 n some parts of the country, the fall and winter months are the time to “batten down the hatches” and wait for the sun to come out next Spring. Not the case in Southern California. It’s riding season and when we’re not at an event or working through the weekend to get the magazine to the printer, we like to load up our trucks and trailers and head for the desert.
In addition to a bunch of two wheelers, our 2006 Yamaha “Project Rhino” is now one of our most popular pieces of “rolling stock.” For those of you who have been following our ongoing project, we have continued to add new and useful products for the ever-popular Yamaha 660 Rhino. Unlike some projects that are completely transformed in one step, we like to add products in a process that allows us to really see what the differences are between the stock or previous aftermarket product that was installed.
Despite the statement in the opening paragraph about the weather, we do get an occasional rain in California, and on this particular weekend in December, we did get a heavy rain the day we headed to the Ocotillo Wells Recreation Area east of San Diego. This worked out perfectly for our weekend, as there generally wasn’t much dust and we found some normally-dry sandwashes that were quite muddy.
For this update of the Parts Magazine Project Rhino, we feature the installation of a Fluidyne High Performance Radiator and FMF Dual Exhaust. Check out more about these products on page 42.
Stay tuned, we’ve got even more changes and ideas to come.
The single-cylinder Yamaha 660 gets put to the test on a hard ride by having to haul the weight of the four-wheel Rhino and two passengers. The 38mm core of the Fluidyne High Performance Radiator provides 50% more surface area for increased cooling capacity. This insures the motor maintains its peak performance and improves reliability.
Fluidyne High Performance Radiator
Part Number: 1901-0165
Fits Yamaha Rhino 660/450 2004-2007
Suggested retail: $449.95
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FMF developed its PowerCore4 to increase the horsepower and torque throughout the entire power curve producing a noticeable power increase that is usable and compatible with every style of riding. FMF offers a single muffler version as well as this great looking and sounding Dual PowerCore4 S/A Muffler Exhaust with SS header pipes.
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FMF Dual PowerCore 4 S/A Modular Mufflers with SS header system
Fits Yamaha Rhino 660 2005-2006
Part Number: 044276
Retail: $647.99
Ti PowerCore S/A Insert
Part Number: 040298
Retail: $25.99 each (qty. 2) |
Run hard. Put away wet.
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When the sun goes down, it’s time to get the steaks on the grill and then settle in around the campfire. From left: Ryan Rose, Jen Emde, Lauren Brogger and Tracy Emde have their spots staked out.
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Fun with fireworks. This is a trained professional. Don’t try this at home. |
The family that plays together stays together. From left: Chris “Trail Boss” Steward (Nancy’s husband), Tracy Emde, Nancy Emde, Lauren Brogger (Nancy’s daughter), Don Emde, Jen Emde and friend Ryan Rose.
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Parts Magazine Editor Jen (left) with Tracy as the co-pilot put the Rhino to the test in the muddy sandwashes that weekend.
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It normally doesn’t rain in the desert, but it did on our December desert weekend. But that only added to the many great stories we brought back with us. The Yamaha Rhino did its job. |
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