Question for the "Rhino Nation"

[Flyinbowtie]

This place seems to have more per capita Rhino owners than some of the Rhino forums, so maybe I can get some answers here.
I had to give up my hot rod sandrail a couple years ago before back surgery. I now have two titanium artificial discs in my lower spine. I had to disability retire from the S.O. The surgeon says, "no-workie" and my back, while much better, agrees with him.
I don't want another rail, I'm trying to move back into my first passion, the hot rod scene. I couldn't afford one, and my spine is too important to me to chance screwing it up.
My wife, however, loves to go to the Mountain and camp with our friends.
My sons, both just about grown up and on their own, are not going to let me fade away and quit going with them. They make my life miserable when I try to weasel my way out of a trip to the dunes.
I am really, really bad at sitting around in camp, and at least need a way to cruise around and visit friends, hauling my own ice chest and music. The golf carts are okay, but just don't do anything for me.
What I really would like is a Rhino, but I suspect a long-travel kit would almost be required to make the thing ride decently.
10k for the Rhino and 5k for the long travel kit puts one of these into the $ level that I would rather not go into hawk for. We may wind up moving in the next year or two, and I want to save what $ I can for buying/building my dream ride, a '34 3-window Ford.
I am thinking maybe finding and buying an old VW chassis fiberglass buggy might be an option. I know where a sweet one is for around 5k, 1776, IRS chassis, cherry gelcoat, street-legal,etc. I am trying to decide what makes the Rhino worth 3 times as much to me, for my purposes. If all you wanted to do was crusie around camp, with the occassional slow trip out through the little dunes to watch friends ride their quads, is the 4x4 Rhino worth the $ when I will only have it out 4-5 times a year, at most?
I am also thinking I can flat-tow a street legal buggy behind the truck and camper, and do some trips to the coast, the mountains, etc. and use it to hit fishin' spots. That option opens up lot's of other possibilities.
Anybody got any thoughts?

[TOBTEK]

1st of you are just going to putt around, TRY a rhino stock without a long travel kit. You may not think its worth the $ 5,000.00 ! they are pretty impressive stock. ALSO....have you thought about a Manx buggy? there was one in the spam section that was pretty nice with mid travel syspension for like 7k or ?? that would be a blast and its street legal.

[spectratoad]

Rhino - cool dune cruiser, lots of dollars in comaprison & not street legal.
Buggy - Cool dune cruiser, nice one with some tricked out items still cheaper than a stock Rhino & street legal and can seat four if you go that route.
I would get the buggy. :cool:

[Flyinbowtie]

Tobtek;
The mid-Manx is idea is exactly what I am talking about if this other deal falls through at some point. I know the other car and the ownership/operation history back 10 plus years. I won't jump on this until next spring, too much other stuff going on right now.
I know you are well-versed in the Rhinos and I appreciate your response. Is there any truth to the 2008 Rhino 800 EFI rumors that are circulating? The stockers seem to be a little top heavy, and would really be if I mount a 48qt ice chest on the back. I sat in one at Sand Mountain LAbor Day, and my knees hit the dash (6-4 270lb) I would have tyo put the aftermarket seats in and do my best to locate them giving me as much room as possible.

[Flyinbowtie]

Spectra-
Oldest is at TMCC HVAC-R training. He is in full agreement with you.
He also knows tha tno matter what, i can't catch his Banshee...LOL

[Cole Trickle]

You have a dilema on your hands.
The rhino while a fun and amazingly capable vehicle is not a long travel buggy.
The suspension is decent but with your medical condition I wouldn't recommend jumping the thing or hitting whoops wide out.
Long travel rhinos are supposed to do a good job of soaking up the rough stuff but I will not pay 5K+ for a kit.(I refuse)
I am still trying to get a ride in a stock rhino with better aftermarket shocks to see if the difference is worth $1500.(WER,Fox,Bilstein,etc..)
Comparing the VW to the Rhino will be tough. Honestly I thing the Rhino would be alot more fun in the dunes and without a doubt a better trail maker.The VW will hold more people safely and have a higher top speed for driving on the highway.also like you said you could fing a decent Thing or Baja for less than 5K. Problem is you will spend as much time working on it as you do driving.
also the rhinos thus far are holding there value extremely well.
My vote would be for a stock rhino with a huge cooler in the back and a mellow cruise.
Hopefully Ivan Dan will post the pictures that I took last night showing what a Rhino is capable of. We took it on a ride and while blazing a new trail had to go down a 5' enbankment that was easily a 85-90% slope with an immediate 70% up hill climb. the Rhinos made it through this no problem and amazed the 4 of us!!! :crossx:

[HALLETT BOY]

I am thinking about buying a house and moving to Havasu in the future, do I have to buy a Rhino also ?

