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1970s Yamaha RD400 Valuation Report

Date: August 2025

Historical Overview

The air-cooled Yamaha RD400 (1976–1979) evolved from the RD350, benefiting from improvements in power delivery and gearing to stay competitive until the switch to liquid-cooled models. It remains one of the most revered two-strokes among UK riders and collectors.

UK Valuation Summary (by condition)

Condition Estimated Value (GBP) Example External Source
Project / Restoration
Non-running or for-parts bikes.
£2,500 – £3,500 Dealer listings in UK classifieds trend from £2,200 to £3,000 for parts or incomplete machines.
Roadworthy / Presentable
Running examples with some age wear.
£5,000 – £8,500 Iconic Auctioneers – 1976 RD400 sold for £7,820 at NEC (Nov 2023); classified listings show £10–11k asking prices.
Restored / Excellent
Show-quality, matching numbers, strong documentation.
£9,000 – £12,000 Car & Classic listings: GT examples with presentation reaching £10k+; rare specials reaching £14k (asking).

Notes: The NEC auction result confirms the upper end of rider-quality values. Classified asking prices are higher but not verified, so they inform the top restored band rather than the middle rider range.

Value Influencing Factors

Conclusion

In today’s UK market, expect around £2.5k–£3.5k for project bikes, £5k–£8.5k for tidy riders, and up to £9k–£12k for high-end restorations. Exceptional examples with immaculate restoration or provenance may surpass this range.

Sources:
Iconic Auctioneers – 1976 RD400 sold for £7,820 (NEC, Nov 2023);
Car & Classic – classified RD400 listings around £10k–£10.995;
Manor Park Classics – 1976 RD400 auction estimate £5.5k–£6.5k (April 2024).

All Valuations

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