Yamaha Rhino Parts
The second generation of the Yamaha Rhino debuts into a very different market than the one that greeted its predecessor in 2004. The side-by-side ATV is no longer an anomaly or considered just a knobby-tired golf cart.
In fact, with several competitors since launching models of this type of ATV, it may easily become the dominate body-style in the years to come. The ‘why’ of this is obvious; the easy-to-drive automotive style appeals to everyone—it carries two comfortably and costs almost the same as a single-rider machine. And, no one has to take a backseat to the driver.
For 2008, the new Rhino still shares its architecture with the Yamaha Grizzly as it did in 2004—engine and frame components—but the changes that have occurred in this update make the new Rhino just that much better than the original. The new Rhino 700 powerplant moves from 660cc to 686cc, which adds additional power through the entire rev range, but which is most notably in the low- to mid-range power. This engine hasn’t just gained in the cc department—it also has a new forged piston; a new aluminum cylinder body with composite coating and new roller rocker arms are said to reduce friction in the valve train. These are some of the changes that have added durability and shaved weight in this engine, according to Yamaha.
Riding the backcountry in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee is where the truth in this last statement surfaced. Navigating long twisting uphill trails requires torque—but torque that is calibrated and controlled. With many of the grades covered in rocks, stumps and protruding tree roots, getting over and around them was an exercise in gas-peddle finesse—not too-the-floor excess—spinning wheels get you in more trouble than not.
This better torque control on the new Rhino is the result of a combination of upgrades, such as new fuel injection. The Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI) system improves throttle response throughout the powerband. It also detects and compensate for changes in altitude, which means better fuel delivery which keeps the power consistent. YFI also eliminates the need for a choke and improves cold-weather starts.
Braking itself was also a sometimes issue on the original Rhino, so the original three disc system has been upgraded to four full-disc hydraulic brakes with dual piston calipers. Also Yamaha has left the shaft-mounted disc from the original design as a parking-brake-only disc. This improvement is significant. Braking is aggressive when pushed and the centre mounted parking-brake will hold the machine easily even on the most severe grade.
Additional toughening on the 08 Rhino comes in the form of larger, heavier axles and stronger CV joints. But, as many ATV riders know, good CV joints mean nothing if the covering rubber boots don’t keep the dirt and water out. So in addition to the new CV joint design, Yamaha has added a new boot material that is more resistant to impacts and tearing. Also new are front and rear A-arm guards that block debris from getting to the boots.
Fuel Capacity is up by more than a gallon, but the size, height, turning radius of the machine remain the same. The footprint is scarcely larger than that of a conventional four-wheeler—it just seems bigger.
A standard two-inch receiver means you can use the same hitch as the one in your pick-up truck to tow up to 1,200 lbs. There is also an optional front hitch receiver available, suitable for launching a boat into the lake. The cargo bed (which will support 400 lbs) now features tilt levers on both sides of the bed. This is a convenience when unloading your blind, game and equipment
The Yamaha Rhino is a serious machine that demands the best in replacement parts. Yamahapartcenter.com has authentic Yamaha Rhino parts to keep your machine dependable as ever. Authentic Yamaha Rhino parts, from yamahapartcenter.com, ensure you will have the ride of your life every time.