Moving on to some flat open single-track-type trails is where I really enjoyed myself. Not only was I surrounded by gorgeous foliage, but the 700's power kept me shooting around trees, up and down hills, and begging for more. The Brimstone Recreation area has over 200 miles of connected trails and I would have loved to hit every single one wide open. I felt just as comfortable at 40 mph as I did at 15 mph, even through tight, twisty sections or up and over aggressive climbs. The independent double-wishbone suspension, both front and rear, was eating up the terrain thanks to 7.3 inches of travel and five-way preload-adjustable shocks. An external reservoir model (piggyback) coilover shock is also available as an upgrade.
The new four-wheel disc brakes were a much-needed improvement for the 700 and they didn't leave me depressed one bit. After failing to pay attention to our leader, I found myself waist-deep in a giant mudhole. Yes, I said waist-deep. Surprisingly, the Rhino and its Maxxis tires kept finding traction somewhere below and slowly pushed me through, leaving only a little of my dignity behind. To make things worse, I almost slammed into a tree because of the amount of mud that had now covered my goggles, but fortunately, the new brake system stopped true.
By the time our day in the mountains came to an end, there was no part of me not covered in mud or water. I could go on and on about several other great features of the Rhino, but you really should turn the key in one and experience it for yourself. I had a great time on the Rhino and plan on sharing future riding experiences on one with you all soon enough. The versatility, ease of use, power, and not to forget the design and available OEM and aftermarket accessories make the new Yamaha Rhino 700 FI Automatic 4x4 a solid choice when making your next off-road vehicle purchase.
For more information:, contact Yamaha Motors at www.yamaha-motor.com.
| SPECIFICATIONS |
| YEAR/MAKE/MODEL: | '08 Rhino 700 FI 4x4 |
| ENGINE: | 686cc, four-stroke single, |
| liquid-cooled w/fan, SOHC |
| BORE X STROKE: | 102.0x84.0 mm |
| COMPRESSION RATIO: | 9.2:1 |
| CARBURETION: | Yamaha Fuel Injection |
| (YFI), 41 mm |
| IGNITION: | 32-bit ECU |
| STARTING SYSTEM: | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION: | Yamaha Ultramatic |
| V-Belt/H,L,N,R |
| ENGINE BRAKING | All-Wheel |
| DRIVETRAIN: | Yamaha On-Command |
| push-button; three-way |
| locking differential, 2WD, |
| 4WD, locked 4WD; shaft |
| drive |
| SUSPENSION/FRONT: | Independent double- |
| wishbone; 7.3 in with five- |
| way preload adjustment |
| SUSPENSION/REAR: | Independent double- |
| wishbone; 7.3 in with five- |
| way preload adjustment |
| BRAKES/FRONT: | Dual hydraulic-disc, |
| twin-piston |
| BRAKE/REAR: | Dual hydraulic-disc, |
| twin-piston |
| TIRES/FRONT: | AT25x8-12 NHS |
| TIRES/REAR: | AT25x10-12 NHS |
| LxWxH: | 113.6x54.5x73 in |
| WHEELBASE: | 75.2 in |
| TURNING RADIUS: | 153.5 in |
| GROUND CLEARANCE: | 12.1 in |
| FUEL CAPACITY: | 7.9 gal |
| DRY WEIGHT: | 1,124 lbs |
| BED CAPACITY: | 400 lbs |
| TOWING CAPACITY: | 1,212 lbs |
| INSTRUMENTATION: | Digital LCD multifunction |
| display. Speedo, odo, |
| dual-trip, hour, clock, fuel, |
| and gear position |
| LIGHTING: | Dual 30W Krypton |
| multireflector headlights |
| & dual 21/5W brake light |