[djunkie]

Long travel rhinos are supposed to do a good job of soaking up the rough stuff but I will not pay 5K+ for a kit.(I refuse)
:
Puss!!!!!!!! :crossx:

[djunkie]

The nice thing about a Rhino is it will fit in the back of a truck. (With stock suspension that is)
I'd be game for the Manx or something similar too but that would limit me on where I can take it. Some of the riding I do is in the mountains on quad trails. Rhino fits/buggies don't.

[Flyinbowtie]

I have a 20 ft. enclosed to haul whatever in, it is leftover from the rail days.
I am sorta afraid of myself if I were to get a Rhino. I know me. I might have a tendency to push it to see how far it/I can go off road.
The last time I went down this path, I started out with a VW based rail, and ended up 3 chassis and 15 years later with a 626 HP SBC and a Cad Automatic in a 124 inch hillshooter. (Hence the screen name) All other forms of recreation went by the wayside. I was completely submerged. I got out right as the long-travel stuff was coming on hard in the northern end of the state, which is a good thing, considering my back problems.
The limits the VW based car put on me are probably a good thing. Mid travel would be great if I can keep myself in a mindset where I just use it to provide a good ride.

[n8dawg]

I got my first ride in a rhino last monday. My buddy lives out in Bermuda Dunes has had all kinds of toys and when I saw this thing sitting in the garage I thought it was nothing special. Bone stock suspension but he did upgrade the computer, it's has the camo paint job with the 660 raptor motor. We went out tooling around for a couple of hours and we climbed up hills and concrete gutters that I thought know way are we going to make it.
Very impressed with thoughs things. Screw the lifted golf cart and get a Rhino!

[HALLETT240]

I also have a bad back and drive a "stock" Rhino. I also once had a sandrail. I can tell you this my stock Rhino is the sweetest, comfortable, not abusive ride I have been on. Mind you I don't jump it or go crazy with it but for all around riding in the desert and trails, it's a blast with very little impact on my back.

[Flyinbowtie]

You have a dilema on your hands.
The rhino while a fun and amazingly capable vehicle is not a long travel buggy.The suspension is decent but with your medical condition I wouldn't recommend jumping the thing or hitting whoops wide out.
Long travel rhinos are supposed to do a good job of soaking up the rough stuff but I will not pay 5K+ for a kit.(I refuse)
Cole, i hear ya, and agree. "Back in the day" we bent all of our own chassis, did all our own welding and fabricating. The only thing we sent out was powdercoating. I can still do some of that, but too long in the garage leaves me incapacitated the next day.
I can't see the money in the long travel kits. The shocks are a given, but I think, and it is just my opinion, that right now the market is so hot on these things that the markup at retail is based entirely on what people are willing to shell out, not the intrinsic value of the product.
I'll tell ya one thing, if I get a Rhino and decide to do a 4-seat deal, I won't be paying any $1500+ for a cage...

[sigepmock]

Long travel rhinos are supposed to do a good job of soaking up the rough stuff but I will not pay 5K+ for a kit.(I refuse)
We'll see how long this lasts......just wait till you ride in one..... :crossx:
Before we bought our Rhino I looked at Jeeps, mid travel buggies, a manx (wife really likes those)....because of the same reasons...10k is a lot of money for a rhino and then you add the seats and cage...blah blah blah...and that's a lot of money..
Now that we've had the Rhino almost a year I can say I'm completely happy with our decision. They Rhino has been turn-key from day one....nothing to mess with and it starts everytime....now I have added a few things to it but only because the thing is so much fun to drive....that's all I want to drive...
A stock Rhino would do you well....they ride very nice and plush....the long travel kits are really only there to help carry speed over the whoops and the big bumps. For just cruising the stock Rhino is great. You can fit an icechest in the back and with offset-wheels or wheel spacers they are very stable. They can also be made street legal in AZ pretty easy, CA is a different story.
We love our Rhino and don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon....I bet my daughter learns how to drive on this thing.
Chris

[djunkie]

