n the August/September 2006 issue of Parts Magazine we introduced our Project Rhino. In that first installment, we showed how it got its Yamaha 50th Anniversary color scheme, shortened roll cage to allow it to fit in our Toy Hauler, the great looking ITP tires and wheels, K&N filter, Supertrapp IDSX exhaust, Pro Armor guards, Moose windshield, Warn winch and more.
     But that was just the start! We have since added a set of doors and fender flares from the Moose Utility Division catalog and Ohlins 36PRC shock absorbers all around. As we had done previously, we took the Rhino to John Matherson at Mission Motorsports in nearby Irvine, California to have all of the technical installations done. Then it was off to Ocotillo Wells in the California desert to give our new goodies a try.


Okay, we’re not quite ready to run with the Baja Trophy Trucks, but we’re gaining steam with our Project Rhino as we install more and more enhancements to the handling and performance of a stock machine.

Moose Utility Division now offers a “Half Door” set for the Rhino. They add to the rugged style of the machine and provide a little protection from the outside world. The door set comes with a left and right door and all the mounting hardware.

Something that goes great with Moose Utility Division’s doors are matching black front and rear fender flares made of the same L.L.D.P.E. material. They are designed to minimize flying debris from entering the cab and give a beefier look to the Rhino.

It seems there isn’t a form of motorsports that can’t benefit from the quality and performance of Ohlins suspension, and our Yamaha was no exception. The all-new Ohlins 36PRC suspension units for the Rhino were developed with the assistance of Yamaha ATV team rider Bill Ballance.

Those external reservoirs promote shock cooling. Like Ohlins for motorcycles, the 36PC suspensions units for the Rhino can be completely rebuilt. They can also be adjusted, even re-valved for individual purposes, applications and to work with various length A-arms.

With our new Ohlins mounted, our editor Jen Emde puts the Rhino to the test through a set of “whoops” in the California desert.

The Rhino works well for a little dirt trackin.’

We liked what we did to the Rhino, but we’re not done yet. We think there is more “motor” to be unleashed yet, as well as a few other enhancements. Watch for our next installment.