Original 2004 Yamaha Rhino 660 Media Kit

Editor’s Note: While researching our feature, History of the Yamaha Rhino: How One Side-by-Side Changed Off-Roading Forever, I reached out to several magazines—and even Yamaha—in search of the original 2004 Rhino media kit.

Since these press materials were distributed as printed press packets more than 20 years ago, I wasn’t sure any complete copies still existed. Fortunately, my friends at Dirt Wheels Magazine dug through their archives and found the original media package presented here.

I’m incredibly grateful they took the time to preserve and share this important piece of off-road history.

Original media package contents:

• Four-page Yamaha Rhino 660 press release
• Rhino 660 Hardwoods HD Hunter Edition feature sheet
• Hunter Edition factory specifications
• Original Yamaha suggested retail price list
• Original Yamaha factory photography

ALL-NEW 2004 RHINO 660 4×4
THE ULTIMATE SIDE-BY-SIDE VEHICLE

Yamaha charges headlong into the side-by-side vehicle market in 2004 with the all-new Rhino 660 4×4. Gone forever are the days of being restricted to tame terrain in a two-person vehicle. The Rhino 660 is the first side-by-side machine with serious off-road capability.

Packing all the power and punch of the popular Yamaha Grizzly 660 4×4, the Rhino 660 can do everything an ATV can and more—namely accommodate two full-size adults and cargo!

Aggressive styling and a tilting cargo bed further add to the Rhino 660’s appeal. The first of its kind, Yamaha has clearly created a new category of off-road vehicle with the most comfortable and capable side-by-side machine available—the Rhino 660 4×4.

For those who dare try, following the class-defining Rhino 660 will be difficult. That’s because no other side-by-side machine can boast a five-valve, 660cc liquid-cooled engine, much less a fully independent front and rear suspension.

Add a dash-mounted three-way On-Command® 2WD/4WD system with differential lock—the same one found on Yamaha’s top-of-the-line utility ATVs—and the Rhino 660 gets power to all four wheels at the push of a button.

Automotive-style controls mean the Rhino 660’s superior handling and quick throttle response are handled through a steering wheel and gas pedal, respectively. A tap of the brake pedal finds four-piston hydraulic discs front and rear being pressed into action.

And with the Grizzly’s engine as its heart, the Rhino 660 is capable of gathering up plenty of steam, as well as tackling all types of terrain. Traversing the trails, whether on a hunt or on the job, has never been so easy, or so much fun. The fact that you can bring someone else along just adds to the excitement.

A 42mm Mikuni carburetor helps bring the Rhino 660 powerplant to life and assists in providing consistent engine response throughout the powerband.

High- and low-range gears afford the driver the exact level of performance needed for any condition by shifting the lever conveniently located on the center console, and a reverse gear is an added bonus for when even a charging Rhino 660 is forced to change directions.

With plenty of power down low, the Rhino 660 and its standard 2-inch receiver hitch love to pull heavy loads. Likewise, a hefty bottom end is a bonus while navigating a trail with a full cargo bed.

When you and a buddy decide to call it a day, simply lower the tailgate, lift a handle on the driver’s side of the steel-reinforced bed and use its tilting feature to remove the contents. Simply lock it back in place and you are ready to go again.

Regardless of the task you and a companion tackle with the Rhino 660, both driver and passenger will be wowed by the exclusive Yamaha Ultramatic® automatic transmission.

In addition to being incredibly durable, the Ultramatic® system is the driving force behind Yamaha’s renowned all-wheel engine braking. Especially handy during towing situations or when hauling heavy loads, perhaps the most important aspect of the engine braking feature is the added confidence it provides on the trail.

Helping to elevate not only the confidence but also the comfort level of Rhino 660 riders is a steel roof support system, automotive-style three-point safety belts, and plush, padded seats.

A sizeable storage compartment can be found under the driver’s seating area and two grab handles have been incorporated into the roof supports—one between driver and passenger and the other on the right downtube.

Good luck finding terrain that calls for grab handles, however, given how effectively the Rhino 660 suspension soaks up the bumps.

An advanced independent double wishbone configuration up front is joined by a fully Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) out back. Up to 7.3 inches of travel can be had front and rear, helping to provide light, easy steering and the smoothest of rides under the most strenuous of conditions.

An industry-leading 12.1 inches of ground clearance further establishes the Rhino 660 as the leader in a new class of terrainable side-by-side vehicles.

A high-capacity 8.5-gallon gas tank beckons for those all-day rides, regardless of whether they are work- or leisure-related.

A waterproof automotive-style DC outlet is also available in all situations for powering up everything from a mobile phone to a GPS device. The Rhino 660 even has an automotive-style parking brake to make sure the machine won’t wander or stray from the attention of its thrill-seeking handlers.

But the chances of the Rhino 660 escaping anyone’s attention are slim—the machine’s attractive styling definitely stands out, to say the least.