We'll see how long this lasts......just wait till you ride in one..... :crossx:
Before we bought our Rhino I looked at Jeeps, mid travel buggies, a manx (wife really likes those)....because of the same reasons...10k is a lot of money for a rhino and then you add the seats and cage...blah blah blah...and that's a lot of money..
Now that we've had the Rhino almost a year I can say I'm completely happy with our decision. They Rhino has been turn-key from day one....nothing to mess with and it starts everytime....now I have added a few things to it but only because the thing is so much fun to drive....that's all I want to drive...
A stock Rhino would do you well....they ride very nice and plush....the long travel kits are really only there to help carry speed over the whoops and the big bumps. For just cruising the stock Rhino is great. You can fit an icechest in the back and with offset-wheels or wheel spacers they are very stable. They can also be made street legal in AZ pretty easy, CA is a different story.
We love our Rhino and don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon....I bet my daughter learns how to drive on this thing.
Chris
Thanks again for letting my g/f drives yours.
Asshole. Now I have to get one. :yuk: :crossx: :crossx: :crossx:

[Havasu_Dreamin]

I am thinking about buying a house and moving to Havasu in the future, do I have to buy a Rhino also ?
If so, we're way behind the curve as we have had a house there for 5 years and we do not have a rhino nor is one on the horizon.....

[djunkie]

If so, we're way behind the curve as we have had a house there for 5 years and we do not have a rhino nor is one on the horizon.....
2 years here and I'm still Rhino free. Well for the moment anyways :rolleyes: :rollside:

[riverroyal]

pop up for sale :idea: http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/510/2371rhinoseats4.JPG

[djunkie]

pop up for sale :idea: http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/510/2371rhinoseats4.JPG
"Your killing me Smalls" :cry: :cry:

[riverroyal]

:idea: http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/510/2371camp_october.JPG

[djunkie]

:idea: []
Will you take a post dated, out of state, second party check? :rollside:

[riverroyal]

wheres your house again?

[Havasu_Dreamin]

:idea: :idea: I know someone that would like to have a setup like that for next summer.....

[djunkie]

wheres your house again?
Uhhhhh. Texas. Ya thats it, Texas. :crossx:

[riverroyal]

:idea: :idea: I know someone that would like to have a setup like that for next summer.....
not winter setup????We are really considering selling everything,05 weekend warrior,rhino,my yfz450,wifes quad is in spam now,gonna be a busy winter,not sure if it will all get used

[Cole Trickle]

We'll see how long this lasts......just wait till you ride in one..... :crossx:
Chris
No way will a 5K LT kit ever find it's way onto my Rhino.1K shocks are a deffinate possibility:D
I am not sure how much you have into yours but I would be willing to wager your close to 20K even with the deals you have scored.I think the Rhino is a ton of fun but I don't have the disposable income needed to throw tons of $$ at it.
I can go anywhere and I have maybe 10.5K invested.(My back still hurts from bombing over the whoops and off jumps)
My next big purchase will be a new jacuzzi and then hopefully a toyhauler next year?
I still want a LT suspension demo!!! :crossx:

[djunkie]

No way will a 5K LT kit ever find it's way onto my Rhino.1K shocks are a deffinate possibility:D
.I think the Rhino is a ton of fun but I don't have the disposable income needed to throw tons of $$ at it.
cough cough BULL SHIT cough cough :crossx: :crossx:

[Havasu_Dreamin]

not winter setup????We are really considering selling everything,05 weekend warrior,rhino,my yfz450,wifes quad is in spam now,gonna be a busy winter,not sure if it will all get used
Nope, a buddy wants one to use as his base of operations next summer.....

[riverroyal]

Nope, a buddy wants one to use as his base of operations next summer.....
mobile construction office,Ive seen it many time,nice write-off

[Magic34]

I herniated L5/S1 disc back when I was 19 (27 now). It bothered me in my ealry 20's and isn't as bad now. I have a Rhino I take on mountain trails and the dunes. I have yet to put long travel on it and I am not sore or hurt after a day of riding fairly aggressive in the dunes or mountains.
I have put some nice PRP seats on it and that has made all the difference in the world.
I went riding with a friend that had stock seat but a nice 6" long travel kit on his Rhino. After riding both, I wanted back on mine because the seats were that much more comfortable.
For you, if not riding at the dunes, put on some new shocks and get some nice seats and it should be great for what you want. The seats really do make a huge difference in comfort.

