Yamaha RD 400 Twin - [1977] Review and Comparison including Similar Bikes, Alternative Bikes, Performance Specs and Technical Information.
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Performance Review: Yamaha RD 400 Twin - [1977]

Yamaha RD 400 Twin - [1977] image

Yamaha RD 400 Twin - [1977]

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Figures & Specs Summary:

  • Edition: Yamaha RD 400 Twin
  • Year: 1977 | Type: Standard
  • Engine: 398 cc (24.2 ci) 10 Valve
  • Engine Type: Wankel | Cylinders: 2
  • Engine Stroke: Four | Valve Config: Reed Valve
  • Fuel Delivery: Carburettor
  • Cooling: Air | Fuel Type: Petrol
  • Transmission: 6 speed | Manual
  • Drive: Chain
  • Wet Weight: 171 kgs (376 lbs)
  • Dry Weight: 165.5 kgs (364 lbs)
  • Power: 44 bhp (32 kW) @ 7500 rpm
  • Torque: 30.3 lb-ft (41.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm
  • BHP Per Ton: 257.3 bhp
  • Torque Per Ton: 177.2 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph (96.6 kph): 14.4 secs
  • 0-100 kph (0-62 mph): 14.7 secs
  • Top Speed: 107 mph (172.1 kph)
  • 1/4 Mile (Est.): 14.13 secs @ 90 mph
  • Frame: Steel
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Yamaha RD 400 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Yamaha RD 400 Twin is the 6 speed | Manual version and was first brought out in 1977. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 E and the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 Special.This particular Yamaha RD 400 has a 398cc Air cooled, Four stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.

Suzuki GS 500 E - [1989] image

An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Suzuki GS 500 E - [1989]

The 1977 RD 400 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 1989 Suzuki GS 500 E and the 1966 Norton Dunstall 750. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the RD 400's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1997 Suzuki GW 400 Inazuma | 1997cc.1988 Suzuki TV 250 Wolf | 1988cc.

Power and Torque:

Weighing in at 171 kgs (376 lbs) this makes the Yamaha RD 400 Twin in the same weight category as the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS or the 2025 Kawasaki Z 900 DOHC SE, give or take 50kg.

Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025] image

The 1977 Yamaha RD 400 shares the same bhp with the Yamaha WR 250 F - [2025]

In terms of power the 398cc 10 valve Wankel 2 cylinder engine produces 44 bhp (32 kW) @ 7500 rpm similar to the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm] or the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [57.8 bhp (43 kW) @ 6750 rpm].

The Reed Valve Four stroke unit throws out torque of 30.3 lb-ft (41.0 Nm) @ 7000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Honda X-ADV 745 [50.9 lb-ft (69.0 Nm) @ 4750 rpm] and the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [7.6 lb-ft (10.4 Nm) @ 5500 rpm].

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Yamaha RD 400 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

Honda GL 1100 Gold Wing - [1980] image

The 1980 Honda GL 1100 Gold Wing has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1977 Yamaha RD 400 Twin.

The 1977 Yamaha RD 400 Twin has a Power to weight ratio of 257.3 bhp per ton and 177.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1977 RD 400 competing with the 1980 Honda GL 1100 Gold Wing [282.2 bhp\ton] and the 1980 Honda CB 750 Custom [282.0 bhp\ton].


Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Yamaha RD 400 generating around 177.2 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2001 Kawasaki ZR-7 DOHC [202.1 lb-ft per ton] and the 1999 Kawasaki ZR-7 DOHC [202.1 lb-ft per ton].

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 14.4 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 14.7 secs, this makes the Yamaha RD 400 Twin similar in acceleration to the 2024 Kawasaki Ninja 7 Hybrid (14.4 secs) and the 2024 Kawasaki Eliminator 500 Twin (14.4 secs). This Yamaha RD 400 Twin also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).

