Reply With QuoteLooks like it is a better idea and hold out for the 08s. But do you think they would have all that technology in less then a year?
I just got randomly chosen from registration data and such for a Rhino, ATV and SSV focus group. The folks were vague as to who was putting it on, but it was clear through a couple of slips on the part of the dingy receptionist that the whole event was by Yamaha. There were a couple of groups too, representing different income brackets.
All I can say is, they are asking the right questions. We got to ask questions of our own, and find out some of the reasons for why it is what it is.
1) size was driven by being able to fit it into a pickup. Nobody in the focus group cared that it fit into a pickup and would prefer wider suspension and track overall.
2) They asked a ton of questions about how upset we would be if it got bigger, with a bigger motor and more expensive. Everyone said they would have bought the larger version
3) Nobody in our income group owned a 450 version.
The questions they were asking and comparing with indicated that they had three engine options available... a 400, 700 and 1000. There were three dash options, from a standard digital dash to a dual display digital dash with more info and gauges to the final trick one with a waterproof radio and a heater.
They were asking about which was better, full seats or half seats, fixed rear seat or a tumble rear seat. Asking which was better, the size it is, smaller or bigger.
My impressions are that the new Rhino is going to have a lot more travel (12" was discussed as an option... up from 7.3" on ours) be a bit wider, have a rear seat, a 1000cc motor option, have a four seat cage, full front seats and a radio/heater dashboard. 27" tires were also mentioned along with a locking rear differential.
My sources indicated as well that most current Rhino parts would not fit directly.
If they build a 1000cc Rhino, I am going to be selling a bad ass 660, as I imagine a lot of people will. I am not going to hold my breath though. I would rather use it for the next year or two happily and enjoy what I have then wait for something better. Right now, it is the king of the hill. If Honda ever does a Hippo... it is going to have to be pretty bad ass to trump what Yamaha has in mind.
Looks like it is a better idea and hold out for the 08s. But do you think they would have all that technology in less then a year?
Looks like it is a better idea and hold out for the 08s. But do you think they would have all that technology in less then a year?
No way. The concept drawings were just that... none were even on Solidworks. You won't see anything but perhaps a 700efi for 08, and I bet they have more limiters on them than the 07 version. I don't think they are going to go for a better top speed, I think they are going to go for more power down below with better towing and crawling capabilities. They are trying to go even more aggressive on styling. Looks like the Rhino Sports Super Show... I mean the Sand SSS really had an impact on them. I am pretty sure they think that the aftermarket is leading the pack right now, and in order to dominate they need to dominate the aftermarket first. Expect drawings to be available to builders before the vehicle is.
I brought in pics of ours and they asked to keep them. From the enthusiasm, I think that in '09 or so there is going to be a bitchin Rhino available. Until then, I am going to drive the wheels off mine.
I am still thinking about a snowmobile engine for mine. I just want more speed and power. That long travel suspension makes it feel like it is moving in slow motion at full speed.
I couldn't see them realistically doing a 1000cc motor in it. The 700 motor has some gerat potential in it. I have a Raptor 700 with dual pipes and I put the smack down at the hill on piped Banshees and most other quads. Now if they have other work, then it is a different story, but every other bike with the same mods has not really beat me and I try to race everyone. I have not raced the new Suzuki 450 yet, and I heard that is a screamer.
35 HP to the rear wheels on a Rhino is about perfect. You are not doing wheelies, but it can do 99% of what you throw at it with that much HP. If they do the 700 motor right in the Rhino, 1-2 mods could get it there easily. The Raptor dynos around 40 HP stock. On my bike with dual pipes, filter and programmer, it makes 52 HP on the dyno.
I think that when they do the 700 and then they have the basic mods available for it, 32-34 Hp probably will get to the rear tires.
A 1000cc motor will just go too fast for the small vehicle it is. I think the question was there to see howm many of the people are more of speed demons and it put all their ansers in a different category, more like "performance Rhino."
Just my opinion.
I am still thinking about a snowmobile engine for mine. I just want more speed and power. That long travel suspension makes it feel like it is moving in slow motion at full speed.
I get my Rhino back tomorrow. I did 686 with some tricks to it and it is supposed to make 47 HP to the rear tires. I'll let you know how it works out, but it should much easier/cheaper than dropping the snowmoile motor in it.
With all this talk about the new ones coming out it is hard for me to jump into the 660 for the price right now. I think if the new one comes out with will put the used rhinos in the price range they belong in.
I get my Rhino back tomorrow. I did 686 with some tricks to it and it is supposed to make 47 HP to the rear tires. I'll let you know how it works out, but it should much easier/cheaper than dropping the snowmoile motor in it.
Maybe I can get a ride in it? You are running something similar to me in the suspension/wheel/tire aspect, correct?
I have information about the lights, but nothing will be set until Monday. They are going to do a run on them using existing stock materials that will still be pre-production, but available much sooner. I will have the inside line on a couple of them. I think they are going to be doing 20 or so, all 40" widths.
With all this talk about the new ones coming out it is hard for me to jump into the 660 for the price right now. I think if the new one comes out with will put the used rhinos in the price range they belong in.
Let me know how that works out for you.I will be unavailable by cell phone though... I am usually out in the Rhino on weekends.
I wouldn't nuke it out too badly. All of this is whiskey talk right now. Currently, the Rhino is the best available, they have a great re-sale and are wonderful little creatures. I wouldn't worry so much about what may or may not be coming.
BTW, just got off the phone with Alba, they have not heard of any reduction in availability. They can order them right now. There was a shortage for a while because demand is exceeding supply, but they have been having that problem since they started selling them. My Rhino came from a different dealer, as did a bunch of them. The East coast dealers are selling their allotments to West coast dealers daily.
The sky isn't falling... you can get them, you will be able to get them and if it gets better, you will be able to sell it.
Maybe I can get a ride in it? You are running something similar to me in the suspension/wheel/tire aspect, correct?
I have information about the lights, but nothing will be set until Monday. They are going to do a run on them using existing stock materials that will still be pre-production, but available much sooner. I will have the inside line on a couple of them. I think they are going to be doing 20 or so, all 40" widths.
I am taking it to the dunes next weekend (Dec 8-10). You are more than welcome to ride/drive it. My suspension is ready, just waiting on new Gorilla axles right now. hope to have it installed next Wednesday or Thursday. Tires, I am running 25" Maxxis Bighorns. It should be 100% done for the new years trip (paint as well).
On those lights... You said they were brighter than 2 HIDs (like 6"?) correct?
I am taking it to the dunes next weekend (Dec 8-10). You are more than welcome to ride/drive it. My suspension is ready, just waiting on new Gorilla axles right now. hope to have it installed next Wednesday or Thursday. Tires, I am running 25" Maxxis Bighorns. It should be 100% done for the new years trip (paint as well).
On those lights... You said they were brighter than 2 HIDs (like 6"?) correct?
They dusted two HID's. Rated power output in lumens is something like nearly three HID's, but it seems a lot brighter since it is so columnated. Add the 10" down below and it has better light dispersion and seems brighter with better color than a four HID setup I have seen. Shining both rigs against the wall, the LED array actually ate up the light put out by the HID's, and when you shut off the HID's you couldn't really tell on the wall.
They are really focused, and I hope they pull the pattern out a little bit for these versions. I calculated the throw while out and about last weekend, and the throw of the lights is about 3.5 times the stopping distance at 45mph. You can't outrun them with a Rhino.
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