[riverroyal]

I herniated L5/S1 disc back when I was 19 (27 now). It bothered me in my ealry 20's and isn't as bad now. I have a Rhino I take on mountain trails and the dunes. I have yet to put long travel on it and I am not sore or hurt after a day of riding fairly aggressive in the dunes or mountains.
I have put some nice PRP seats on it and that has made all the difference in the world.
I went riding with a friend that had stock seat but a nice 6" long travel kit on his Rhino. After riding both, I wanted back on mine because the seats were that much more comfortable.
For you, if not riding at the dunes, put on some new shocks and get some nice seats and it should be great for what you want. The seats really do make a huge difference in comfort.
launch 70ft in you buddies sandcar at 2am and youll be fine

[Magic34]

launch 70ft in you buddies sandcar at 2am and youll be fine
It was during the day, and for some reason that messed my chest up for 5 months. 1 trip to the ER, 4 appts with a specialist, 1 MRI, 1 cat scan, and now all is good.
I think it was more than 70' too. More like 100'. Last ride in a sand car for me. Haven't talked to that guy since.

[riverroyal]

It was during the day, and for some reason that messed my chest up for 5 months. 1 trip to the ER, 4 appts with a specialist, 1 MRI, 1 cat scan, and now all is good.
I think it was more than 70' too. More like 100'. Last ride in a sand car for me. Haven't talked to that guy since.
havent talked to him????did you mess up some ribs?

[Magic34]

havent talked to him????did you mess up some ribs?
It wasn't ribs, the DR thought that the impact caused the lining of my lungs, heart, and inner chest wall to become inflamed for a long time.
Hurt like a bitch to even move sometimes.

[riverroyal]

It wasn't ribs, the DR thought that the impact caused the lining of my lungs, heart, and inner chest wall to become inflamed for a long time.
Hurt like a bitch to even move sometimes.
all about organ liners,that sucks

[Froggystyle]

I now have two titanium artificial discs in my lower spine.
That is so cool. Billet titanium body parts. What will they think of next!
Are they polished or powdercoated? ;)
(PS... All of the titanium parts in my body are off the shelf items... nothing cool like vertebrae or anything... )

[Cole Trickle]

cough cough BULL SHIT cough cough :crossx: :crossx:
I wish :cry:
Exspenses keep increasing and my pay stays the same :argue: :yuk:

[Froggystyle]

I think it was more than 70' too. More like 100'. Last ride in a sand car for me. Haven't talked to that guy since.
Reminds me of National Lampoons "Vacation"...
"You must have jumped like 75 yards dad!"
"That's nothing to be proud of Russ. ...75 Yards huh?"
:D

[djunkie]

I wish :cry:
Exspenses keep increasing and my pay stays the same :argue: :yuk:
I know the feeling.

[Cole Trickle]

I know the feeling.
Ma dukes start charging to pack your lunch? :crossx:

[sigepmock]

Thanks again for letting my g/f drives yours.
Asshole. Now I have to get one. :yuk: :crossx: :crossx: :crossx:
It worked on Sean and Lindsay.... :crossx:
Now to get Brandin in the LT for a ride.......
It's all coming together..... :crossx:

[djunkie]

SOMEONE BUY MY FREAKIN GOLF CART!!!!!!!!!!!!! I guess its time to put it in the trader.

[Cole Trickle]

It worked on Sean and Lindsay.... :crossx:
Now to get Brandin in the LT for a ride.......
It's all coming together..... :crossx:
If you ever need to store your Rhino for a week in my garage next to my tool chest let me know!!! :crossx: :p

[Cole Trickle]

SOMEONE BUY MY FREAKIN GOLF CART!!!!!!!!!!!!! I guess its time to put it in the trader.
Donate it and take the write off!!!;)

[Froggystyle]

Here is a couple of pics of the Rhino. I still need to 'glass in some DOT headlight buckets and build a grille for it, but here it is getting the new paint wet-sanded.
The fiberglass parts look totally pimp. I love the way they turned out and will look totally bitchin with the new LT kit, seats and cage.
Stereo and Nav system is next, so forgive the flat spot on the dash...
http://www.highperformancecars.com/froggystyle/wet_sand.jpg

[Ivan Dan]

Hopefully Ivan Dan will post the pictures that I took last night showing what a Rhino is capable of. We took it on a ride and while blazing a new trail had to go down a 5' enbankment that was easily a 85-90% slope with an immediate 70% up hill climb. the Rhinos made it through this no problem and amazed the 4 of us!!! :crossx:
I don't think the pictures do it justice. It seemed WAY WAY WAY steeper than the pictures show IMO.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1267Rhino_Ride_9-25-06_001_resized.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1267Rhino_Ride_9-25-06_002_resized.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1267Rhino_Ride_9-25-06_003_resized.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1267Rhino_Ride_9-25-06_004_resized.jpg

[Cole Trickle]

I don't think the pictures do it justice. It seemed WAY WAY WAY steeper than the pictures show IMO.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1267Rhino_Ride_9-25-06_001_resized.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1267Rhino_Ride_9-25-06_002_resized.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1267Rhino_Ride_9-25-06_003_resized.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1267Rhino_Ride_9-25-06_004_resized.jpg
You look a little concerned in the last picture!! :crossx: :p
It was much steeper in person:D

[Mrs. casean]

You look a little concerned in the last picture!! :crossx: :p
It was much steeper in person:D
Dang! That does look steep! You guys got crazy last night :crossx: :D Jen & I better stick to the driving in Ocotillo & Glamis :) J/K... looks like you guys had another fun night in the Rhinos! I wanna come play!

