Mike]

Might just be the headlight mounting brackets (not stock and very long) that make the front end look different.

[Organicjedi]

Welcome!

Can't say there's anything wrong with it. What's not stock beside the seat, mirrors, and the paint would be the headlight ears and the turn signals. The bars look longer than stock but that could be an angle thing.

Some different angles will let us get a better look. Your VIN will tell you if you have a 76 or 77.

[SUPERTUNE]

One thing to tell in 99% of the time from a '76-'77 is the disk brake mounting on the mag wheels...'76's used studs w/ nuts and 77's went to bolts like the 78's and 79's also.
Another one is the electrical wire connectors from the handlebars are all bullets single connectors like 350's and in '77 Yamaha started using multi connector blocks.

Chuck

[quocle603]

What the hell is a four stroke and how the hell do you own something that happens when you run too rich?

[Raxxis]

So clearly I have a few parts to begin to assemble.  Are there and other Yamaha bikes in that time period that used the same parts?  Like the directionals from an XS series, that might be an easier find that are the same?  Id like to get it back to stock.

[AAAltered]

A dozen years ago when I was sorting out parts to build the R5 I came across this.  It's very valuable.  Unfortunately mine was registered on a long-trashed laptop so I don't have access.  It's worth the $25 bucks.

It's a complete cross reference by part number and bike, as well as having PN changes associated.  For example, it will tell you the PN for for signal mounts, what OTHER bikes used the same part number, and even better what other part number is identical.  It really helps to tell you what XS, RD, and any other model parts cross fit.

I recall even finding locally available "modern" outboard parts that crossed to the old 278 bits. I found banjo bolts that way on a Sunday iirc.

http://www.zedder.com/itm00609.htm

[m in sc]

https://www.mikesxs.net/xs650-parts/electrical/signal-lamps-reflectors.html

[Raxxis]

First ride today was a blast.  It was such a unique experience with the way the power was delivered and when I wasn't whaling on it it was really comfortable to drive.  Everyone from the Harley guys to the nice old lady at the gas station had to check it out.  Maybe its my weight      but I found the bike quick not fast, but I guess thats what my 1000+cc bikes are for.  Overall, a keeper.

1. I need some oils for this 1977 RD400.  Transmission and engine.  I dont mind spending a buck, I just want the right product that I can buy from the local Yamaha dealer.

2. When I put the bike in neutral, both the oil and neutral light illumnate. Is that Normal?

3. See attached photo for third question...where and what the heck is this vent tube from?  I thought maybe the battery...

4. What kind of mileage should I expect out of a full tank of gas and a full tank of oil?