I still remember the first time I hopped into a yamaha rhino 660 2006 and noticed that the world associated with off-roading had altered on its axis. Back then, all of us didn't really have the "Side-by-Side" (SxS) terminology quite as dialed in since we do now. You either acquired a quad which you sat on top of, or else you experienced a tractor. The particular Rhino changed that will. It took the particular utility of a golf cart and gave it the soul of a desert racer, and honestly, even almost all these years later, it's still a great time to drive.
If you're looking at one of these brilliant today, you're probably questioning if a machine that's nearly two decades old can nevertheless hold its very own against the contemporary, turbocharged monsters that will cost as much as an extravagance four door. The short answer is yes, yet you have in order to know what you're getting into. It's a different kind of fun. It's mechanical, it's loud, and it seems like a real machine rather than computer-controlled spaceship.
The Coronary heart of the Beast: That 660cc Motor
The core of the yamaha rhino 660 2006 is that legendary 660cc, liquid-cooled, five-valve engine. In case that heard this before, it's because it's essentially the same powerplant found in the Raptor 660. It's a single-cylinder "thumper" that puts away a solid amount of low-end grunt. This isn't going in order to win many drag races against the modern RZR or even a Maverick, but that's not actually the idea.
Exactly what makes this motor great is exactly how it handles the particular "thick" stuff. Whether you're crawling by means of a muddy creek bed or hauling a load associated with firewood up a steep incline, the particular torque is right there at any given time. It's mated to Yamaha's Ultramatic transmission, which usually, in my viewpoint, continues to be one of the most reliable CVT designs ever made. It offers consistent engine braking, which usually is a godsend when you're sneaking down a nasty hill and don't want to trip your brakes the whole way.
One thing to keep within mind, though, is that the 2006 model nevertheless uses a carburetor. Inside a world of fuel injection, several people see this particular as a drawback. Personally, I think there's an attraction into it. Sure, a person might have to fiddle with the particular choke on a cold morning, plus you might need to re-jet when you're changing elevation drastically, but it's also something you can fix along with basic tools in your garage. No fuel pumps in order to fail or detectors to go haywire in the woods.
Handling the Rough Stuff
For the machine from 2006, the suspension on the Rhino was actually pretty innovative. It features completely independent front and rear suspension. This may seem standard today, but at the time, having a dual-A-arm setup in any way 4 corners made the particular ride incredibly deluxe compared to the particular rigid utility automobiles from the era.
The yamaha rhino 660 2006 has about 7. 3 inches associated with travel. Again, that sounds small compared to the 20+ inches you notice on long-travel wilderness rigs today, but for trail riding? It's plenty. It soaks in the roots, rocks, and hole without breaking your back. The ground clearance is about 12 inches, which is usually sufficient to get a person over most obstacles without dragging the particular belly pan as well hard.
Something you'll notice instantly is the width. The Rhino will be relatively narrow. This is a double-edged sword. On a single hand, it's the dream for limited, wooded trails where the wide-track machines have to turn around. Upon the other hand, you need to be mindful associated with your center associated with gravity. These machines were the topic of some safety debates back in the time because people had been treating them like go-karts. As long as you regard the machine and don't try in order to take 90-degree converts at full tilt, it's a stable, capable rig.
Utility Meets Sport
What I've always loved regarding the yamaha rhino 660 2006 is its double personality. It provides a tilting cargo bed that may haul about four hundred pounds. I've seen guys use these to haul hay, carry fencing tools, or even lug a harvested deer out of the particular brush. It's the workhorse through and through.
Yet once the work is done, you can dump the bed, put it in 4WD, plus hit the paths. The On-Command 4WD system is fantastic. A person can switch among 2WD, 4WD, plus 4WD using a completely locked differential from the push of the button. When you lock that entrance diff, the Rhino turns into a mountain goat. It will eventually claw its way up issues that look impossible. It's that flexibility that made it the particular king from the market for such a long time.
Living With an old Rhino
In case you're buying 1 today, you need to be a bit of a weekend mechanic—or in least willing to understand. These machines are usually tough, but they aren't immortal. The 2006 models are recognized for the few quirks.
First, let's talk about heat. The engine rests right between the seats, and while there's some shielding, it can get a bit toasty within the cabin on a mid-August ride. Many owners finish up adding extra efficiency or even auto aftermarket cooling fans to assist pull that heat out of the particular engine bay.
Second, the RESUME boots. Because these are off-road machines, the rubber boot styles on the axles take a beating. If a boot cry so you don't observe it, dirt will get into the combined and eats this alive. It's the cheap part to fix if you capture it early, yet a pain if a person have to replace the entire axle.
Lastly, there's the particular aftermarket support. This particular is where the yamaha rhino 660 2006 really shines. Because Yamaha sold so several of these, you may still find nearly any part you will need. Whether you want to put in a roof, a windshield, a winch, or even a full long-travel suspension package, the options are endless. It's probably one of the particular most customizable UTVs ever built.
Is It Nevertheless Worth Buying?
You may be looking with an used yamaha rhino 660 2006 on Craigslist or Marketplace plus wondering if the price is right. Costs vary wildly with respect to the condition, but generally, you can pick one up for a cheaper cost of a new machine.
Is it worth it? If you want a reliable, "do-it-all" vehicle which is easy to movie trailer and fits upon just about any trail, then absolutely. It's a great entry point straight into the world of Side-by-Sides. It's also a great secondary machine for a farm or a hunting vacation cabin to don't require a 100-horsepower engine, but you perform need something that will begin every time you turn the particular key.
There's a certain fulfillment in driving a Rhino. You feel connected to the terrain. You aren't insulated by the dozen electronic driver aids or energy steering (unless it's been added aftermarket). You have in order to actually drive it. You have got to pick your own lines and manage your momentum.
Final Thoughts
The yamaha rhino 660 2006 might become a "vintage" machine by today's quickly moving standards, but it hasn't dropped its edge. This represents a time when UTVs were becoming something even more than just utility tools. It's the grandfather of the modern sport-utility type, plus it wears that badge with satisfaction.
Whether you're planning to restore one to its previous glory or else you just want a tough rig to beat around the hardwoods, the 660 Rhino remains a strong choice. It's got character, it's got grit, and most significantly, it still understands how to have a good time. Just make certain to check the particular oil, keep the air conditioner filter clean, plus maybe don't go too fast about those sharp corners—you'll be smiling for a long time to come.