My understanding is that, in theory, that is what was supposed to happen. However, I have seen a handful of pre-production RD400s turn up here in Europe.

What might have happened with this particular DT400 was that it was returned to the importer (or maybe trusted dealer), dismantled and then, for whatever reason, just left in a dark corner, outbuilding etc somewhere. It was then "discovered" years later and here we are now. Just a theory of course!

I'm quite friendly with my local dealer (he's now retired, but his children still run the business) and, pre covid, he would occasionally invite me "backstage" as it were, and the conversation would always start something like "'ere Al, look what I found the other day!", to which I would respond "Derek, how could you 'lose' a (Honda) 400/4?!". So it does happen.

Thank you for the info! Now I know a little more about the one I have. Another reason I wanted the info is I am retired and may put the bike up for sale in the next few years and am trying to put a value on the bike so I dont give it away. I know should I pass away my wife and son would probably be giving the bikes away. I still take them for a spin once in a while.

very interesting!

One further point has just occurred to me. That is, once it's all assembled (and assuming that it was complete), try comparing it with the DT400B that came into production and see if there are any differences. I recall that there were differences between the pre-production RD400 and the one that hit the showrooms.

I have had other DT400's and other than the mfr sticker not on the neck I can think of any other differences.

They might be quite subtle, a bit like one of those "spot the difference" quizzes! Here's what was believed to be different on the RD400 pre-production bikes (in Europe, anyway):-

side panel
left engine cover
rev counter
head light ears
rear footrests
rear mudguard
frame brackets
carbs
rear seat lock
rear brake master
loom
No passing headlight flasher
Carb Air corrector feed from single nipple on airbox with T piece
Big rubber on front axle nut

I'm not saying that there definitely would have been differences but, if there were, it would be interesting to know what they were.

Ill take a closer look at some of those items when I have a chance. But being this was a basket case and a lot of pieces were missing I used a lot of other DT400 parts to put it back together, Thanks much for the info!

Some so and so probably half inched the parts that were different!