1976 YAMAHA RD400C

Mint With Only 2,716 Original Miles

Rare One-Year only Geneva Green Original Paint & Original Exhaust

Extensive Full Preservation Service

Includes the Original 1976 Title

With only 2,716 miles, this RD400 is an extraordinarily well-preserved, highly original example that has just undergone an extensive mechanical and cosmetic preservation service at Kaplan Cycles.

We have handled countless classic motorcycles over the last 15 years, and examples like this simply do not surface often. In fact, this is only the second RD400 we have had in this green configuration.

Most RD's were Ridden into the ground, this beauty has been preserved since new.

It retains the character, major components, provenance, and presentation that serious collectors look for.

DOCUMENTED ORIGINALITY & PROVENANCE

This RD400 retains its:

• Original green fuel tank and paint

• Original chrome

• Original rear fender

• Original exhaust system

• Original airbox

• Original seat and upholstery

• Original center stand

• Original passenger pegs

• Original sprocket

• Original turn signals

• Original headlight assembly

• Original cable straps

• Original under-seat labels and decals

• Original toolkit

• Original 1976 license plate

• Original 1976 title from the original owner

The original seat remains in outstanding condition, and the under-seat area is remarkably clean for a motorcycle approaching 50 years old.

Even small details tell the story of how carefully this motorcycle was stored. The original clear cable retainers, which commonly yellow with age, remain exceptionally well preserved.

The inside of the fuel tank is also remarkably clean.

BRAND-NEW NOS FRONT FENDER

One notable replacement is the front fender.

Finding genuine NOS components for a motorcycle of this age is increasingly difficult, particularly an RD400 front fender. We sourced a brand-new NOS front fender from the United Kingdom and paid a substantial premium to obtain the correct piece.

This is not a generic reproduction replacement.

$13,296 PRESERVATION SERVICE JUST COMPLETED;

This motorcycle received an exceptionally thorough preservation and mechanical recommissioning performed by our professional technicians.

The documented service totaled:

55 hours of shop labor at $195/hour: $10,725

Parts: $2,571

Total preservation investment: $13,296

Our lead technician, Justin “Mr. Turbo,” personally went through this RD400 from front to rear.

ENGINE & TOP-END SERVICE

The motorcycle received a fresh professionally machined top end.

Work included:

• Fresh cylinder bore

• First-over piston configuration

• New spark plugs

• Engine inspection

• Engine side-covers refinished

• Polished cylinder-head fins

• Fresh gearbox oil

• Oil-injection system serviced and adjusted to factory specification

The factory Yamaha oil-injection system remains intact and fully operational.

This is important because many RD400s have had their original oil-injection systems removed over the decades.

The motorcycle starts, runs, shifts, and performs exceptionally well. The riding experience is exactly what made the RD400 legendary: lightweight handling, a responsive six-speed gearbox, and that unmistakable Yamaha two-stroke power delivery.

CARBURETORS & FUEL SYSTEM

The complete fuel-delivery system was serviced.

Work included:

• Carburetors fully rebuilt

• New carburetor gaskets

• New O-rings

• New seals

• New intake manifold gaskets

• Petcock rebuilt

• New fuel lines

• New fuel filter

• New fuel drain lines

• New air filter

• Replacement fuel cap

• Fuel tank inspected and cleaned as needed

The result is a motorcycle that runs exceptionally cleanly and strongly.

FRONT WHEEL & BRAKING SYSTEM

The front wheel received approximately 13 hours of combined vapor honing and polishing work as part of the wheel refinishing process.

The wheel was:

• Vapor honed

• Carefully cleaned

• Polished to a mirror finish along the wheel lips

Additional front-end service included:

• Brand-new Avon front tire

• Front brake caliper rebuilt

• Front brake hydraulic system flushed

• Fresh brake fluid

• Front master cylinder rebuilt

• New NOS control levers

• Fork area thoroughly detailed and cleaned

The original fork tubes do show minor age-related chrome pitting in isolated areas, consistent with an original motorcycle of this age.

REAR WHEEL & BRAKES

The rear wheel received the same treatment as the front:

• Vapor honed

• Polished

• Detailed

• Brand-new tire installed

• Tire mounted and balanced

The rear braking system was also fully serviced:

• Rear master cylinder rebuilt

• Rear brake caliper rebuilt

• New seals

• Brake system flushed

• Fresh brake fluid

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system was gone through thoroughly.

The following operate properly:

• Headlight

• Tail light

• Front brake-light switch

• Rear brake-light switch

• Turn signals

• Instrumentation

• Charging/electrical components inspected as part of recommissioning

The gauge-mounting rubbers were replaced with new NOS pieces because the original gauges had developed minor movement.

