Do NOT underestimate this vehicle. We went to the 2004 Yamaha Factory Launch expecting a work vehicle, with perhaps a bit more "pep" than other market offerings. We knew it was based on the wonderfully-adept Yamaha Grizzly (one of our favorite utilities), but it was, afterall, a side-by-side vehicle. It had to be a rather domesticated version of the bear. A side-show trick? Put a rhino hide on a circus bear, and hope the public buys the ruse? We were there to uncover the truth for you!

What we met in the rolling hills of Kentucky looked at first glance like we remembered from the Dealer Launch just a couple weeks earlier. It does raise eyebrows - with styling more resembling the Raptor than a pickup, it does almost appear to be a cosmetic trick. Yes, the fog was still swirling and we stifled a yawn.

To start the morning, Yamaha Factory reps took the wheel to start a tour that would immediatley clear the fog and shock us awake - not because the Rhino is particularly difficult to drive, but because most press reps in attendance admitted they would never have thought to take the Rhino on the aggressive trails that immediately launched us up into the hills! While I will admit members of the Offroad Press are notorious for taking new vehicles to their limits and often beyond, even we would never have headed up the near-vertical climbs, off camber drops or rutted out rocky slopes the confident Yamaha drivers took that thing on. Trade in that old baseball cap for full helmet, goggles and gloves. This may be the ultimate "all-terrain vehicle" - heck, we'll even dub it our favorite "sport utility vehicle", if we think it can get it licensed for the road!

With a knowing smirk, even Yamaha ATV Public Relations Manager Steve Nessl could not find words to describe exactly what the Rhino is capable of, or even targeted for. One hour later, we were speechless as well. WOW. Several days later, we are still grappling for how to accurately express exactly what the Rhino is. What was clear, was when the engineers designed this whole new breed, the goal was UTILITY and TERRAINABILITY.

After more than 10 years riding and driving in many facets of offroad vehicles, we can honestly say this is actually closer to a Jeep or Landcruiser than the ATV out behind the barn. It's a rock crawler that fits in a pickup bed. It's a beast, for a lot less bucks.

This is not a work rig made just a little faster or with a little more ground clearance. This is not a utility ATV that will seat two, though it is much closer to a traditional ATV in it's usability. Only more so. Slightly wider stance means you avoid the ruts of single or even double-track riders before you. Slightly longer, means awesome stability. No overhang of the bumpers front and rear means that you can climb up abrupt banks or over fallen trees without making contact on anything but the skidplate. Full skidplate means it's OKAY to make that hard impact contact and keep right on rolling. 660cc liquid cooled motor means you get there FAST, and if the engine braking doesn't stop you on a quarter (which it does seem to be able to), the four wheel disc brakes can pretty nearly stop you on a dime.

Add bucket seats, seat belts, roll cage with grab bars, and even the passenger can ride very comfortably and safely. Yamaha does recommend the driver be at least 16, but if your passenger is tall enough to sit all the way back in the seat and can reach both grab bars, they can ride safely and securely at any age. And helmets ARE mandatory equipment. This thing will give you the ride of your life, if you'll only ask it.

We were surprised at some of the stats from the factory. We think they're being a little conservative. For example, the turning radius is stated at 153.5", about 25" more than the Grizzly. However, as we traversed around trees or sharp turns, we had the impression it was a much tighter turner. It appears the stability and traction you get allow you to carry momentum, and so are able to bump the butt end around much cleaner than the flat-ground tested turning would indicate.

This is as much Raptor as it is Grizzly (is the breeding of those two how you get a Rhino?). It's the only side-by-side with fully independent front and rear suspension, and with Yamaha's well-received On-Command 2WD/4WD system with diff lock. It's not really even fair or accurate to compare it to the Polaris Ranger, the John Deere Gator or the Kawasaki Mule. It's much more "GI Joe" than "Farmer Joe."

But if you feel you really must justify something this much fun, it is ready to put in a hard days' work. Towing is a breeze with a 2" receiver hitch standard, allowing it to pull loads up to 1,200 pounds. Throw 400 pounds in the hydraulic dump bed, and get the landscaping project done in record time. It's go-anywhere attitude really will take you places on your hunting trip that weren't accessible on your stock utility quad, farther than a horse in a day, and carrying much more gear than you can on your back. Elk camp may just get the kitchen sink this year - and you'll get the meat out before the flies can land.

In addition, Yamaha will be rolling out a wide line of accessories for the Rhino. Look for windshields, tops, gun scabbards, steel wheels, digital dash guages, or cooler-than-stock steering wheels. Just in time for your Christmas shopping.

We will point out one issue that was raised - being larger than a standard ATV some states standards may not allow classification as an ATV. For example, because of weight (more than 800#) and width (over 50"), Oregon would classify it as a Class II OHV, same as a Jeep. It's an off-highway vehicle and entitled to the same riding rights as such, but you will need to display a valid OHV permit and follow the laws pertaining to that class when operating on any Oregon Public Lands. Mainly, the driver must have a valid driver's license. Also, for that Class, you wouldn't be able to run the windshield accesssory when riding on Oregon Public land unless you also have a working windshield wiper. (Yamaha - we need a wiper accessory option...) You will only pay the same $10 Permit fee to ride in the Public Park system, so the cost is no different from an ATV or motorcycle. Helmets are actually not required with this Class of vehicle. However, this thing has the capacity to throw you around quite a bit - with roll bars and two heads in close proximity, Yamaha does STRONGLY recommend (insist) both driver and passenger wear one.

Yamaha's response to the classification issue was that 60 - 70% of utility ATV owners never ride on Public land anyway. I would check the laws in your own state if riding on public land will be a main use of this vehicle, and do share the info with your local Yamaha dealer so other buyers are aware of the situation. Some issues may be minor; others will be restrictive.

Expect the Rhino to start showing up at Dealers nationwide by the first of October, and at sand dunes, hill climbs, hunting camps, tour companies and rock crawls soon after! How about you send us pictures of how YOU use your Rhino, and we'll post them here as well?. Otherwise, no one will believe you...

Yamaha Motor Corporation USA
6555 Katella Avenue
Cypress CA 90630