Is it really worth it? Rhino Long Travel?

[MetalNeck]

I have a Special Edition Rhino 660. I do have a full cage and rear seat. I have not invested in a long travel suspension yet. I do have a strong background in off-road racing having raced desert buggies and trucks with SCORE, VORRA and other associations for years. I bought the Rhino on an impulse, but due to the length of the vehicle, the cramped cab and the lack of power I am not convinced a full long travel will get me to the point I would like to be with it. I do enjoy using it as more of a touring "jeep" up in the Sierras, but am not really convinced it can handle long rugged desert terrain. Note. I dont go to dunes. I also am not willing to put much into a motor as I want this to be very reliable and wouldnt want to spend much time other than oil changes with the Rhino. If you have experience with long travel I would love to hear your honest feedback. Im not bashing the vehicle in any way, just wondering if that much of investment really is worth it.

Thanks!

[chournos]

I went to a Moab UTV rally for the first time this year and was introduced to the world of long travel. I had a stock RZR and Rhino. After seeing the difference in stability and control immeditley put long travel on all my machines. I also do not go to the dunes and do mostly "jeep" trails. I put an EPI clutch kit on the rhino as well as an HCR +6" long travel with King shocks. You would not believe the difference!!! You are right about the Rhino not being a dune machine without major engine work. As far as jeep and mountain trails the Rhino is a great machine. I am a firm believer in suspension and WILL NOT ever have stock suspension again. BTW, if you check with the different long travel companies, prices have come way down. I do reccomend looking at HCR Racing, ask for Damon and tell him Lanse sent you.
Hope this helps.

[MR. KRYPTONITE]

Yes it is worth the investment if done properly. There are a lot of options out there with a wide range in pricing. Some of the things that you can expect include: Better overall ride, much greater stability, more confidence in your machine, greater travel, amazing articulation, additional ground clearance, and the list goes on. Also keep in mind that the shocks you run play a VERY important part in the success of your long travel kit.

Hope that helps. Any other questions?
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[MetalNeck]

I greatly appreciate both of your replies. I will further look into the suspension kits. I do agree on shocks as well. I am a long time fan of King shocks as I had them on a class 8 truck. I will look into the Hrc suspension packagages as well. Did either of you do any chipping? Unfortunately, in Nor Cal I have not been able to ride in a full suspension Rhino.

Again, many thanks.

John