The 2000’s saw some of the best all around ATVs ever made dominating the market for off-road vehicles.
ATV models such as the Yamaha Grizzly 660 and 700, Honda 300EX and 400EX, and Polaris Sportsman 500 were hard to beat when it came to off-road capabilities.
While there were plenty of side-by-sides around at the time, none of them could come close to offering the same ability when it came to navigating rough terrain and trail riding.
Yamaha changed all of this with the introduction of the Yamaha Rhino 660 in 2003, which now sits firmly atop the list of best used side-by-sides you can buy for under $5,000.
This guide will offer an in-depth review of the Yamaha Rhino 660 including how it performs, its key specs and features, top speed, pros and cons, and common mechanical issues.
About The Yamaha Rhino 660
During its ten-year production run from 2003 to 2012, the Yamaha Rhino 660 came to be known as one the most dependable, durable, all around quality vehicles of its time.
With a simple yet rugged design, the Rhino 660 looks like exactly what it is – a true utility vehicle in every sense. Not flashy, but up to any task.
Yamaha essentially took the same technology that made the Grizzly 660 such an impressive ATV and installed it into the body of the Rhino.
The engine, transmission, suspension system, front and rear differentials, and many other components of the Rhino are the same used in the Grizzly.
And with a smaller build than most other UTVs, the Rhino 660 can go pretty much anywhere a smaller ATV can go, but while carrying a passenger and a much heavier load.
Versatility & Off-Road Capabilities
The Rhino 660 was as versatile as you’d find back in the 2000’s.
They could conquer just about any work task you threw at them.
They had just enough top-end speed to give riders a thrill when riding recreationally.
And there weren’t many places they couldn’t go – tight backwoods trails, the steepest mountain terrain, shallow water crossings – the Rhino 660 was always up to the task.
These models were some of the first UTVs that could compete with the off-road capabilities of ATVs at the time.
And their popularity likely inspired the eventual release of some of the groundbreaking sport utility vehicles that came along shortly thereafter, such as the Can Am Maverick X3 and Polaris RZR models.
Key Specs & Features
Engine
Powered by the same 660cc single cylinder engine that powers the Grizzly 660 ATV, the engine has more than enough oomph to go pretty much anywhere with an output of around 30 horsepower.
Sand, rocks, deep mud, and even the steepest of hills can all be conquered with the Rhino’s combination of impressive power and on-command 4WD with differential lock.
One of the drawbacks to this older model is the use of a carburetor. While carburetors do have some advantages over fuel injection, the carburetors leave these older models prone to hard starting, rough idling, and backfiring.
The engine and its components can be accessed by removing the seats and center console.
| Engine Type | Four-Stroke SOHC |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Single Cylinder |
| Displacement | 660 cc |
| Max Horsepower | 30 HP |
| Bore x Stroke Ratio | 100 x 84 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.10:1 |
| Carburetion System | Carburetor (Mikuni – 42 mm) |
| Engine Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
| Fuel Capacity | 7.9 Gallons |
| Ignition System | DC-CDI |
| Spark Plug | NGK DPR8EA-9 |
| Lubrication System | Forced lubrication (wet sump) |
| Engine Oil Type | SAE 10W-40, 5W-30, 10W-30, 15W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50 |
Drivetrain
Similar to the engine, the Rhino 660 is equipped with the same transmission layout used in the Grizzly ATV.
It’s a fully automatic CVT transmission, with drive shafts supplying power to the wheels. It offers both High and Low gears, along with Neutral, Reverse, and Park settings.
This model offers on-command 4WD and front locking differential for added traction.
| Drive System | Shaft Drive w/ On-Command Four Wheel Drive And Front Locking Differential |
| Transmission Type | Automatic CVT, V-belt |
| Gear Shift Pattern | L-H-N-R-P |
| Clutch | Wet, Centrifugal |
Suspension
The Rhino 660 features a long-travel suspension with independent double wishbones and coil spring shocks in all four corners.
This suspension system does a good job of soaking up chop in the terrain so that it’s not overly jolting at most speeds, but the stock shocks are prone to overheating after prolonged use on the trail.
This overheating will lead to less dampening, so it is recommended to consider upgraded piggyback shocks if you’ll be trail riding for extended periods in rough-ish terrain.
This model offers a solid ground clearance of 12 inches, giving it the ability to clear rocks, logs, and ruts in the trail within reason.
| Frame Type | Steel Tube |
| Turning Radius | 12.8 ft. |
| Wheelbase | 75 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 12 inches |
| Front Suspension | Independent Double Wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | Independent Double Wishbone |
| Wheel Travel | Front & Rear – 7.3 inches |
Tires & Brakes
The Rhino 660 comes equipped with 25-inch tires in the front and rear, mounted on steel, aluminum, or panel rims depending on the year and model.
The stock tires vary by trim, being either Maxxis or Goodyear brand.
The dual hydraulic disc brakes in front and single shaft mounted disc brake are operated via the brake pedal and together provide plenty of stopping power to slow the Rhino in any terrain.
| Front Tires | 25 x 8-12 (Maxxis) |
| Rear Tires | 25 x 10-12 (Maxxis) |
| Wheels | Steel |
| Front Brake Type | Dual Hydraulic Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Shaft Mounted Disc |
Dimensions & Capacities
Though the Rhino 660 lacks power steering, it is light enough at 1,049 lbs that it is overly hard to handle either way.