[Cole Trickle]

Dang! That does look steep! You guys got crazy last night :crossx: :D Jen & I better stick to the driving in Ocotillo & Glamis :) J/K... looks like you guys had another fun night in the Rhinos! I wanna come play!
It was fun and we tore it up pretty good!:D
I think it's about time to start heading out and get our toys dirty.I know you guys are going to get out there soon and we should be ready in the next month.(1 more river trip)

[Ivan Dan]

You look a little concerned in the last picture!! :crossx: :p
It was much steeper in person:D
YA thats when the back end starting feeling mighty light and I think I might have touched cloth a bit. :crossx: :220v:

[Cole Trickle]

YA thats when the back end starting feeling mighty light and I think I might have touched cloth a bit. :crossx: :220v:
Deffinate pucker factor on the first try.
Next time we need to take shovels and build a jump and try and clear it!!!
You first this time!!! :crossx:

[Ivan Dan]

Deffinate pucker factor on the first try.
Next time we need to take shovels and build a jump and try and clear it!!!
You first this time!!! :crossx:
Ya sure....who do you think I am Pastrana??

[Mrs. casean]

It was fun and we tore it up pretty good!:D
I think it's about time to start heading out and get our toys dirty.I know you guys are going to get out there soon and we should be ready in the next month.(1 more river trip)
We are suppose to have one more river trip to get the boat all purdy and ready to sit till next year... not sure yet if it will happen this month though. When are you heading out next? WE were goign to either the 7th or the 14th... then we're ready to get dirty :D

[Cole Trickle]

We are suppose to have one more river trip to get the boat all purdy and ready to sit till next year... not sure yet if it will happen this month though. When are you heading out next? WE were goign to either the 7th or the 14th... then we're ready to get dirty :D
This month is over in 2 days;)
You mean next month? (7th and 14th)
I need to wrap up my back yard and stay home for a couple weeks. Next/last trip for a while will probably be the 21st.

[Cole Trickle]

Ya sure....who do you think I am Pastrana??
You look more like the Tom Cat:D :crossx: :p
Don't forget the heel clicker over the gap!

[Ivan Dan]

You look more like the Tom Cat:D :crossx: :p
Don't forget the heel clicker over the gap!
I was thinking more along the lines of a Superman seat grab! :crossx: :cool:

[Ivan Dan]

Next/last trip for a while will probably be the 21st.
Don't forget about Andrea's parents costume party on October 21 should be a great time with a live band and all the alcohol you & Jen can drink. We always end up crashing there in their trailer or whatever.

[Cole Trickle]

I was thinking more along the lines of a Superman seat grab! :crossx: :cool:
That will happen naturally after/during the landing wearing those factory belts!!!! :crossx: :crossx: :p :crossx: :cry: :rollside:
Try to avoid the no hander lander;)

[Cole Trickle]

Don't forget about Andrea's parents costume party on October 21 should be a great time with a live band and all the alcohol you & Jen can drink. We always end up crashing there in their trailer or whatever.
Shoot!!
looks like the last river trip will be early nov;)
You gonna try to make it to Hooterville on the 28th? :crossx: :220v:

[Mrs. casean]

This month is over in 2 days;)
You mean next month? (7th and 14th)
I need to wrap up my back yard and stay home for a couple weeks. Next/last trip for a while will probably be the 21st.
Yeah, next month :D We'll be in Big Bear the weekend of the 21st. Sean want's to get the Rhino all ready to go out for Halloween to Ocotillo Wells so that's why we're not sure if we'll go out at all in Oct. Maybe a weekend in November and take the Rhino too and we'll go play in the dirt out there :D

[TOBTEK]

a certain someone is driving down RIGHT NOW to get a Rhino out of my garage. Bitter sweet :cry:

[Cole Trickle]

a certain someone is driving down RIGHT NOW to get a Rhino out of my garage. Bitter sweet :cry:
Bitter because you never actually drove it!!;)
Sweet because you just put 20K back in your pocket.:D
Go rally it around the neighborhood real fast and snap some pics before it goes bye-bye.

