Complete noob interested in Rhino 250

bryanchicken · 05-31-2017, 09:23 AM

I've never owned an ATV and have only driven a friend's very briefly.

I have fairly limited vehicle mechanics experience (i have changed oil, oil filter, spark plugs, wheels and other small tasks).

I'm hoping to close on a new property which has considerably more land than i'm used to and i think an ATV would be useful for me for:

1 - getting things around the property (eg, tools)
2 - messing about a bit

3 - simple towing (would prefer to use a regular trailer so i can also hook it up to SUV also). Towing things like logs/branches/garden tools/mower (push)/compost/trash cans to curb etc.

The land is "rolling" rather than hilly. It has a small stream, but the driveway does go over it so being able to go through it is not necessary (but could fall into #2 above). It's not deep at all, like inches in summer.

Due to my less than taxing requirements i'm drawn to the cheaper price of the Rhino (open to suggestions on others that might suit), especially as the house purchase is basically wiping me out money-wise.

I see the Rhino 250 doesn't have a hitch but there are pictures on the forums of people adding one. That sort of thing is within my ability to do, i'm quite handy, just limited at mechanics.

What i am a little confused about is all the mods, mainly because of my lack of mechanical/ATV knowledge rendering everything people say on this (and similar) forum complete jibberish!

Is there a good place/thread that lists all the necessary things i might want/need to do if i do buy one of these guys? So far i've got:

0 - Put the thing together. I understand the instructions might be a little sparse, is there a walk-through or is it fairly self-explanatory?

1 - drain crappy oil, put some new stuff in. "15w/40 jaso ma" is all the info i have on that, is that enough to get me the right oil?

2 - add hitch. Not really mechanical, i think i've got that covered

3 - change rear sprocket? I believe this gives me move pulling power in lower gears, which might be useful even with my lowly towing needs? Is there a guide on this? I haven't found one on the Rhino and i don't know how much carry over there is from other vehicles.

Seen a bunch of other things mentioned, like changing the carb, but i'm not sure how necessary they might be for my use case.

Basically, any dumbed down information would be greatly appreciated, and thanks for reading all that!

Thanks all

**JerryHawk250** · 05-31-2017, 09:43 AM

Welcome aboard.

Looks like you have it covered. I wouldn't worry about the carb. It should run fine an is. May only need to adjust idle mixer but there will be plenty of help here if needed.

Mudflap · 05-31-2017, 10:16 AM

Assembly is easy. Stock carb works OK with no mods. Copy the trail hitch design from this forum. Most important thing, especially if you're going to tow something, is to lower the gear ratio by going with a larger rear sprocket and smaller front.

bryanchicken · 05-31-2017, 10:35 AM

Wow, thanks for quick responses, puts my mind at rest that maybe i might be able to be an china-ATV owner in the next couple of months

With regards to sprocket, is that an easy job? So 2 spockets and, presumably, a chain? How do i know what to buy?

**JerryHawk250** · 05-31-2017, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryanchicken

Wow, thanks for quick responses, puts my mind at rest that maybe i might be able to be an china-ATV owner in the next couple of months

With regards to sprocket, is that an easy job? So 2 spockets and, presumably, a chain? How do i know what to buy?

Don't worry, your Rhino guys will chime in shortly.

ben2go · 05-31-2017, 10:50 AM

Just remember, if you get in over your head, it's damned near impossible to find someone to work on these Chinese ATVs and motos.

Mudflap · 05-31-2017, 10:52 AM

Easiest way to lower the gear ratio is to buy one of the custom made larger aluminum rear sprockets, a 1 tooth smaller front sprocket, and a 530 size chain to fit. Use the search function to find the details. Another way is to get a 40 tooth 428 rear sprocket (stock on the ATA250D), a JTF259.13 front sprocket, and a 428 chain.

2LZ · 05-31-2017, 11:26 AM

Welcome! Everyone got about everything covered for you.
If you aren't going to be taxing the quad too much, leaving the motor stock is fine. That said, the air filter is true garbage, at least the one on my Rhino was. One thin little hunk of foam, that's unserviceable and the intake points down as to make sure and suck water out of whatever deep creek you may go through. One of these work well. It's a tad large at the neck but it tightens down with the clamp.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Like Mudflap says, gearing is the big thing if you're going to be needing to crawl. I'd try it first though. I use ours as a work mule so I needed the gearing.

