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Yamaha UTV Models for 2009.
New Rhino 700 and 450.

The Yamaha UTV models for 2009 aren't sporting any earth shaking changes from 2008. The two basic models - the Rhino 700 and Rhino 450 are back with just a few tweaks. But since the 2008's had quite a few updates - that's not really a bad thing.

The amateur video below, done by a local dealer, actually does a good job of showing and explaining the significant updates and features.

There are five ways to have your Yamaha UTV side by sides for 2009. Four variations of the 700 plus the 450 model. We'll start with the least expensive 450 and go up from there.

yamaha-utv-02

Rhino 450 - Shown with one of the five new Rhino custom paint body kits. Pricey, but look how much you saved by going with the 450!

For $2,200 you lose 265cc - fuel injection - and 93 pounds. Everything else about the 450 is the same as Big Brother 700.

You would think that owners of the Rhino 450 would complain about the lack of power from the smaller engine. But, we found exactly the opposite. Most of them agreed there was more power on hand than they expected. A lot of them bragged they had no trouble keeping up with buddies driving bigger engined Yamaha UTVs.

Almost all the owners we surveyed felt they got a great value with the Rhino 450. In most cases it exceeded their expectations and made for some very satisfied customers with an extra $2,200 in their pockets!

Spice up your Rhino with one of these custom paint body kits.

Rhino 700 Standard - This evolution of the side by side that changed the rules in the UTV class has turned into what we call a "Tweener". It's between sport and utility. And that's probably how most folks use them. A little work through the week and some fun on the weekend.

But it's getting harder to keep both camps satisfied and rumors of a new, more powerful model for 2010 are circulating. I think the UTV segment is large enough now that most manufacturers will have to follow the trend started by Polaris. More model choices with a narrower focus on sport or utility.

In the mean time, we're seeing some super deals on '09 Rhino 700s. With a ton of aftermarket parts available for the Rhino - you can use the money you saved to transform your Yamaha UTV into anything you want!

Rhino Special Edition -

This Rhino comes with cast aluminum wheels, silver seats, suntop and special graphics.

These go out the door for a MSRP of $11,699. If you don't like red it also comes in black metallic.

Rhino Sport -

Rhino 700 FI Sport Edition comes with adjustable piggyback shocks, cast aluminum wheels, and the suntop.

This package will set you back a cool $12,699 for the silver or $12,799 for Red Midnight Armor.

If you plan on going fast in rough terrain, the piggyback shocks aren't a bad deal for the extra grand. The ultimate stock Yamaha UTV.

Yamaha Rhino Ducks Unlimited Edition

The Ducks Unlimited Edition gets Realtree® AP HD® Camo, over fenders and sun top. A Yamaha UTV in stealth mode! This option cost $11,949 and is strictly cosmetic with no performance goodies. Being able to sneak up on those dastardly ducks? Priceless!

Yamaha Rhino Features That We Care About.

Four-wheel disc brakes provide better stopping power, and a new full size parking brake handle is super convenient.

Ultramatic® transmission with dual-range (Hi/Lo) drive and reverse. Maintaining constant belt tension reduces wear, gives instant throttle response and provides all-wheel downhill engine braking.

Three-position On-Command® In/Out 4WD feature lets you switch between 2WD, limited-slip 4WD and fully locked differential 4WD—all with the simple push of a button. (Well - not that simple)

Five-way preload-adjustable shocks.

Electronic fuel injection has better performance in nearly all conditions and elevations, along with improved cold starts.

Sealed drive case keeps out water and debris, and a hand-operated side cover drain lets out what little gets in.

Rack-and-pinion steering features a fully sealed steering column and double U-jointed steering linkage for smooth operation and class-leading turning radius—even in 4WD.

Low-maintenance front shaft drive features gear case and electronic servo-activated 2WD/4WD/Diff Lock via the On-Command® system. Direct rear shaft drive eliminates the U-joint for greater durability.

Heavy-duty CV joint guards protect against rock and debris damage.

Standard center-mounted, heavy-duty 2-inch receiver-style hitch can tow over 1,200 pounds.

Stamped steel dump bed is rated to haul 400 pounds of gear, with a latch that opens from either side.

