Did You Know The Yamaha RD400 Was One Of The Last Great Road-Going Two-Strokes
When the Yamaha RD400 arrived in the mid-1970s, it represented the peak of an era that many enthusiasts still talk about today.
Powered by a lively air-cooled two-stroke twin, the RD400 combined light weight, sharp handling and rapid acceleration into a package that was both exciting and affordable.
As emissions regulations became stricter around the world, high-performance road-going two-strokes gradually disappeared from showrooms. The RD400 became one of the last motorcycles to capture the spirit of the classic two-stroke sports bike before the four-stroke era took over.
Today, surviving RD400s are highly sought after by collectors and riders who remember the distinctive smell, sound and power delivery that only a two-stroke can provide.
Did you ever own an RD400, or do you think modern riders have missed out on something special?