Yamaha has once again stepped it up for the side x side market. For 2008 there are new features that make this Sport Edition Rhino 700 FI Auto 4x4 even better.
The 686cc liquid-/oil-cooled, four-stroke engine has new four-valve head with 9.2:1 compression that increases the power and efficiency. Cold starts and high altitude starts are not something to fret over with the electronic fuel injection. The larger centrifugal clutch on the Ultramatic automatic
transmission has increased the resilience of the machine. It also has the Industry-exclusive three-position On-Command® In/Out 4WD feature that lets you switch between 2WD, limited-slip 4WD and fully locked differential 4WD—all with the simple push of a button. Lower gear ratios, a strengthened drive belt, forged aluminum pistons, and a heavy-duty crankshaft with large pin diameters increase the toughness of the motor.
Plush interior automotive styling is in the controls. This includes a new steering wheel, left-side foot brake and a right-side foot accelerator, center mounted console shifter and parking brake lever, turn-to-start ignition switch, indicator lights and 12-volt accessory outlet. Shapely, thick padded bucket seats make those long days go by in a blast.
A lightweight steel frame is durable and flexible for impacts on the rough terrain. The fully
independent four-wheel suspension – double wishbone in the front and rear – gives 7.3 inches of travel in the front and rear from the five-way preload-adjusted shocks. Overall ground clearance is 12.1 inches thanks to the independent suspension and the large Maxxis tires.
Built as a sporty side x side it still has all the capabilities for those who need it for work too. The standard center-mounted, heavy-duty 2-inch receiver-style hitch can tow over 1,200 pounds. Rated to haul 400 pounds of gear, the Stamped steel dump bed can be opened with a latch that opens from either side.
The digital instrument panel has self-diagnostic capabilities for easy troubleshooting, new hourmeter, a voltage meter and an easy-to-read fuel gauge for the 7.9 gallons that will be gone before the day is done. If the gas lasts into the night, a dual 30-watt multi-reflector Krypton bulb headlight with high/low beams feature will light the way back home. For those who are following the leader, dual 5-watt/21-watt tail/brake lights are easy to see.