[Cole Trickle]

Yeah, next month :D We'll be in Big Bear the weekend of the 21st. Sean want's to get the Rhino all ready to go out for Halloween to Ocotillo Wells so that's why we're not sure if we'll go out at all in Oct. Maybe a weekend in November and take the Rhino too and we'll go play in the dirt out there :D
Shoot we will leave the boats at home and take the rhinos out and stay at my pad and go on a all day ride.

[Mrs. casean]

Shoot we will leave the boats at home and take the rhinos out and stay at my pad and go on a all day ride.
Sounds fun to me! We just need to take care of the boat to "winterize" it basically... then we want to play in the dirt! We'll make something happen.

[Flyinbowtie]

That is so cool. Billet titanium body parts. What will they think of next!
Are they polished or powdercoated? ;)
(PS... All of the titanium parts in my body are off the shelf items... nothing cool like vertebrae or anything... )
No, they wouldn't polish 'em. I asked, but no deal.
I told them that if they would have polished them, my next demand would be for a Lexan viewing port at the base of my back to show them off.
He said no to that as well, but did say he would give me a scar that runs from my navel damn near to my n*#sack. 'Cause they stick 'em in from the front....and he kept his word on that. The surgeons just didn't get the gearhead mentality. I don't think those people have much of a sense of humor.
He wouldn't even videotape the operation for me, he looked like he thought I was nuts when I asked. I told him I'd been to about 25 Post-mortems at my work, so he didn't think I was nuts anymore, but still said no.
No sense of humor at all, I tell ya.
Lots of good feedback and such here, folks. Love the cool rides, too.Thanks.

[djunkie]

I don't think the pictures do it justice. It seemed WAY WAY WAY steeper than the pictures show IMO.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1267Rhino_Ride_9-25-06_001_resized.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1267Rhino_Ride_9-25-06_002_resized.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1267Rhino_Ride_9-25-06_003_resized.jpg
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1267Rhino_Ride_9-25-06_004_resized.jpg
At first I thought he was wearing some leaves around his neck. :crossx:

[BigDoug]

Your a big guy at 6' 3" and 270 #s.......im at 6' 3" and 295#s.....i don't fit in the rhino but rather do fit in the arctic cat and that was our choice, we love the fact we won't get stuck like we did in the manx buggy. :)

[Ivan Dan]

Shoot we will leave the boats at home and take the rhinos out and stay at my pad and go on a all day ride.
Sounds good to me too!!! :crossx:

[Cole Trickle]

Sounds good to me too!!! :crossx:
Theres a room for you and Andrea as well.
We need to plan a winter weekend at your pad as well...Rhino by day jacuzzi and drinks by night!! :crossx: :p

[djunkie]

Sounds good to me too!!! :crossx:
Wait for me wait for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cry: :cry:

[djunkie]

Theres a room for you and Andrea as well.
We need to plan a winter weekend at your pad as well...Rhino by day jacuzzi and drinks by night!! :crossx: :p
As long as its before Dec. 1st. :(

[Cole Trickle]

As long as its before Dec. 1st. :(
Why?

[Mrs. casean]

Theres a room for you and Andrea as well.
We need to plan a winter weekend at your pad as well...Rhino by day jacuzzi and drinks by night!! :crossx: :p
That sounds great to me :D
Seriously... between trips to the desert and river, we'll be have lots of fun weekends this winter! Let's plan one sometime in November maybe??? :D Since it has to be before Dec 1st :D

[djunkie]

Why?
Snowbirds take over my house. :cry: :cry:

[Cole Trickle]

Snowbirds take over my house. :cry: :cry:
we will probably set it up for the 2nd weekend in Dec;) :crossx:

[Ivan Dan]

Theres a room for you and Andrea as well.
We need to plan a winter weekend at your pad as well...Rhino by day jacuzzi and drinks by night!! :crossx: :p
Absolutely!!! We always do Thanksgiving up there for 3-4 days....we can make a run to the desert bar from the house all on dirt.

[djunkie]

we will probably set it up for the 2nd weekend in Dec;) :crossx:
LOL!!!!!!!!!! F*cker!!!!!!!!! :crossx: :crossx:

[Cole Trickle]

Absolutely!!! We always do Thanksgiving up there for 3-4 days....we can make a run to the desert bar from the house all on dirt.
Dessert bar trip would be cool!
Thanksgiving tradition forces me to go to Dumont:D :rollside:

[Cole Trickle]

LOL!!!!!!!!!! F*cker!!!!!!!!! :crossx: :crossx:
:D:D:D :crossx: :p
Christina can stay with Dans brother :cry: :D

[Mrs. casean]

Dessert bar trip would be cool!
Definitely! But we'll be in Ocotillo for Turkey day & weekend... but we want to make at least one run there sometime this winter!

