The folks at Yamaha have a lot of confidence in the safety and reliability of
the new Rhino 700 FI Automatic 4 x 4 ATV. This past November I joined a group of
journalists for a day of no-holes-barred test runs of this new combination work
and fun machine.
Yamaha representatives provided the ultimate test track. It was in the heart of
the Appalachian Mountains, north of Knoxville, Tenn., on the 45,000-acre
Brimstone Recreation Area preserve.
We were invited to take on all trail challenges. More than 50 miles of ATV
trails, varying from smooth surface roads to rugged narrow mountain paths, snake
through the preserve's native habitat.
The setting provided demanding tests for the new Rhino's features and upgrades,
starting with more power throughout the entire speed range. The 2008 model's
liquid-cooled, four-valve overhead cam power plant moves from 660 cc to 686 cc.
Coupled with the exclusive Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI) system, this added power
provides extra performance that's most notable in the low- to mid-range speeds.
YFI delivers the biggest impact at high elevation because the system detects and
compensates for changes in altitude.
More precise fuel delivery provides better throttle response and improved fuel
economy under a variety of riding situations. YFI also eliminates the need for a
choke, providing effortless electric starts, even in the harshest starting
conditions.
This larger power plant features a new forged piston that's wrapped in a new
aluminum cylinder body. The engine combination weighs less than previous models,
yet offers increased cooling ability.
An automotive-style gear shifter lets you choose the best gear for the job,
using Yamaha's proven Ultramatic automatic transmission system to transfer power
to the
rear wheels.
With just the push of a button, power is transferred to all four wheels. The
Ultramatic system keeps constant tension on the drive belt. This helps to avoid
unnecessary wear and improves engine braking.
All these performance features paid off as my group of media folks tried our
darnedest to give the machine a challenge it couldn't handle. Despite a trail
that included a rocky river, waste-deep mud holes and boulder obstacles, the
Rhino never failed to perform as promoted.
I was especially impressed with the Rhino's ride and user features. Creature
comforts include fully independent front and rear suspension and padded bucket
seats with headrests for both passenger and driver. A multi-function digital
display provides easy visual access to a variety of performance readouts. And a
12-volt accessory outlet allows on-the-go charging of cell phones or GPS
systems.
Molded doors seal out mud, water and trail debris from the driver and passenger
compartment. A noise and dust shield located behind the seats worked well to
protect both the driver and passenger.
For hauling duties, the Rhino features a 400-pound-capacity cargo tray that
fully tilts to help ease off loading of whatever you haul.
Suggested list prices start at $10,500.