1979 Yamaha RD400F Daytona Special

Well, ince you’re here you probably already know what you’re looking at. Some background for those who don’t. This is a 1979 Yamaha RD400F-Dayton Special, 00cc two stroke twin, he first and only year the Daytona Special was produced for the U.S. If the Kawasaki H series bikes were nick named “Widow Maker,” the RD400’s are “The King of the two strokes.”
I bought the bike 22 years ago. I rebuilt the top end a few years ago: it has 140 miles and is still in it’s break in. A decade ago I had Boulder Yamaha rebuild the bottom end with NOS rods, eals and bearings and install the NOS cylinders and piston kits. Since second gear was a bit worn, had it replaced also.
It is box stock with a few exceptions: Expansion chambers by a previous owner; the kick stand was extended to fit under the pipes; the seat has been reupholstered (and is much more comfortable than the original).
After I bought it, replaced the speedo (80 MPH) with the correct (120 MPH) model. To keep it as stock as possible I searched long and hard for the same tires as when new, etsler ME77, hich are in great shape.
Engine: This is a 2-stroke oil injected 400cc twin. The bike was thoroughly serviced in September (New plugs, oints and condenser; carbs and oil pump sync’ed, arbs cleaned,) and it starts first or second kick. It pulls and revs quickly once on the power band and has that beautiful two stroke purr when idling. It dyno’ed at 48 HP (Stock is 40 HP, he difference is in the expansion chambers). The battery was replaced two years ago. The engine has not been ported or polished. No mods what so ever, ave the chambers.
Body: The bike is in excellent original condition and the paint looks terrific. The gas tank has no dings or dents. The inside of the tank is perfect. The front fender has a small scuff. Minor scratches on the left chamber from the kick stand. The side cover for the oil tank has a slight oil stain. Overall the bikes paint and finish are in excellent condition for being 37 years old.
Chassis: The condition of the frame and hardware is excellent. The bike rides perfect. The suspension is in great shape and the brakes may need new pads eventually.
The chassis and engine numbers are identical: 2VO-002013
It was last registered in 2013 and I have clear Colorado title.
The bike is SOLD AS IS, HERE IS with no warranty and no returns. Buyer must contact me within 24 hours of auctions end and forward $500 as a deposit through Paypal, n a cashiers check or wire transfer along with pick up instructions, ith the balance payable within 7 days in Cashiers check or wire transfer. NO PAYPAL for balance. The bike must be paid for in full and funds cleared my bank before it will be released. Or payment can be made in cash upon pickup. If out-of-state, lease make arrangements to have the bike picked up in SW Littleton Colorado and transported to a crater and then arrange for transportation. If you’re in Denver please contact me directly if you’d like to have a look. Please don’t ask to ride it until it is paid for and funds have cleared. (The last motorcycle I sold never came back from a test ride.) NO EXCEPTIONS.
But don’t take my word for how amazing this motorcycle is:
“The Daytona Special was the last big bore air-cooled street 2-stroke sold in the United States.
It ended up becoming a monument to the 2-stoke motorcycles that defined the 1970's, n the road and race track. You can’t help but love it,” Cycle World proclaimed in a gush of enthusiasm. “The road test concluded that it was the closest thing the magazine had ever seen to a perfect motorcycle.”
- Cycle World, 979
“If it turns out that the buck stops with F,” wrote Cycle’s editor Cook Neilson, Yamaha will be satisfied with this one great last thumb in the eye of the EPA and hereafter call it quits, hen at least the RD series will have ended gloriously, ith a bang, hoot and an irreverent four-gear wheelie right across the bow of the establishment. As a raffish partner in crime it is absolutely damn dead-center perfect.”
“Ride one, nd you’ll realize how the beehive engine note, he ringing of the cylinder fins, he lightness of its form could be so right for a world in transition—one turning to slow-revving, op-heavy four-strokes. But not without a fight.”
“The 1980’s did arrive but did so without an RD400 for American riders. They soon came to miss an amazing motorcycle that was quick, ugely entertaining, nd no doubt a touchstone to so many youthful motorcycling adventures. A machine right for its time.”
“More than merely right. Special.” - Cycle Magazine, 979
If you're looking for an iconic, imited production motorcycle than changed Sport bikes forever, n fabulous mechanical and aesthetically beautiful condition, ook no farther.
Good luck on your bidding

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