[Brady Bunch]

We are really considering selling everything,05 weekend warrior,rhino,my yfz450,wifes quad is in spam now,gonna be a busy winter,not sure if it will all get used
Sounds to me like the makings of a TOBTECesque FIRE SALE.....lol

[riverroyal]

Sounds to me like the makings of a TOBTECesque FIRE SALE.....lol
just thinking more about a few years from now,not gonna get the use out of all these toys,having them sit makes me crazy

[OutCole'd]

What is a good price one should expect to pay for an 06 660 Rhino? I called the local dealership and over the phone, they are quoting $9999.00 plus tax & bs.....

[djunkie]

What is a good price one should expect to pay for an 06 660 Rhino? I called the local dealership and over the phone, they are quoting $9999.00 plus tax & bs.....
$10k OTD is a good price from what I have been seeing. Thats for the green 660. Walts in Havasu quoted me $10.5 OTD door on the green one. If you find a place for $10k OTD or cheaper let me know. :rollside: :rollside:

[bohica]

a certain someone is driving down RIGHT NOW to get a Rhino out of my garage. Bitter sweet :cry:
Toby, thanks for building such a nice Rhino. The wife and kids love it, they were cruising it around the neighborhood and blasting tunes all evening. I'll be sure to post pics of them mobbing it out in the dunes.
Anyone looking for a new Rhino, give Art at Montclair Yamaha a call. Tell him you want the glamisdunes.com pricing. Supposed to be a great no haggle price.
Montclair Yamaha
5505 Moreno Street Montclair CA 91763
Phone: (909) 946-8488

[OutCole'd]

To register a rhino for the street in AZ. does it matter what state you bought it in? Do you have to do anything different if you bought it out of state?

[OutCole'd]

$10k OTD is a good price from what I have been seeing. Thats for the green 660. Walts in Havasu quoted me $10.5 OTD door on the green one. If you find a place for $10k OTD or cheaper let me know. :rollside: :rollside:
$10,300 OTD at Honda North Hollywood on a Green or Camo 660.

[djunkie]

$10,300 OTD at Honda North Hollywood on a Green or Camo 660.
Gettin closer.

[OutCole'd]

Gettin closer.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=280031061158&ih=018&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

[SJP]

Not to jack the thread but there is not a rhino forum on HB yet... I just got the Rhino home and have been cruising it around the block breaking it in (trying not to get arrested), taking it easy on the throttle, etc etc. I have around an hour on it at most. It appears like it is running hot. I am smelling burn off (I think from the pipe and motor) since everything is new. No waring lights have come on. Checked all fluids and oil. Is this normal? Anybody expierence anything like this with there vehicle?

[Flyinbowtie]

ATTN: ***boat;
I think we need a Rhino section. There is a helluva lot more expertise on this forum than the ones dedicated to the darn things..
SJP, I can't answer your ? but some of these guys will pop up soon and fill you in. I think a bunch of them are in Havasu this weekend playing with their toys.
Another couple of questions.
-Does installing the Mastercraft or other Suspension seats improve the seating position for large folks? I had Beards in the rail, and loved them.
-Do any of the L.T. kits use standard length shocks? The thought here being it might be easier to take the 5k+ hit in two bites, add the shocks first and the arms, etc., later if it really turns out to be necessary.
We visited a Yamaha/Suzuki dealer today. He is still waiting for his 07's to arrive.
I asked about the big design change rumors, and he pointed to a new '07 Grizzly, which has an EFI 700 and power steering. He thinks the '08 is going to have the EFI 700 engine, which I believe is the same as the Raptor. If that is the case, I might just wait. Either jump on one of those, or grab up a 660 that somebody has dumped a truckload of cash into that has decided he has to have the 700..
The wife insisted we look at a Polaris, too. The Ranger is huge compared to the Rhino, the seating area a lot roomier. The rumor over there is that since Polaris and KTM have embarked on a joint venture, they are going to dump a larger twin cylinder engine in the Ranger for 08, and come up with a vehicle targeted directly at the sport UTV market.
She saw a new color scheme on the Suzuki Z400 quad, too. :rolleyes:
It looks like this might be a two-vehicle deal next spring if we can sell her 300ex.
I'm thinkin' waitin' might not be a bad idea, it'll give my back more time to heal, as well.

