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This spectacular 1976 Yamaha RD400C Motorcycle is is simply one of the best restored examples known to exist. It was professionally restored by well-respected Clint Coonrod who won First Place at the Annual Abate of Nebraska Show in 2020 with this machine. This show quality restoration was completed in December of 2020 and has only 7 test miles. Some photos of the meticulous restoration are included. It’s been finished in its original color of Geneva Green. The matching numbers 399cc engine was completely rebuilt and runs beautifully. This machine is a piece of rolling artwork. Clean title included.
The RD400 is a 399cc two-stroke air cooled six-speed motorcycle produced by Yamaha from 1976 until 1979. It evolved directly from the Yamaha RD350. The 350 evolved into the RD400C in 1976, the “D” and “E” in 77-78 and the final model, the white 1979 RD400F. The model year for the first RD400 which was sold in the U.S. in the summer of 1975, was 1976. They made a total of 17,210 – 1976 RD400C models.
As quoted from Dain Gingerelli of Motorcycle Classics- December 2018
“Yamaha's plan to update its popular 1975 RD350B model was simple: For model year 1976 they committed to building an even better version of America's favorite 2-stroke motorcycle.
The solution was found in upping the little oil-burner's capacity, which Yamaha engineers did by about 14 percent, stretching the stroke from 54mm to 62mm for a boost from 347cc to a full 399cc. The end result was the RD400C, perhaps the most advanced production 2-stroke motorcycle up to that time.
But the bigger-is-better philosophy was only the tip of the iceberg, as that bigger engine formed the foundation for a much improved street bike. To borrow from Cycle World magazine's test in their March 1976 issue: "The Yamaha RD400C is the closest thing to a perfect motorcycle that we've ever run up against. As a matter of fact, there is only one item that keeps it from being the world's first perfect motorcycle, but we won't tell you what it is... at least not until we've told you about the rest of this beauty."
If CW's words come across as excessive hyperbole, consider Cycle magazine's lead-in to its road test the following month: "The quickest, fastest, best-handling, and hardest-braking lightweight ever now joins the engine capacity creep and gets more comfortable without giving up as the world's best, and only, midi-Superbike."
1976 Yamaha RD400C
Engine: 399cc air-cooled 2-stroke parallel twin, 64mm x 62mm bore and stroke, 6.2:1 compression ratio, 35.48hp @ 7,000rpm (rear wheel, Cycle dyno)
Top speed: 95mph (period test)
Carburetion: Two 28mm Mikuni w/Yamaha Autolube oil injection
Transmission: 6-speed, chain final drive
Electrics: 12v, coil and breaker points ignition
Frame/wheelbase: Dual downtube twin-loop frame/53in (1,346mm)
Suspension: Telescopic fork front, dual shocks w/adjustable preload rear
Brakes: 10.4in (264mm) discs front and rear
Tires: 3.25 x 18in front, 3.5 x 18in rear
Weight (wet): 377lb (171kg)
Seat height: 33in (838mm)
Fuel capacity/MPG: 3.4gal (12.9ltr)/45mpg (period test)
Price then/now: $1,219/$2,500-$9,000
This was an early production machine based on the serial number sequence. Clint Coonrod purchased this machine from a gentleman in Peabody, KS. When it was purchased it was in good original condition. It was the perfect candidate for a restoration. Clint Coonrod had the machine shipped to Lincoln, NE and started the restoration in 2018. A ton of time and money was invested in this meticulous nut and bolt restoration. As the receipts document over $6,000 was invested just in some parts. This doesn’t include the original purchase cost, shipping cost, miscellaneous items such as paint work or upholstery work or any labor cost. This was obviously a labor of love and not a profitable endeavor for Clint Coonrod. The receipts and some photos of the restoration are included.
This machine is in absolutely beautiful from top to bottom. As the receipts and photos document this was a nut and bolt restoration. Everything has been restored or replaced. This machine is in show quality condition throughout. The frame was media blasted and power coated black by Hot Kote 751 located in Lincoln, NE. The metal was finished in its original color of Geneva Green. This is a beautiful color and very desirable amongst enthusiasts. The color is complemented with the yellow, white and two green colored decals. The paint is high quality and virtually flawless. The fenders, headlight bezel, mufflers and sway bar were restored by Industrial Plating located in Omaha, NE. The gauge faces were replaced and the odometer was turned back to zero. The main engine was rebuilt by Bill Bune Enterprises in Anoka, MN. The engine starts and runs excellent. This machine presents itself like the day it was on the showroom floor. A original owner’s manual is included.
