Motorcycle specifications Yamaha DT 400 MX 1977

One year after the release of its future "Best Seller" XT500, Yamaha renews its 2T trail offering and markets the DT 400 MX as a replacement for the DT 400.

the success of the XT was not yet assured, and the tuning fork brand chose not to take risks by abandoning a successful model.

what's more, the DT 400 MX benefits from the latest engine technology, with valve intake, but also in terms of chassis, with the adoption of Cantilever suspension from the competition.even the XT had not been fitted with this new type of suspension (and would not be until 1982 with the 550cm3 version).

the 400 has an excellent chassis, similar to the YZ cross-country models. The bike is agile and excels off-road. On the road, it's a good performer, with its natural agility, low weight and pleasant riding position. Nevertheless, it admits its limitations on long trips and under hard braking, where the two drums do what they can.

the engine is also excellent off-road. As long as you keep it in the mid-range, it's round. On the road, however, it lacks length and is temperamental at low revs. All the same, it delivers a top speed of 140 km/h.

the DTMX was a very good trail bike. Unfortunately, it fell victim to the success of its 4-stroke equivalent. The XT took off very quickly and was followed by the competition (Suzuki DR-S 400 and 500, Honda XL 500 S) just as quickly, pushing the big 2-strokes into forced retirement.

its little 125 sister was much luckier. It continued its career until the end of the 80s as an inexpensive utility bike alongside the modern DT-R.

Tanthallas - Manufacturer's photos