Also, the shocks suck....but get better with ours. Remember, you're buying a 1000.00 quad, not a 7000.00 Honda. If you keep that in mind, you'll be quite pleased with what you receive!

bryanchicken · 05-31-2017, 11:45 AM

Yeah, i'd read about the shocks and how the loosen up over time. Considering i'm not currently an ATV owner or rider i just figured i wouldn't know what i was missing out on. So doing anything with those wasn't on my list tbh.

Thanks for air filter link and sprocket chain info peeps!

bryanchicken · 05-31-2017, 11:59 AM

Air filter and sprocket seems to come to about $65 on Amazon. Would be silly not to start with both of those considering that. I'm sure i'll be short a tool or 2 but they're an investment

In terms of buying are there any particularly good or bad places online? Been looking at powersportsmax and txpowersports.

Looks like i probably need delivery, no local dealers near from what i can tell

Darth Racer · 05-31-2017, 04:59 PM

Hey Bryan, the Rhino is a purchase I do not regret. It has been serving me well and exceeded my expectations after the mods were completed. I used TXpowersports and all went well with the sale.. others have had problems in the past getting the paperwork from them to register their street bikes. If you have a pickup just get it delivered to the nearest hub and pick it up there. Liftgate service costs more and will add a bit of time to your wait while they jerk you around with appointments.

Local dealers have a pretty good mark up on this stuff so not to sure you will get a decent price (was the case for me). Seeing one in person though made me more confident of what I would get buying one online.

A basic set of wrenches and sockets is all you need to work on it... two large adjustable wrenches help when doing the rear sprocket upgrade. If you can do the hitch mod you can do the sprocket upgrade.

Widowmaker · 05-31-2017, 11:45 PM

Welcome bryanchicken,

What everyone has posted covers everything you really need to know. I'll just say I have been running mine in the Arizona desert 15 to 30 miles everyday for the last 4 months and am very happy with the Rhino.

I have done the Gearing change because it was to fast for my needs. 80% of the time I creep along in 1st or 2nd gear at high idle while looking for illegals. I highly recommend the gearing change.

I have used the stock plugs, stock carb, and stock air filter with an extra piece of foam added. I also added a small cooling fan in front of the engine due to the fact I run in 100 to 115 degree heat in 1st gear going 2-3 mph.

The only thing I have replaced so far are the rear wheel bearings. They free wheeled OK, but I was starting to get play in them and had to keep adjusting the chain. So I got the Part # 6006 bearing from Whygostock.com. They are a better bearing and show no signs of wear yet.

If you don't beat your Rhino it will do you well, I know with the mods I have made I have a real Desert Beast.

Enjoy, Kurt

bryanchicken · 06-01-2017, 09:24 AM

Here's an off-the-wall question for you guys.....

With the gearing mods, would/could you use it to pull a tow-behind mower? Or is that pushing it a bit too far?

ben2go · 06-01-2017, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryanchicken

Here's an off-the-wall question for you guys.....

With the gearing mods, would/could you use it to pull a tow-behind mower? Or is that pushing it a bit too far?

I wouldn't think a trail mower would be a big deal. you'd probably stay in first gear with a bit of RPMs to keep it moving.

2LZ · 06-01-2017, 12:51 PM

Widowmaker, thanks for the info and connection on the rear bearings! It's good to know they're readily available.

bryanchicken, if you order the front sprocket, you may need to get a half-link from Tractor Supply. Those of us who changed BOTH sprockets had to get one. Keep us posted on if you're only changing the front sprocket.

As ben2go says, I don't think a drag along mower would be an issue.....but you may be cooking along fairly well.

05-31-2017, 09:23 AM	#1
bryanchicken Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 5	Complete noob interested in Rhino 250 I've never owned an ATV and have only driven a friend's very briefly. I have fairly limited vehicle mechanics experience (i have changed oil, oil filter, spark plugs, wheels and other small tasks). I'm hoping to close on a new property which has considerably more land than i'm used to and i think an ATV would be useful for me for: 1 - getting things around the property (eg, tools) 2 - messing about a bit 3 - simple towing (would prefer to use a regular trailer so i can also hook it up to SUV also). Towing things like logs/branches/garden tools/mower (push)/compost/trash cans to curb etc. The land is "rolling" rather than hilly. It has a small stream, but the driveway does go over it so being able to go through it is not necessary (but could fall into #2 above). It's not deep at all, like inches in summer. Due to my less than taxing requirements i'm drawn to the cheaper price of the Rhino (open to suggestions on others that might suit), especially as the house purchase is basically wiping me out money-wise. I see the Rhino 250 doesn't have a hitch but there are pictures on the forums of people adding one. That sort of thing is within my ability to do, i'm quite handy, just limited at mechanics. What i am a little confused about is all the mods, mainly because of my lack of mechanical/ATV knowledge rendering everything people say on this (and similar) forum complete jibberish! Is there a good place/thread that lists all the necessary things i might want/need to do if i do buy one of these guys? So far i've got: 0 - Put the thing together. I understand the instructions might be a little sparse, is there a walk-through or is it fairly self-explanatory? 1 - drain crappy oil, put some new stuff in. "15w/40 jaso ma" is all the info i have on that, is that enough to get me the right oil? 2 - add hitch. Not really mechanical, i think i've got that covered 3 - change rear sprocket? I believe this gives me move pulling power in lower gears, which might be useful even with my lowly towing needs? Is there a guide on this? I haven't found one on the Rhino and i don't know how much carry over there is from other vehicles. Seen a bunch of other things mentioned, like changing the carb, but i'm not sure how necessary they might be for my use case. Basically, any dumbed down information would be greatly appreciated, and thanks for reading all that! Thanks all
	1

