A couple of days ago I wrote up a TS250 Suzuki and mentioned this very bike. Commonly known as the most evil handling motorcycle ever built. It would actually spit you off on the straight and level if you caught the torque band just right. It had a floppy frame (I stiffened mine), poor geometry, and the motor was light switch quick. All of which led to picking up yourself and your bike with ugly regularity. But, to it’s credit, it was unreasonably fast. If you could get around the course you had a chance of winning every week. Even the Husqvarnas couldn’t say that.
The 1974 TM400 used a 396 CC two stroke all aluminum air cooled single cylinder motor that produced 40 HP and 32 FTLBS of Torque. A five speed transmission and almost 9 inches of ground clearance made it a motocross dream…or nightmare. It weighed 238 pounds, had an unusually flexible frame and nearly non existent brakes.
This TM400 (VIN: TM40031199) lives in Granada Hills, CA and is listed as an un-restored survivor. I strongly recommend that you read the seller’s comments on this auction. Well written and hilarious. It is a ‘no reserve’ auction that is currently at $480
Personal Note: I kept and rode my TM400 for 8 years. I DID make some changes over that time. I put a frame stiffening kit on it, changed the ignition module, took at least 20 LBS off the bike by removing the oil pump, tank (fiberglass) compression release, air box and anything not absolutely essential to the operation of the bike. Every time I overhauled the motor it got larger. It was just barely rideable but even as an 8 year old was a formidable presence on a dirt venue. For the record: I am in no way tempted to bid on this motorcycle 🙂