[Ivan Dan]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=280031061158&ih=018&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT
Use auction sniper and see if you can snag this thing for a good deal.

[sigepmock]

I'll answer what I can.
The "hot" smell when new is typical although they do run lean from the factory and actually are timed to burn a little in the head pipe, the smell should go away after awhile. I recommend bumping the pilot jet up to a 42 over the stock 40, seems to help a little in low end power and less heat.
First thing everyone with a Rhino should get is the CVT filter, it goes right behind the driver seat and keeps dirt and sand from getting sucked in and destroying the drive belt. About $30 or so from Black Rhino Performance. It filters the air that's sucked in to cool the clutch and belt....why Yamaha hasn't added one is beyond belief but anyway get one asap.
I'm 6'-2" about 200 lbs and added the PRP seats....they definately help out. The seat is moved back about an inch and that really helps. Some of the really big guys are having new seat bases made that lower the seat about an inch but the only problem is that it forces the seat to move forward to clear the front of the bed and roll cage. I prefer going up and back for more leg room. I've never hit my head on the cage so far even with a helmet on.
700 EFI has been a rumor for awhile.....but according to my Yamaha buddies until Yamaha gets caught up with production or gets some more compettition they're perfectly happy leaving the 660 alone for now.....although it would make sense with both the raptor and Grizzly both going to EFI now. We'll see.
Most Long Travel kits use longer/larger shocks and widen as well as stretch the wheel base of the RHino that's why they are so good at increasing the performance of the Rhino. The added 2" to the wheel base doesn't seem like much but it makes a huge difference. Also the 10 to 12" wider makes for an obviously more stable stance. The wheel travel is increased and so are the travel of the shocks. If a long tavel kit used the stock length/travel shocks, besides the obvious geometry and valving changes, it wouldn't be taking full advantage of the added width and would probably be a waste of money. I know $5000 is a lot but if you really want one and most people will after they ride in one....then make do with the stock shocks and save your money for the LT. You can get the Walker Evans shocks for about $1500 or so and then hope to re-sell them after you get the LT but you're gonna take a hit. I've had my long travel for a few months now and can say that as fun as the Rhino was the first time I drove one....it was even more fun the first time I drove the Long Travel version...night and day better than stock.
Just my $.02,
Chris

[Flyinbowtie]

I.D. I saw that thing on ebay the other day. After the trip to Apex Yamaha down in Auburn today, I think momma wants that new black Z400 as well. I am going to wait until they get a chunk of their 07 stock in, and find the best deal I can and take it back to them to ponder. The mgr. told me they will beat any legit deal I can come up with. We shall see. That is if we go this route, I'm still considering a Manx type car, but leaning more towards the Rhino at this point.
Thanks Chris!
Believe it or not, I actually have a little notebook going on all of this. :rolleyes:
I miss my damn rail, but those days are over. I was really trying to wean myself completely from this sand addiction, and was doin' pretty good at it until last Labor day when they drug me to The Mountain.
Until pressure from the family started, and now I am spiraling down the slippery slope once again.
I guess they are enablers, ultimately I'll blame it all on them. :rollside:

[Trailer Park Casanova]

The Yamaha 660 is an interesting motor in the quad application, what may apply to the Rhino:
The newer FI 700 is streets ahead of the 660, and burns cleaner, runs smoother. Starts easier.
Ya may eventually see it for emission purposes if for anything else.
Re-jetting the 660 is best done to Yamaha GYT performance specs, with Yamaha jets & needles from my experiences.
I suggest Yamaha jets & performance needles because you know what you're looking at, and many aftermarket jet makers are now trying to establish their own number scale, leading to confusion and mistakes.
See it all the time. A guy approached me on the train last week and noticing my Yamaha sweatshirt, asked if I might know what's causing his Bogging down and flat spots in his 660 powerband.
Incorrect jetting we found.
Get the shrink wrapped re-jet kit & needle from Yamaha, and follow the instructions.
The biggest mistake performance shops have made with the 660 is incorrect jetting.
Remember their are 2 sizes of carburators on the quad version of the 660, with two different jet sizes. Some shops just put bigger identical size jets in,, and they run crummy, and they can't figure out why.
You can over jet size too.
Like lawn fertilizer, a little is better than too much.
The biggest mistake Yamaha makes is with crummy quality GYT performance exhausts. They fall apart inside and outside. Just junk, which is why ya rarely see GYT pipes on the dunes.
The Rhino stock clutch is still the best one available.
Every 660 with NOz we've seen has grenaded within 5 to 10 hours running time, or less.
Just a few takes IMHO on the 660 motor.