Burly and brawny
The compact and rigid tubular chassis of the Yamaha Rhino boasts a payload of 181 kilos and a towing capacity of up to 550 kilos with a 2-inch trailer hitch receiver. The front and rear suspensions feature independent double "A" arms, while the four-wheel disc brakes are controlled by a single pedal. Highly-resistant skid plates effectively protect the powertrain and drivetrain while their smooth surface design allows the Rhino 700 to slide more easily over obstacles. Moreover, the engine's mid-ship location enhances mass centralization for responsive handling and flat cornering.

Forget hard, uncomfortable buckets and say hello to newly-designed seats that perfectly support and hug the rider and passenger over the sketchiest terrain. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Moto123.com)

Safe and comfortable
Forget hard, uncomfortable buckets and say hello to newly-designed seats that perfectly support and hug the rider and passenger over the sketchiest terrain. The cabin layout is very car-like with the ignition switch, pedals, shifter, parking brake and steering wheel all naturally positioned. Car drivers will definitely feel in familiar territory.

The Rhino knows how to protect occupants, what with seat belts and side safety nets for the rider and passenger, rugged doors and hip supports/restraints on seat edges, multiple grab handles, roll bars and a sun top. Remember to buckle up or you risk hitting your head on said roll bars; even with a helmet on, it hurts!

Compact and sporty
Don't let its utilitarian looks fool you; this Japanese side-by-side is sporty and agile. As soon as you depress the gas pedal, it launches forward and navigates with so much enthusiasm you'll feel like a Baja racer. Incidentally, a host of racing accessories are available, from a wide track kit to performance-enhancing engine components.

Barely larger than a regular ATV, the Yamaha Rhino is able to thread just about anywhere. Reasonable weight and adequate power also allow thrill-seeking riders to crank things up a notch. No obstacle seems too big to overcome and you can blast through the tightest trails with confidence and precision.

The firmer suspension of the Sport Edition makes for a jolty rear axle. Fortunately, the rear shocks feature spring preload, 11-way compression and 18-way rebound damping adjustability. Meanwhile, the 7.3-inch wheel travel at all corners prevents the suspension from bottoming out on the bumpiest surfaces. You can enjoy greater comfort on rough trails or a sporty ride on slick terrain with a few easy adjustments.

Barely larger than a regular ATV, the Yamaha Rhino is able to thread just about anywhere. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Moto123.com)