The original gauge assemblies remain bright and attractive.

A brand-new battery was also installed.

CHASSIS & DETAIL WORK

While preserving the motorcycle’s originality wherever possible, certain areas were cosmetically refreshed where normal riding wear had occurred.

Work included:

• Swingarm refinished

• Side frame rails touched up where boots had caused wear

• Center stand refinished

• Side stand refinished

• Engine covers detailed

• Exhaust system cleaned and polished

• Wheel-area components cleaned while disassembled

The motorcycle was carefully preserved rather than indiscriminately restored.

That distinction matters.

The fuel tank still wears its original finish. There are several small age-related marks and minor imperfections in the original striping and paint that we intentionally chose not to erase.

We could cosmetically touch these areas up further, but preserving genuine original paint was more important to us than making this motorcycle appear perfect.

AN EXCEPTIONAL ORIGINAL SURVIVOR

Most RD400s lived hard lives.

These motorcycles were inexpensive, extremely entertaining, light, quick, and frequently modified with expansion chambers, removed airboxes, performance jetting, and other racing-inspired upgrades.

Many were raced.

Many were crashed.

Many were modified beyond recognition.

That makes finding an extremely low-mileage example with its original exhaust system, original airbox, original bodywork, center stand, passenger pegs, factory oil injection, original upholstery, provenance, and original title increasingly difficult.

This motorcycle represents exactly the type of RD serious Yamaha and two-stroke collectors spend years searching for.

WHY THE RD400 IS LEGENDARY

The Yamaha RD400 represents one of the high points of the street-going two-stroke era.

Its combination of light weight, strong acceleration, responsive handling, disc brakes, six-speed transmission, and unmistakable two-stroke character made it one of the most exciting motorcycles of its generation.

They earned a reputation as giant killers because they could embarrass much larger displacement motorcycles in the hands of a capable rider.

The RD series remains one of Yamaha’s most collectible families of motorcycles today.

A longtime Honda dealership operator whom Ken worked for as a teenager famously owned an RD400 himself and accumulated more than 45,000 miles riding it regularly.

That tells you something about these machines.

They weren't simply collector pieces.

They were genuinely outstanding motorcycles.

CONDITION

With only 2,716 miles, the overall condition is remarkable.

Highlights include:

• Beautiful original green paint

• Excellent original chrome

• Excellent original rear fender

• Mint original seat upholstery

• Original exhaust system

• Straight headlight bucket

• Straight turn-signal mounts

• Excellent gauges

• Beautiful wheels

• Clean engine

• Clean under-seat area

• Original decals and labels

• Original toolkit

• Original license plate

• Original title

This motorcycle was never crashed, raced, flipped, or abused.

Minor age-related Patina imperfections remain, as they should on a nearly 50-year-old original motorcycle.

MUSEUM-QUALITY PRESENTATION

This RD400 is currently displayed inside the New England Motorcycle Museum and presents beautifully enough to remain in a serious collection.

At the same time, because of the level of mechanical preparation performed, this is not merely a static display motorcycle.

It is ready to be ridden and enjoyed.

For the collector who wants one of the finest preserved examples available — but also wants a motorcycle capable of being ridden confidently — this is an outstanding opportunity.

SHIPPING & FINANCING

We can assist with:

• Nationwide enclosed transportation

• Licensed and insured shipping throughout the continental United States

• Financing

• Documentation and paperwork

• Additional photographs and video

Our team can coordinate delivery directly to your door.

FULL HIGH-RES PHOTO SET

A comprehensive high-resolution photo gallery is available through Kaplan Cycles, allowing prospective buyers to inspect virtually every area of the motorcycle in detail.

The complete preservation work order and service history will also remain documented with the motorcycle.

FINAL WORD

Finding any clean RD400 is becoming difficult.

Finding one with:

2,716 miles
Original paint
Original pipes
Original airbox
Original seat
Original title
Original plate
Original toolkit
Factory oil injection
NOS replacement components
And more than $13,000 invested in professional preservation work

is an entirely different proposition.

This is an investment-quality, museum-quality Yamaha RD400 that has been preserved and prepared to an unusually high standard.

Whether you intend to display it, ride it, collect it, or preserve it for the next generation, this is a motorcycle worthy of serious consideration.

It checks All the Boxes With; 2,716 original miles, Rare green finish, Six-speed two-stroke & Clean original 1976 title

Serious inquiries are welcome.

Collectors know how difficult motorcycles of this caliber are becoming to replace.

God Bless America.

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WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

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AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

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We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

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Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.