Jul 1, 20123 min
Since the introduction of the first Yamaha Rhino in 2003, the latest Rhino FI Auto 4x4 is an awesome Side-by-Side Vehicle with superb handling, offering hunters, fishermen and outdoors enthusiasts in general all the power, ruggedness, comfort and versatility they could want for.
Described as the first serious offroad SSV – and still the only one that combines this much towing and carrying workload in a genuine go-anywhere package – with the extra grunt, this is a serious pig-chaser. The extra carrying capacity of the SSV means it can transport enough gear comfortably for a two-man overnight fishing trip into areas not accessible by vehicle.
As a workhorse, the Rhino opens up a whole new dimension in workplace versatility, and again this is limited only by the imagination.
At base level, the Rhino boasts a powerful fuel-injected, 686cc four-valve engine mated to Yamaha’s patented Ultramatic transmission, complete with the same dead-simple On Command 4WD switching experienced in the Grizzly. But this beast has comfortable bucket seats, head rests and automotive-type controls which mean it is easy to step from your 4WD into the Rhino, and it not only gives you a sense of familiar security, but it makes driving this machine as comfy and easy as it is fun.
And fun it is! Out there on pursuit, when the terrain asks questions, the Yamaha Rhino has the answer.
Full-house independent long-travel suspension makes traversing difficult terrain and long distances pretty cushy, and its long-legged 305mm ground clearance gets you over obstacles like stumps, protruding rocks, and flooded tracks and crossings without too much trouble. Add to this super-strong, four-wheel disc brakes for reliable extra control in steep or rutted terrain and you can see why Yamaha calls the Rhino 700 its no-nonsense offroad package.
But don’t go thinking this is just all about comfort and ease because, on a more technical note, the 686cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine makes this one the alpha Rhino. Its superb power characteristics are also enhanced by a screen-type spark arrestor which minimises noise output.
Its steel frame is lightweight and Rhino tough, featuring outstanding durability with superior rigidity, and making for superb handling.
The dual-range (Hi/Lo) drive with Reverset taps into more pulling power in Low and more performance in High, so it’s great for covering distances, and all easily managed via the console-mounted dual-range (H/L/N/R) shift lever.
If you’ve done much offroading in the Top End, you’d understand how important it is for the sealed drive case to keep out water and debris. Even better with the Rhino, a hand-operated side-cover drain lets out what little gets in, thus reducing the problems often encountered after belting through rain-soaked country. To combat any rust, there is also a specially-designed, full-stainless-steel exhaust system which features aluminium heat shields.
In the damp and heat, its large-capacity aluminium radiator and oil cooler with fan-assist delivers maximum cooling efficiency and is positioned high in the frame for optimal protection. The specially-designed drive-system-air-intake vent helps prevent overheating and keeps water and mud from entering the drive case…just another great feature for durability and reliability when taking on the Top End bush.
This is a truly versatile SSV; for performance, comfort and handling, and extra-carrying capacity, the Rhino 700 delivers.
Check out the full range of Rhino ATVs at Darwin’s NT Motorcycle Centre.
Specifications
ENGINE
Engine Type Single cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke
Displacement 686 cc
Lubrication System Wet sump
Ignition TCI
Starter System Electric
Fuel Tank Capacity 30 L
Final Transmission Shaft drive
Transmission Ultramatic® with engine breaking hi/lo/rev
4x4 System On-Command® 2WD/4WD and On-Command® front differential-lock
Dimensions
Length 2885 mm
Width 1385 mm
Height 1853 mm
Wheelbase 1910 mm
Ground Clearance 305 mm
Wet Weight 540 kg with 30 litres of fuel
Chassis
Suspension Front Independent double wishbone, 185 mm of wheel travel, 5-way preload adjustment
Suspension Rear Independent double wishbone, 185 mm of wheel
travel, 5-way preload adjustment
Brakes Front Dual hydraulic disc
Brakes Rear Dual hydraulic disc / shaft mounted parking brake
Tyres Front AT 25 x 8-12
Tyres Rear AT 25 x 10-12