The 2011 Yamaha Rhino 700 returned with relatively modest mechanical changes, but Yamaha refreshed the influential side-by-side with a new steering wheel, an adjustable seat belt and a distinctive White Armor Sport Edition.
Originally announced in February 2010, the 2011 lineup arrived during the later years of the Rhino’s production run. By this point, the sport side-by-side market was evolving rapidly, but the Rhino continued to offer the compact dimensions, dependable drivetrain and recreation-utility versatility that had helped establish the category.
What Changed for the 2011 Yamaha Rhino?
The standard 2011 Yamaha Rhino 700 received two notable occupant-comfort updates:
- A redesigned steering wheel
- An adjustable seat belt
The biggest addition was the new White Armor Sport Edition. Yamaha equipped this premium model with several appearance and performance-oriented components that distinguished it from the standard Red and Hunter Green versions.
2011 Yamaha Rhino 700 White Armor Sport Edition
The White Armor Sport Edition included:
- Fully adjustable piggyback shocks
- One-piece cast-aluminum wheels
- Injection-molded sun top
- Overfenders
- Baja-inspired front carry bar
- Special White Armor graphics
- Dealer-installed LED taillights
- Custom shift knob
- Black cargo-bed rails
These additions gave the Sport Edition a more aggressive appearance while adding useful equipment that many Rhino owners would otherwise have purchased from the aftermarket.
686cc Fuel-Injected Engine
The 2011 Rhino retained Yamaha’s 686cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke engine. Its four-valve SOHC cylinder head, forged piston and aluminum cylinder with ceramic-composite coating were designed to provide durability, effective cooling and strong low- and midrange torque.
Yamaha Fuel Injection helped the engine start consistently and maintain predictable performance as temperature and elevation changed. This was an important advantage for owners using the Rhino on mountain trails and in varied riding conditions.
For a closer look at the platform across its complete production run, see our Yamaha Rhino 700 specifications and model history.
Ultramatic Transmission and On-Command 4WD
The engine was paired with Yamaha’s Ultramatic continuously variable transmission. Its centrifugal clutch kept the drive belt under constant tension, while a one-way sprag clutch provided four-wheel engine braking when descending steep terrain.
The On-Command system allowed the driver to select 2WD, 4WD or locked 4WD rather than relying on an automatically engaging front differential. That direct control remained one of the Rhino’s defining drivetrain features.
Suspension, Ground Clearance and Brakes
The Rhino used independent dual-A-arm suspension at all four corners with 7.3 inches of front and rear travel. Ground clearance measured 12.1 inches.
Front and rear A-arm guards helped protect the CV boots from trail debris. Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes provided stopping power, while a separate disc on the rear driveline served as the parking brake.
The White Armor Sport Edition’s fully adjustable piggyback shocks offered greater tuning capability than the preload-adjustable shocks fitted to the standard models.
Cabin and Convenience Features
The two-seat cabin included padded bucket seats with headrests, passenger grab handles, cup holders and rotomolded doors. A shield behind the seats helped reduce the amount of dust and engine noise entering the passenger compartment.
A multifunction digital display provided:
- Speedometer
- Odometer
- Dual trip meters
- Clock
- Fuel gauge
- Gear-position indicator
- Voltage meter
- Engine-hour meter
- Self-diagnostic capability
The Rhino also had a 12-volt accessory outlet and a tool-free underhood air filter intended to simplify routine maintenance.
Cargo and Towing Capacity
The 2011 Yamaha Rhino combined its trail capability with practical utility features. Its assisted-dump cargo bed could carry up to 400 pounds and could be released from either side of the vehicle.
A standard two-inch receiver hitch gave the Rhino a listed towing capacity of 1,212 pounds. Fuel capacity was 7.9 gallons.
2011 Yamaha Rhino 700 Key Specifications
| Engine | 686cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke |
|---|---|
| Valve train | SOHC, four valves |
| Fuel system | Yamaha Fuel Injection |
| Transmission | Ultramatic V-belt CVT |
| Drive system | On-Command 2WD, 4WD and locked 4WD |
| Front suspension | Independent dual A-arm; 7.3 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Independent dual A-arm; 7.3 inches of travel |
| Ground clearance | 12.1 inches |
| Brakes | Four-wheel hydraulic discs |
| Fuel capacity | 7.9 gallons |
| Cargo-bed capacity | 400 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,212 pounds |
2011 Yamaha Rhino Colors and Models
The 2011 Yamaha Rhino 700 lineup was offered in three primary configurations:
- Red
- Hunter Green
- White Armor Sport Edition
The models were scheduled to begin arriving at Yamaha dealerships during the summer of 2010.
The 2011 Rhino’s Place in UTV History
The 2011 model did not introduce a major redesign. Instead, it represented a more refined version of the Rhino 700 platform that Yamaha had introduced for the 2008 model year.
Its significance is easier to appreciate with historical context. Yamaha introduced the original Rhino 660 as a 2004 model and helped transform the side-by-side from a primarily work-oriented vehicle into a popular recreational platform. The Rhino also inspired an enormous aftermarket devoted to suspension, performance, cages, seating, audio and custom fabrication.
By 2011, faster and wider sport UTVs were beginning to reshape the market. The Rhino nevertheless retained its appeal as a compact, maneuverable machine that balanced trail recreation with useful cargo and towing capability.
Yamaha continued producing the Rhino through the 2013 model year. Read the complete history of the Yamaha Rhino and how it helped create the modern UTV industry.
For additional model news and historical coverage, visit the Yamaha UTV category.