Suzuki DR 650 SE - [2011] image

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1977 Yamaha RD 400 Twin and the 2011 Suzuki DR 650 SE

When talking about the performance of the 1977 Yamaha RD 400 Twin on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.1 secs @ 90 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2011 Suzuki DR 650 SE (14.1 secs) and the 2014 Yamaha XV 1700 Road Star S (14.1 secs).

Top Speed:

The 1977 version of the Yamaha RD 400 Twin has a maximum speed of 107mph.

Kawasaki Ninja 400 DOHC - [2023] image

Top Speed of the 1977 RD 400 equals the 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 DOHC

If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1977 Yamaha RD 400 Twin then how about a 2023 Kawasaki Ninja 400 DOHC (118 mph) and the 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 400 ABS (118 mph).

Related Links:

1977 Yamaha RD 400 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Yamaha

Bike Comparison


Performance Figures & Specs:

Choose a Bike Make for a List of More Performance Figures and Specs.




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More Yamaha Models:

Edition:

AG

BT 100

CS 200

DT 125

DT 175

DT 200

DT 230

DT 250

DT 360

DT 400

DT-1

DT-2

DT-3

DX 250

FJ

FJ-09

FJR

FZ

FZ 150i

FZ 16

FZ 400

FZ 600

FZ 700

FZ 750

FZ-03

FZ-07

FZ-09

FZ-10

FZ-S

FZ1

FZ6

FZ8

FZR 1000

FZR 250

FZR 400

FZR 600

FZR 750

FZS 1000

FZS 600

FZX 250

FZX 700

FZX 750

GTS 1000

GX 250

GX 400

GX 750

IT 125

IT 175

IT 200

IT 250

IT 400

IT 425

IT 465

IT 490

MT-01

MT-03

MT-07

MT-09

MT-10

MT-125

MT-25

MXT 850

MXT 890

NMAX

R1-Z

R5

RD 125

RD 200

RD 250

RD 350

RD 400

RD 500

RS 100

RS 200

RT-1

RX 350

RZ 125

RZ 250

RZ 350

RZ 500

SDR 200

SR 125

SR 250

SR 400

SR 500

SRV 250

SRX 250

SRX 400

SRX 600

Star Raider

SZR 150

SZR 600

T-150

TDM 850

TDM 900

TDR 125

TDR 250

Tenere

Tracer

Tracer 7

Tracer 9

Tracer 900

Tricity 125

Tricity 155

Tricity 300

TRX 850

TT 225

TT 250

TT 350

TT 500

TT 600

TT-R 225

TT-R 250

TW 125

TW 200

TW 225

TX 500

TX 650

TX 750

TZR 125

TZR 250

V-Max

V-Star 250

Vixion

VR 300

WR 125

WR 200

WR 250

WR 400

WR 426

WR 450

XJ 1100

XJ 400

XJ 550

XJ 6

XJ 600

XJ 650

XJ 700

XJ 750

XJ 900

XJR 1200

XJR 1300

XJR 400

XMAX 125

XMAX 250

XMAX 300

XMAX 400

XP 500

XP 530

XP 560

XS 1100

XS 250

XS 360

XS 400

XS 500

XS 650

XS 750

XS 850

XS1

XS2

XSR 125

XSR 155

XSR 700

XSR 900

XT 1200

XT 125

XT 200

XT 225

XT 250

XT 350

XT 400

XT 500

XT 550

XT 600

XT 660

XTZ 125

XTZ 250

XTZ 660

XTZ 750

XV 1000

XV 1100

XV 125

XV 1600

XV 1700

XV 1900

XV 250

XV 400

XV 500

XV 535

XV 700

XV 750

XV 920

XV 950

XVS 1100

XVS 125

XVS 1300

XVS 250

XVS 400

XVS 650

XVS 950

XVZ 1200

XVZ 1300

XZ 400

XZ 550

YZF-600

YZF-R125

YZF-R15

YZF-R25

YZF-R3

YZF-R7

YZF-R9

YZF1000

YZF750


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Quarter Mile Time
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Top Speed

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