Just Getting Started--77' RD 400

[mtbike]

Been bitten by the bug and ready to pull the plug! First I'd like to say, nice site and some way cool bikes. Been kicking around a cafe racer for a few years. Found a 77' rd 400, garage kept with under 6000 on it for $800. Wanted some opinions of weather this is the bike (brand, year, model) or should I go with something different? In great shape. Almost too nice to make nicer. Older owner with rear rack, high windshield, and highway pegs! Thinking it has had about as nice a life as one could have. I perfer true spoke wheels for looks, over mags. That may be one of my biggest hang ups. Any thoughts/opions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Big R]

Welcome to the madness!

Seems like a great bike to start with - I'd probably jump on it especially if the motor runs. Personally, I don't know much about the RD's but I would think spokes are a possibility.

 

[wissy]

Arent Rd's two stroke? that engine is no two stroke. WTF?

 

[troybrewcity]

im pretty sure rd's are two-strokers...

 

[m357.5]

Thats an XS400....aint no stroker

 

[Big R]

Told ya I didn't know anything about RD's (or XS's obviously)!

 

[Kanticoy]

Yep, definitely an XS400, and a great candidate for a cafe. The older model XSs had spokes, so a conversion would be simple. I'd snag it.

Oh and welcome!

 

[VonYinzer]

Sounds like a killer deal to me! Do it! And welcome to DTT. Where are ya located?

 

[mtbike]

Been a long time and sorry for the neglect. Just thought, what the heck, I'll give them an update. Since six years ago when I originally posted, I ended up buying not one but two '72 CL350's. First is a cherry all stock with around 9k orig. that needs new rubber, a cam seal, and fork seals. It's been my rider. The second is slowly being cafe-ed. It has around 12k had a windjamber and a period correct sissy bar with rack on it.

 

[VonYinzer]

Well shit. Welcome back.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

 

[Hibby Jr]

Cool . This could be motivation for your build. http://www.bikeexif.com/yamaha-xs400-2

 

[mtbike]

That XS does look pretty sweet. Oddly, as basic as it is, I like the seat. May try to go that direction on my CL.

 

[1fasgsxr]

So you passed on the RD ? ... ;D

 

[mtbike]

Yes. Yes I did.