1979 Yamaha RD-400F Daytona Special

My RD-400 Daytona Special

Back in the day 1980 I had one of these which I used to commute to work. I sold it after about two years and have been kicking myself since.

Well, this year I found another one much like the one I had, who knows it might be the same one they only imported about 5,000 of these to the US.

I bought this one from Washington state and shipped it using Haul Bikes. They picked it up on time and delivered it to my door. All without a scratch and for a reasonable cost.

I did not want a basket case, so I paid a little more and got a running bike so I would not be chasing or hunting parts for months.

I have been riding the bike some and decided to make some needed repairs.

Theft right exhaust pipe suffered battery acid etching and the left exhaust pipe started cracking at the frame mount.

The left pipe was welded, smooth and both were rechromed, they both came out very nice.

I replaced the battery with a 12v gel battery from Radio Shack. Since this is a kick start only bike it should be fine and no more battery acid spills.

The chain guard also started cracking so I removed it to have it welded smoothed and repainted back to the original gloss black.

While the pipes and chain guard were off the bike I replaced most of the rubber parts (tires, footpeg mounts, side cover grommets, handle bar mounts, ect.) which were 32 years old and starting to crack from age. Most of the parts I got from HVC cycles and some were still available from Yamaha.

I also removed the carbs to replact the little rubber carb covers which had melted from age and fuel. I removed the float bowls and found that they were in like new condition with the original jetting!

When I get the chain guard back I can assemble the bike back together and put on the pipes. Then I will start it up, then I can adjust and sync. the carbs.

I purchased a Dyna ignition to install in the bike to eliminate the points. Yamaha no longer makes the points and they are getting very expensive on ebay. The Dyna ignition is electronic with no wearing parts and will be much easier to tune.

I will install it after I get the carbs tuned and synced.

Apparently, I found a bike that is very original which is rare in this model. Seem that everyone wants to make modifications, change jetting, pipes, carbs, bars, ect. this one is almost completely stock.

The stock pipes alone are worth over $1,000. to those who want and find a set.

I wonder how many sets went to the scrap pile or hidden in barns rusting away?

Anyway, that's the story on my RD. It's not the fastest bike, it's not a great handling bike but it is the last air cooled 2 stroke street bike that Yamaha made for the US anyway.

I plan on keeping it for a long time

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Short ride on 02/26/2011

I got the parts back together and assembled the back half the bike. I installed the carbs and synced them. I then installed the Dyna ignition to eliminate the points and set the timing. This ignition is easy to install and I am able to set the timing on the left cylinder and the right side is set at the same time. Very easy, but I had to make the dial indicator holder out of an old spark plug.

I rode some last Saturday 2-26-2011 and a friend took these pictures. On the ride home I noticed that the right cylinder stopped firing. I pulled over and removed the ignition cover. Seems that I should of followed the directions on the Dyna installation. They said to solder the connection, I didn't and the crimp came apart. I put the wire back into the connector and folded it over hoping that I could make it home with no other problems.

I made it home and tonight I soldered the connectors as I should of done in the first place. Live and learn.