With a narrow width of only 54 inches, the Rhino is no wider than a standard ATV. This makes it an excellent trail riding option, but does leave it prone to rollovers.
And with its overall compact size, the Rhino is one of only a handful of utility vehicles that can be squeezed into the 8-foot bed of a full-size pickup truck.
The rear dumping cargo bed is roomy enough to handle around 400 lbs and makes this vehicle an excellent fit for tasks like hauling brush, bricks, or firewood. It also offers an excellent 1,212 lbs towing capacity.
| Length | 114 in |
| Width | 54 in |
| Height | 73 in |
| Seat Height | 32 in |
| Dry Weight | 1,049 lbs |
| Load Capacity | 878 lbs |
| Cargo Bed Capacity | 400 lbs |
| Towing Capacity | 1,212 lbs |
Exterior & Interior Features
Out front this model features a bumper and brush guard along with two halogen headlights.
The roll cage that helps enclose the roomy cab area has been the subject of some negativity among owners, as some claim from experience that it’s not sturdy enough to do its job if the vehicle rolls.
Another noted drawback with Rhino 660 was that the lack of side doors left riders legs exposed to the elements outside and led to some serious leg injuries for riders who were unfortunate enough to roll their vehicles.
Around 2007, Yamaha made this right by committing to install side doors on all new Rhino models and offering to install them free of charge on all previously manufactured Rhino 660’s.
Inside the cab are two seats separated by an armrest and center console area. The gear shift is installed at the forefront of this center console area.
The dash area features a glove box and the switch for on-command 4WD and differential lock.
Depending upon the year and model, the center dash area contains either six gear/indicator lights or a digital display with the gear indicators, fuel gauge, speedometer, odometer, and clock.
In back there’s a good-sized cargo bed that tilts up and dumps, two halogen tail lights, and a standard trailer hitch receiver.
Yamaha Rhino 660 Top Speed
The Yamaha Rhino 660 is geared low with good low-end torque to help it excel at handling work tasks and trail riding, so top speed is not its strength.
For a totally stock model still in good shape, the Yamaha Rhino 660 top speed is between 40 and 42 mph.
For owners who don’t mind spending a little coin, the top speed can be increased to around 55-60 mph by making some modifications, including:
- Upgrading the clutch system, including the spring, weights and clutch sheave
- Upgrading to a Dynatek CDI
- Upgrading the exhaust
- Replacing the stock tires with bigger tires
Pros & Cons
While the overwhelming majority of past and present Rhino 660 owners have positive things to say about these vehicles, happy and unhappy owners alike will also be quick to note some negatives as well.
Here are the Rhino 660’s main pros and cons:
Pros
- Most mechanical components are borrowed from the already proven Yamaha Grizzly 660, including the engine, transmission, and suspension.
- Offers on-command 4WD with locking differential.
- Slim build makes it capable of snaking through tight trails.
- Compact overall size enables it to be loaded (barely) into the bed of a full-size pickup.
- Rear cargo bed and excellent hauling/towing capacities provide workhorse capabilities.
- Excellent climbers, able to crawl up the steepest hills and terrains.
Cons
- Loud engine/exhaust noise unless upgrading the stock muffler.
- Carburetor is known to cause issues with backfiring, rough idling, and stalling.
- Stock fuel pumps are prone to going bad.
- Known for being cold-blooded and taking some time to start.
- Vehicle is prone to rolling due to its narrow width and heavy build.
- Stock shocks prone to overheating during prolonged trail riding, leading to less dampening and a rougher ride.
Yamaha Rhino 660 Problems
Owners have also identified some common Yamaha Rhino 660 problems that tend to affect this model as a whole.
Backfiring
These models are prone to backfiring, mostly due to the use of a carburetor.
The stock Mikuni carburetor, and really carburetors as a whole, are quite prone to becoming clogged with dirt and grime over time.
The pilot jets located within the carburetor are particularly susceptible to this, and will lead to backfiring when clogged.
To alleviate backfiring, you’ll need to give the carburetor and the pilot jets a good cleaning to unclog them of any debris.
Fuel Pump Issues
The stock fuel pump in the Rhino 660 is known to cause issues, including an eventual loss of speed and acceleration or rough idling.
Owners should inspect their fuel filters often to ensure they are not clogged, which can lead to fuel pump failure.
Replacing the stock fuel pump with an electric fuel pump has netted good results for owners.
Air Filter Clogging
The Rhino 660’s engine breathes in some serious air in order to operate.
In doing so, it also tends to suck up a good bit of dust and dirt along with this air which leads to the air filter clogging rather often.
Owners should consider upgrading to a UNI air filter, which tends to work the best in the Rhino 660, to help alleviate this.
It’s a best practice for owners to clean their air filters every 100 miles or so and replace them as needed.
Conclusion
While the last Yamaha Rhino 660 was produced in 2012, well-cared-for used models are just as reliable as ever.
If you’re looking for a versatile utility vehicle, the Rhino 660 is right up there with some of the better models ever made.
For more on Yamaha UTVs and ATVs, check out the following guides before hitting the trail:
