1978 | Yamaha DT 400
A rare find, restored from the ground up
A rare find, restored from the ground up
A rare find, restored from the ground up
A rare find, restored from the ground up
DT400MX (1R6), built in 1978, original with 6V electrical system
I bought it out of a barn in 2008 and completely restored it over the course of 3 years:
Frame and swingarm sandblasted and powder-coated.
All metal and plastic parts repainted in the original finish
Rear fender reinforcement strengthened, derusted, and painted
Exhaust system burned out, sandblasted, and painted
New axles turned for the swingarm and cantilever
Steering head: New roller bearings instead of the original ball bearings
New (used & unmodified) wiring harness installed
Seat reupholstered and re-covered
Engine disassembled, all bearings replaced, and resealed
Carbon diaphragms installed
Decompression unit repaired
All wear parts replaced: chain, sprocket, chain tensioner, clutch, brakes, fork oil seals, AGM gel battery
Onboard tools: Original set (OEM) included
Additional upgrades: electric turn signal relay with LED turn signals and isolating diode, electric charge regulator, steering head – roller bearings
New mirrors, new lock,
Except for the Magura handlebars and M. Robert front fender, it’s in original condition—a real head-turner at every meetup!
For those who prefer a more original look: the front fender is available on eBay for a few euros
Since the restoration, it has covered just under 5,000 km. Exact mileage unknown.
Anyone who’s ever ridden a two-stroke knows the appeal: The engine revs like a rocket, and the sound does the rest. It rides much more lively than an XT500, for example.
The 400 is Yamaha’s largest single-cylinder two-stroke; it was already rare in the 1970s and is practically impossible to find today.
The motorcycle and its restoration were featured in the german magazine Oldtimer Praxis 11/2025.
Private sale with no warranty, guarantee, or return policy. Viewing and test ride available by appointment.
Please note—this is not a distress sale! Please refrain from asking “What’s your bottom line?”
Fai ispezionare questo veicolo da esperti!