1980 RM 400T

[maxi81]

Hi guys, I'm thinking of selling my 1980 RM 400T. I don't really have anytime to ride it,  it basically just sits in the garage. The question I want to ask is do you think there is much interest in these bikes in the Vintage scene? I've hardly ever see them out on the track? Is it because not many people like them?

[LWC82PE]

Might be because gearboxes are fragile and hard to find gears for them. If you don't need the money or storage space have you ever thought of putting it on display? either in your home or a mueseum where others can enjoy it. Some people can see bikes as a piece of art and get enjoyment from them that way, especially when they are in original unrestored condition, restored to original or tricked out with period goodies. I know of heaps of guys who sell bikes because they thought whats the point if they don't ride them but then later down the track most end up regretting selling them. The 1980 RM400 is the last of the twinshocks and is only going to get more collectable.

[Nathan S]

It will sell easily if the price is realistic. Big 2Ts always have a market.

They were the gun bike back in Pre-80 days, but are somewhat over-shadowed by the YZ465s and Maicos now that the class is Evo.

[Oldfart]

I ride mine at least 3 times a year just for the shear enjoyment it gives me ... I would never sell It because they are bloody hard to come by and parts are thin on the ground.

[rocketfrog]

In my opinion, the RM250 T and X are the rare birds. I tend to see more of the 400 and 465's getting around. But not as many Suzis as you see YZ465's. Is it because of low numbers sold that year for Suzuki with the YZ being somewhat of a favourite as a result of Magazine beat ups? Plus 465 sounds better than 400 when blokes are bragging horsepower over a can or two.

I would sure like to read some articles on the RM250T if anyone has a copy. I read the VMX article on Anthony Gunters RM400 revival which was more trained on the restoration process than the virtues of the bike. I imagine the Suzukis would have received accolades for handling back in the day, they always seemed to get the top points in the chassis department.

RM's of that era stir something in people, the Yellow and Black RM twinshocks are somewhat of an Icon, have a look at how quick they get snapped up on the rare occassion they come to the market. I would like to own an RM250T or X some day even if only for the opportunity to make up my own mind whether they go as good as they look.

[John Orchard]

Show us a pic Maxi  :-)

[KTM47]

The RM 400 T had a stronger gearbox than the C & N.  So they are more sought after.  Apparently they can be taken out to around 460cc in capacity.  I think they were 420 standard anyway.

[bigk]

Maico piston takes them to 460cc or thereabouts, had a few over the years. I personally don't like them & find the power too aggressive & tiring. I prefer to ride smoooooth Euro bikes.
K

[Oldfart]

I tend to agree with Big K, their power is a bit aggressive and you tire very quickly trying to keep it under control. On the other end of the scale they handle well and steer into corners with ease .

[skypig]

I seem to remember they came with a "baffle" in the middle of the chamber. Cut chamber and remove if you are an 18yo aspiring MR MX in 1980.

[maxi81]

Pics as requested 

[80-85 husky]

I got rounded up at a desert race in Mildura by a bloke on a 400, Christ he was humming, 20 metres off the track, leg out and on it in top gear. looked sensational till he hit the sand dune then I passed him as he somersaulted down the track. it spat him straight over the bars ...must have done 20 or 30 saults before he stopped. he was so dizzy and went round in 3 circles before he could head toward the bike.
ill never forget the rm 400 t

[MaxPower]

I would love to own one of those bikes. I never see them around

[Graeme M]

It's funny, while I really like the looks of the 250/400Ts (hated the Ns with those silly guards), I'm not sure I ever liked them. I have recently owned both a 400N and a 250T. I didn't like the forks on either (and I had 400N forks on my HL500 where they were even worse), don't like the sidecover bulge, and found the power of the 400 very mild. So my experiences seem quite different to everyone else's.

That said, they are great handlers and I think the 400 was the best vintage bike I've ever ridden at flat track, even if it was too slow.

Of course this all may say more about my riding ability and setup skills, but still...

[alexbrown64]

I think the N guards look cool now.  KTM and the others have copied that type of solid style 36 years later. 
I saw Gunter at the King of the Cross throw his Suzuki down the side of a hill after he was in a very good position and the gearbox packed up.

Cheers,
Alex