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| "Darth" |
| Darth was first seen at the local motorcycle store, " We've got a 400 out the back ". " The bike with a dismantle tag on it" |
| It wasn't long before cash changed hands and Darth was in safe hands. I was now the owner of another 1976 RD400C, a black one this time. |
| November '00, stripped down to a rolling frame. |
| Four days after paying for it, I picked the bike up and got it home. I could now see what I had and assess the task ahead. No engine, not a major problem yet. The gas tank is dented and in need of a respray. The RH side panel is not original and needs replacing. The oil tank is probably original but is dented and has been over sprayed black, covering the decal. The centre stand is missing as are smaller items like a couple of indicators. The instrument console on the bike is not the original set. On the grab rail, the back bolt is missing, giving no support for the mudguard. The seat has been recovered, not very well but the base is in good condition. My biggest problem is the frame, a previous owner has cut off the seat hinges, the seat lock mounting bracket and the rear crossmember. On the bright side, I have a pair of mufflers that look OK. The wheels look fine, as do the forks, although they could do with new seals. So first impressions are I've got a basket case, yes, I know. Some people might think I need a mental examination for even starting something like this. I don't care, I love the bikes, I'll have fun locating the parts, then fitting them, along with lots of frustration no doubt and best of all, I'll get to ride the bike I rescued. Along this highway I will make friends with like minded people and share with them and others, my passion for the RD400. |
| 1976 YamahaRD400C |
| Page updated on 15th November 2003 |
| June '01 Update The bike has been neglected over the past few months, collecting dust in my garage, my other two bikes having taken all my attention. The frame problem with this bike is still my biggest headache. As the frame is #108, a very early one, I am reluctant to scrap it. Also parts have been taken to finish Buzz off, so they will have to be replaced. Before I publish a help list, I'm going to cruise the local bike dismantlers for parts. Recently I bought a couple of engines for the project, one will probably only be good for spares while the other one is almost complete. I hope to collect as many parts as I can afford, as the bikes get older the spares will become harder to find and I want my collection of RD's to grow over the years. |
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| 16th Oct '01: The great news for Darth is a donor bike has been found to help me with the rebuild. It arrived in about ten boxes as you can see. |
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| 15th Nov "03 Two years on, doesn't time fly. I'm starting to feel really guilty about this bike. It was my first bike here in Canada and I have yet to get it together. I am sure I have most of the parts for it so I am hoping that this winter will see something happen. My recently acquired 72 R5 is in a similar state. |
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