The hood of the Rhino 660 sports aggressive lines outlining headlights that appear to be staring down anything that dares stand in its way. You can hardly blame obstacles for wilting under the gaze—and the power—of the Rhino 660.

For the machine’s occupants, however, riding in the Rhino 660 as it tames the terrain is a lesson in luxury.

A key-activated electric starter is joined by a convenient dash-mounted choke to get the Rhino 660 up and running. From there, the proven powerplant, trail-tested suspension, and Yamaha’s reputation for quality, durable product take over to provide driver and passenger with the 4×4 experience of a lifetime.

The 2004 Rhino 660 4×4 will be available in Hunter Green at Yamaha dealerships nationwide starting September 2003. A new RealTree High-Definition Hardwoods® camouflage model will follow in February 2004.

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Features & Benefits

• Realtree Hardwoods® High Definition Camouflage pattern for true hunting performance.

Class-Exclusive Rhino 660 Automatic 4×4 Features

• Liquid/oil-cooled, 5-valve, 660cc, 4-stroke single—the largest and most advanced engine ever used in a side-by-side—and light weight equals the best power-to-weight ratio of any side-by-side model in the industry.
• Patented 5-valve cylinder design, the same as on the ultra-rugged Grizzly 660, delivers an incomparable combination of potent low-rev torque and right-now throttle response.
• Industry-exclusive 3-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.
• Low-maintenance front shaft drive features an 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 and more efficient power transfer at all RPM.
• Fully independent 4-wheel suspension features rugged steel double wishbone suspension front and rear, both delivering 7.3 inches of travel, with 5-way preload-adjustable shocks to provide maximum tire contact—and comfort—while navigating rough, uneven terrain.
• Automotive-type brake pedal and master cylinder activate the large-diameter ventilated hydraulic front disc brakes and shaft-mounted hydraulic rear disc for outstanding stopping power in a variety of conditions.

Engine

• Gear-driven crankshaft balancer and rubber-damper engine mounts reduce vibration.
• 42mm Mikuni CV carburetor and high-output DC-CDI ignition system ensure incredible throttle response and engine performance.
• Industry-exclusive, fully automatic Ultramatic™ transmission is the most advanced drive system with industry-exclusive all-wheel engine braking.
• Automatic centrifugal clutch helps ensure constant belt tension for superior no-slip performance.
• Dual-range Hi/Lo drive with reverse taps into more pulling power in low and more performance in high than any machine in its class.
• Console-mounted dual-range Hi/Lo/N/R shift lever.
• Sealed drive case keeps out water and debris.
• Hand-operated side cover drain keeps belt dry and free from mud and debris.
• Specially designed full stainless steel exhaust system features aluminum heat shields and a screen-type spark arrestor for superb power characteristics with minimum noise output.
• Large-capacity aluminum radiator and oil cooler with fan-assist delivers maximum cooling efficiency and is positioned high in the frame for optimal protection.
• Specially designed drive system air intake vent prevents overheating and keeps water and mud from entering drive case.
• Easy-access, tool-free air filter box.
• Automatic cam chain tensioner reduces engine maintenance and helps extend engine life.

Chassis/Suspension

• CAD-designed steel frame is lightweight and features outstanding durability with superior rigidity for superb handling.
• Light, responsive rack and pinion steering features a fully sealed steering column and double U-jointed steering linkage for smooth operation and class-leading turning radius which increase comfort and maneuverability—even in 4WD.
• 12.1 inches of ground clearance delivers maximum underbelly protection while enhancing terrainability.
• All-new 25 x 8-12 front and 25 x 10-12 rear tires further boost ground clearance.
• Heavy-duty front bumper and CV joint guards protect against rock and debris damage.

Additional Features

• Comfortable interior features controls that are all automotive-type: steering wheel, left side foot brake pedal/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.
• Rugged steel cargo bed can pack a total of 400 pounds of payload.
• Center-mounted, heavy-duty trailer hitch comes standard and can tow over 1,200 pounds.
• Large, specially designed seats are extra plush and supportive for all-day driver and passenger comfort.
• Dual driver and passenger safety belts.
• Huge front and rear fenders with inner guards offer excellent mud/splash protection.
• Dual 30-watt multi-reflector Krypton bulb headlights with high/low beams feature stylishly sleek cat-eye design.
• Dual 5-watt/21-watt tail/brake light.
• Large, 8.5-gallon fuel tank features a fuel level gauge.
• Convenient, water-resistant 12-volt DC power outlet handles a wide range of accessories.
• Maintenance-free battery provides extra starting power, even in cold weather.
• Mechanical console-mounted parking brake.
• Easy-to-use, dash-mounted choke lever.

Available Accessories

• Optional digital instrument panel boasts multifunction LCD display with speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeters, hour meter, 4WD status, transmission position and clock.

Please refer to the ATV Accessories & Apparel Catalog or go to yamaha-motor.com.

*Includes side-by-side 4×4 models.