Digital instrument panel has multifunction LCD display with speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, hour meter, 4WD status, transmission position, clock and fuel gauge.

Large 7.9-gallon fuel tank for long rides.

Underhood tool-free air filter is way easier to service.

Noise reduction - New exhaust mounts, engine mounts and counter balancer. Intake is now under hood, and engine area is more sealed off.

Conclusion:

So what do we really think about these 2009 Yamaha UTV models? Since Yamaha has been making these UTVs longer than anyone else. (In the great state of Georgia, USA by the way!) They have learned what works and it shows.

Nothing really stands out on the spec sheet, but the Rhinos just get it done better than they look on paper. The little 450 is really an overachiever.

The overall driveability just makes it easier to get where you want to go. There's no substitute for years of refinement and Yamaha has taken advantage of that. Reliability in tough conditions is better than most other UTVs.

From the steering feel, the throttle response, the no-slop driveline, the strong brakes, and the absorbent suspension - all systems work harmoniously to make the Rhino more than the sum of its parts.

Perfect? No - any UTV that tries to straddle the fence between sport and utility has to compromise somewhere. But our only real complaint is the locked rear diff. It just makes slow, tight going more tedious than we like.

More of a wish than a complaint is more adjustability to fit more body types and sizes. Tilt steering and more seat adjustment would really be nice!

We think it's still a good choice for a half sport/half utility machine. Pick one up for some of the bargain prices we've seen and a Yamaha UTV is tough to beat.

Yamaha UTV Specs

Model	Rhino 700 FI Auto. 4x4	Rhino 450 Auto. 4x4
MANUFACTURER	Yamaha	Yamaha
MODEL YEAR	2009	2009
MODEL	Rhino 700 FI Auto. 4x4	Rhino 450 Auto. 4x4
M.S.R.P.	$10,999.00	$8,799.00
Engine	Liquid-cooled with fan, 4-stroke; SOHC, 4-valves, all wheel braking	Liquid-cooled with fan, 4-stroke; SOHC, 4-valves, all wheel braking
Displacement	686 cc	421 cc
Bore x Stroke	102 x 84 mm	84.5 x 75 mm
Compression Ratio	9.2:1	10:1
Carburetion	Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), 41 mm	Mikuni 33 mm BSR
Ignition	32 Bit ECU	DC-CDI
Transmission	Yamaha Ultramatic® V-belt (H/L/N/R) Drive Train: Yamaha On-Command® push button 3-way locking differential, 2WD, 4WD, locked 4WD; shaft drive	Yamaha Ultramatic® V-belt (H/L/N/R) Drive Train: Yamaha On-Command® push button 3-way locking differential, 2WD, 4WD, locked 4WD; shaft drive
Suspension	Front & Rear: Independent double wishbone with 5-way preload adjustment; 7.3 in. travel	Front & Rear: Independent double wishbone with 5-way preload adjustment; 7.3 in. travel
Brakes	Front: Dual hydraulic disc, twin piston Rear: Dual hydraulic disc	Front: Dual hydraulic disc, twin piston Rear: Hydraulic disc, self-adjusting, shaft mounted
Tires	Front: AT25 x 8-12 NHS Rear: AT25 x 10-12 NHS	Front: AT25 x 8-12 NHS Rear: AT25 x 10-12 NHS
Length	113.6 in.	113.6 in.
Width	54.4 in.	54.4 in.
Height	73 in.	73 in.
Wheelbase	75.2 in.	75.2 in.
Dry Weight	1,124 lbs.	1,031 lbs.
Ground Clearance	12.1 in.	12.1 in.
Fuel Capacity	7.9 gal.	7.9 gal.
Turning Radius	153.5 in.	153.5 in.
Load Capacity	400 lbs.	400 lbs.
Towing Capacity	1,212 lbs.	1,212 lbs.
Colors	Steel Blue, Hunter Green, Realtree® AP HD® Camouflage (see Options for color pricing).	Hunter Green, Red, Realtree® AP HD™ Camouflage (see Options for color pricing).

Yamaha UTV Models for 2009. New Rhino 700 and 450.

Yamaha UTV Specs

Yamaha UTV Models for 2009.
New Rhino 700 and 450.