Yamaha's Dyno Rhino is "hot": this side-by-side fills a niche in the utility vehicle market.

Yamaha's Side-by-Side (SxS) Rhino 660 4x4 retails for $8,699 ($9,099 for the camouflage model) and they're selling like hotcakes according to Steve Jackson, Montana Jack's ATV Outpost and Supply owner. "I've never seen a side-by-side sell like this in the States," he told Implement & Tractor.

What has made the Rhino such a hot item? Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV PR specialist, believes the Rhino's success is due to the niche it filled in the SxS market. Yamaha saw the growth potential and decided to delve in, Nessl said. "The Rhino 660 4x4 is the most off-road capable side by side machine on the market," he explained. "It allows everyone--from farmer or land owner to avid hunter--the ability to traverse rugged terrain and get to remote areas that they previously might not have been able to get to except on foot or horseback. The Rhino comes as close to resembling an ATV as any side-by-side offering has at this point."

Rhino owner and ATV enthusiast Dan Caudill of Eastwood, Kentucky, agreed. "The Rhino has met and exceeded my expectations regarding performance," he said, "it's fast and agile and powerful like an ATV, (but) more like a dune buggy than a farm utility vehicle. I own other brands, and there is no comparison."

The green version Rhino arrived in dealerships last October, followed by the camouflage version in February 2004. Revving up with a 660cc, 4-stroke single, 5-valve SOHC (the same dual range engine found in the Yamaha Grizzly 660 ATV), the Rhino easily accelerates its 1,049 lbs. It has a towing capacity of 1,212 pounds and boasts a 400-pound bed capacity. The Rhino's 75.3" wheelbase has a turning radius of 153.5". The suspension offers almost 7.5" of travel in all four corners of the vehicle. Playing a big role in the vehicle's comfort ride and off-road performance is the independent suspension and more than 12" of ground clearance.

Robert Jandreau, Caribou, Maine, bought a Rhino for family use. "It is reliable, dependable and very comfortable," he said. "Just point it in any direction and go. It will just about go through anything. It has plenty of power and the speed is respectable at 40 mph."

"The Rhino is much like an ATV in that it is a utility vehicle that enables the operator the ability to cover a great deal of ground in a short amount of time," Nessl said. "It includes Yamaha's proven On-Command push button 4WD/2WD with differential lock system, our durable and reliable Ultramatic automatic transmission and a fully independent front and rear. Unlike an ATV, however, is the Rhino's seating for two, automotive style operation, a tilt-assist cargo bed and steel roof support system."

The bells and whistles attached to the Rhino can steal from the commonsense benefits of the vehicle that are also present, according to Roger Shay, Colorado Powersports of Boulder, Colorado. "It's a side by side, so a couple that can't afford two ATVs can buy one and enjoy their outdoor pursuits together," said Shay.

That's exactly the reasoning Robert Jandreau and his wife used when they decided to buy their Rhino. "We had two separate units and sold them both to get the Rhino. We all can ride it at the same time, and it's only one machine to maintain."

"The Rhino is well suited for hunting and deep woods challenges," Caudill stated. "It is also a grit-your-teeth adrenalin rush of recreation for those of us who like slipping and sliding at high speeds in the mud and snow. Thank God for belts and a roll bar."

"We have 90 acres and two young boys," Jandreau explained, "we use it for hauling firewood, gravel, rocks and anything else that you need to haul. It comes with a Reese still hitch, so hauling a trailer is easy. We use it to go fishing in those hard-to-reach locations that a full size 4x4 just won't go, and just for riding on those nice days."

Interior feature controls are all automotive-type: steering wheel, left side foot brake pedal and right side foot accelerator pedal, center mounted console shifter and parking brake lever, turn-to-start ignition switch, indicator lights and 12 volt accessory outlet.

There is quite a list of accessories available for the Rhino, too. Topping accessory sales are windshields, wind deflectors, digital display meters, bash/skid plates and gun boot mounts and cases.

"There are comparable units with similar value," Shay said, "but the Rhino is a good unit. It's one of the best out there." Jandreau said. Nothing can come close to the value and savings you get with the Rhino 660."

Off-road vehicle editors were quick to praise the Rhino last fall, and fact sheets say they weren't off. Still within the first year of production, dealers say the demand remains high and most have already sold or pre-sold their allocation for 2004. Production of the Rhino will continue at the Newnan, Georgia, manufacturing facility.

Based on the success from the company's first SxS attempt, Yamaha plans on offering more SxS innovations in the future. Some suggestions from the operators for an improved future model include the addition of a fuel gauge and more protective and stabilizing metal floorboards.

Jandreau and his wife have been crafty in manufacturing their own modifications, such as a canvas roof for the front and back and a glove box cover. They also added a roll bar to the back for safety and installed larger tires.

While recognizing there is room for improvement in the Rhino, Caudill said he wouldn't give up his for any other vehicle on the market. "I find the Rhino an exhilarating experience I would not want to miss! I'm keeping mine!"