New resto - 77 RD400D

[Hammer 663s]

I'll pick this up in a couple weeks. 77 RD400D, one owner, 8800 miles, original down to the grips. I will try to do as little as possible in the restoration. From what I've seen so far there's a little rust on some things (brake pedal, handlebar mounts) so some refinishing might be required, but I'm going to try to keep it as OEM as possible. It will have to sit until I finish the Daytona next month.

[twostrokelooney]

Nice find Hammer, must be hard to find a good original bike like that, even in the US.

I do like the alternative paint schemes you guys got too, and keep us posted on progress. I hope you're not keeping the crashbars though....

[Mally]

Very nice machine in what looks like great condition. Agree with your thoughts to keep it original with a light touch to get it updated.

Yeah , paint scheme is different from what we have over here , really nice design and detail , but those crash bars have to go 

All the best with your next project.

[5port]

Yes, looks nice.
Loose those goofy crash bars and clean!.  Needs a few rubber parts like correct Yamaha fuel hose and fork dust covers. Yes, the paint on brake arm was always very thin, but easy to repair.
Fork legs look to still have faded lacquer on them. 
Go for minimum refinish and max originality!

5port

[Hammer 663s]

Yes, looks nice.
Loose those goofy crash bars and clean!.  Needs a few rubber parts like correct Yamaha fuel hose and fork dust covers. Yes, the paint on brake arm was always very thin, but easy to repair.
Fork legs look to still have faded lacquer on them. 
Go for minimum refinish and max originality!

5port

Crash bars will go day 1. I pick it up June 3rd so will do a very thorough pre-teardown inspection. If it's as original as it appears, clean, lube, polish is all I will do unless absolutely necessary. Make sure it's solid mechanically and rideable for sure but I think this one is destined for a collector who values originality above all. Might end up a display queen somewhere which is ok too. I won't keep it as I have 2 beauties already.

[Hammer 663s]

Nice find Hammer, must be hard to find a good original bike like that, even in the US.

I do like the alternative paint schemes you guys got too, and keep us posted on progress. I hope you're not keeping the crashbars though....

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we have a quite limited riding season. I think that results in people buying bikes, then letting them sit over a winter, then they won't start, then they end up shuffled around the garage for years until someone dies, or a wife gets sick of it, or the owner just gives up his/her dream or getting it running again. Sad, but I benefit as I love to find these and bring them back to their true glory. My issue is then I don't want to sell them! I'm picky with who I sell to - if it's not a fellow gearhead who has at least a little clue on these I don't sell it to them.

[Hammer 663s]

I cleaned her up a bit today. The usual finds for something almost 50 years old - light rust/oxidation here and there, some paint damage due to brake fluid and battery acid. Nothing that can't be addressed. Amazing original condition. Even the grips are original! Baffles had never been out. Original chain and sprockets. Now she will go to my shop and sit until the rains come. I have enough to work on over the summer as it is.