1976 Yamaha RD400 Project bike

I have for sale this nice 1976 Yamaha RD400C. This is a French model bike so may differ in one or two ways from a UK bike and obviously has a kilometre speedo. It is a project but has many good points.

The paintwork is original throughout and as you can see is still very presentable. I`m not sure if this colour was ever available in the UK as I don't recall seeing one back in the day.

I found this bike in a barn in Le Mans recently but it has survived 4 years storage pretty well. The previous owner had begun to restore but in reality all he had done was to take a few bits off and buy some new bits. I have put some bits back on for the photos so you can see how complete it is. I cant actually see anything missing but if you are unsure please ask and I will look through the three boxes of bits and let you know.

The non standard bits are the horrible front mudguard in plastic with a big crack in it. It has a chrome swinging arm and the engine cases have been chromed and have blistered. see pics 4 & 5. The rest of the bike is correct including the original silencers which are in usable condition but have some marks and scratches. The down pipes have been rechromed but one has an old dent. The headlamp is the original but is not wired up the wiring loom is hanging down but appears to be quite tidy and unmessed with. The bottom fork tubes have been chromed and are not in the best condition. One of the fork tubes is a bit scratched and pitted the other looks pretty good. The seat is in pretty good condition with no splits and the base is fine. The seat lock and helmet lock work ok and I have the original key.

The engine and frame numbers match 001720. The engine turns over fine with lots of compression and I was told that the piston rings were done shortly before it was stored but I have no way of knowing if this is true. The gearbox seems fine and engages ok. the clutch is free and feels good. The chain is not fitted but is with the bike in a bucket of oil!

There is an old insurance certificate on the front mudguard showing that the bike was last on the road in 2006. There is a full French log book with the bike and I will supply the bike with a French cession de vehicle certificate. These two documents will make registering the bike in the UK quite straight forward. They also prove that the bike has come from within the EU and as such there is no duty or VAT payable. If you are unsure I can talk the winning bidder through the process.

All in all a pretty good example of a highly sought after iconic 1970`s Japanese two stroke that will make a fabulous winter project. The value of these bikes is on the rise and of all the coffin tank models the 400 is the one to have. This one is one of the first  being registered on August the 3rd 1976 in Le Mans.

The bike is advertised elsewhere so I reserve the right to end the auction early.

 Please note that this bike is at present in the town of Chabris in the Indre (36) department of central France. For a price of £50 I can arrange delivery to the Worthing area straight after the end of the auction. Other delivery destinations are available but please email me for a price. The bike can also be collected from the Ardingly autojumble on the 12th of October or the Kempton Park autojumble on the 25th of October. Alternatively you are welcome to come to France to collect the bike and I will offer the winning bidder one nights free accommodation in our B&B included in the final sale price.

Payment is by cleared sterling cheque if you are having the bike delivered or by cash on collection if you are coming to collect her.

Any questions please email me or call from the UK on 00 33 254051245

Also published at eBay.com