Yamaha Side by Side Buyer's Guide. The Yamaha Side by Side ATV, introduced in 2003 as the Rhino, blew the lid off the stodgy UTV class at the time. It redefined the UTV category buy showing you could have fun and still get some work done, all with the same all terrain vehicle. We'll cover the original Rhino 660, along with the newer 700 and 450 Rhinos in this guide. What's good and bad, safety issues, what actual owners say, and even some popular accessories for these Yamaha side by sides.  The Rhino 660
that set off the explosive growth in the UTV class by combining great
off road capability with plenty of useful working utility.Nobody had seen anything like this before! Better safety, comfort, and more utility than traditional ATVs - more power, better handling, and more fun than existing side by side UTVs. Dealers were backlogged with orders and Yamaha couldn't build enough of these in their Georgia plant to keep up with the demand! Early owners were blown away - here are a few quotes: Pros
You can see that these owners loved what the newYamaha side by sides could do. But as usual - not everything was perfect. After a few miles some problems began to show up: Cons
But the pros far out weigh the cons as owners give this Yamaha side by side a 4.71 out of 5 rating in a current powersports survey. The highest of any UTV side by side vehicle. Most of the common problems were corrected, along with several improvements, beginning with the 2008 models. The Yamaha UTV Models for 2009 article details all the changes for 2008-2009 models. All five of the Rhino 700 models are covered, along with the Rhino 450. Yamaha Rhinos for Sale will show you where the deals are if you're already in the market for a Yamaha side by side. Yamaha Rhino Safety IssuesThe Rhino has had some bad publicity concerning safety that has prompted an investigation by federal safety regulators. Two of the main problems were roll overs and leg injuries. Legs getting outside the vehicle due to no doors or restraints seemed to be the problem. Warning stickers were issued that warned - "Abrupt maneuvers or aggressive driving have caused rollovers -- even on flat, open areas." That one came with a letter offering free installation of short, windowless doors and an extra handhold, features that became standard in 2008. Yamaha has always recommended that operators be at least 16 years old and have a driver's license. Yamaha says many injury claims stem from improper operation, modifications such as removing the protective "roll cage," or failure to use a helmet and seat belt. There was a recall issued for 2008 models concerning a leaking brake caliper although no injuries were reported as being caused by that. Personal injury lawyers say the basic design is unsafe, that Yamaha should have foreseen the "misuse that its' Rhino UTV would be undergoing." Editorial Opinion: - If you want an all terrain vehicle that's capable of covering rough terrain and going on narrow trails - it will be relatively narrow, and have a high ground clearance. Just like military jeeps in WWII. The laws of physics dictate that it will tip over easier than a vehicle that is wider and lower - and that does not have the same all terrain capability. It's a black and white issue to me - if you want an all terrain vehicle that can actually go off road - you accept those compromises and get on with it. If you expect to be "misusing" your Yamaha side by side - I strongly recommend you equip it with the appropriate safety gear. Just remember - The most effective safety device is the gray matter between your ears, and it costs nothing! Popular Yamaha Side by Side Accessories
Specs for the Original Yamaha Side by Side - 2004 Rhino 660.
Related links: Yamaha ATV Guide
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