05-31-2017, 11:26 AM	#8
2LZ Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Volcano, Ca Posts: 7,101	Welcome! Everyone got about everything covered for you. If you aren't going to be taxing the quad too much, leaving the motor stock is fine. That said, the air filter is true garbage, at least the one on my Rhino was. One thin little hunk of foam, that's unserviceable and the intake points down as to make sure and suck water out of whatever deep creek you may go through. One of these work well. It's a tad large at the neck but it tightens down with the clamp. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Like Mudflap says, gearing is the big thing if you're going to be needing to crawl. I'd try it first though. I use ours as a work mule so I needed the gearing. Also, the shocks suck....but get better with ours. Remember, you're buying a 1000.00 quad, not a 7000.00 Honda. If you keep that in mind, you'll be quite pleased with what you receive! __________________ "Light a fire for a man, and you heat him for a day. Light a man on fire, and you heat him for the rest of his life." 2007 Suzuki DRZ400S (SM convert) 2009 Q Link XP 200 1967 BSA B25 250cc Starfire 2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 1948 Royal Enfield Model G 350
	2

06-01-2017, 12:51 PM	#15
2LZ Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Volcano, Ca Posts: 7,101	Widowmaker, thanks for the info and connection on the rear bearings! It's good to know they're readily available. bryanchicken, if you order the front sprocket, you may need to get a half-link from Tractor Supply. Those of us who changed BOTH sprockets had to get one. Keep us posted on if you're only changing the front sprocket. As ben2go says, I don't think a drag along mower would be an issue.....but you may be cooking along fairly well. __________________ "Light a fire for a man, and you heat him for a day. Light a man on fire, and you heat him for the rest of his life." 2007 Suzuki DRZ400S (SM convert) 2009 Q Link XP 200 1967 BSA B25 250cc Starfire 2022 Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 2023 Royal Enfield Scram 411 1948 Royal Enfield Model G 350
	2

05-31-2017, 09:43 AM	#2
JerryHawk250 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 11,578	Welcome aboard. Looks like you have it covered. I wouldn't worry about the carb. It should run fine an is. May only need to adjust idle mixer but there will be plenty of help here if needed. __________________ 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel
	1

05-31-2017, 10:16 AM	#3
Mudflap Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 1,888	Assembly is easy. Stock carb works OK with no mods. Copy the trail hitch design from this forum. Most important thing, especially if you're going to tow something, is to lower the gear ratio by going with a larger rear sprocket and smaller front.
	3

05-31-2017, 10:35 AM	#4
bryanchicken Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 5	Wow, thanks for quick responses, puts my mind at rest that maybe i might be able to be an china-ATV owner in the next couple of months With regards to sprocket, is that an easy job? So 2 spockets and, presumably, a chain? How do i know what to buy?
	0

05-31-2017, 10:50 AM	#6
ben2go Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,335	Just remember, if you get in over your head, it's damned near impossible to find someone to work on these Chinese ATVs and motos.
	0

05-31-2017, 10:52 AM	#7
Mudflap Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 1,888	Easiest way to lower the gear ratio is to buy one of the custom made larger aluminum rear sprockets, a 1 tooth smaller front sprocket, and a 530 size chain to fit. Use the search function to find the details. Another way is to get a 40 tooth 428 rear sprocket (stock on the ATA250D), a JTF259.13 front sprocket, and a 428 chain.
	1

05-31-2017, 11:45 AM	#9
bryanchicken Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 5	Yeah, i'd read about the shocks and how the loosen up over time. Considering i'm not currently an ATV owner or rider i just figured i wouldn't know what i was missing out on. So doing anything with those wasn't on my list tbh. Thanks for air filter link and sprocket chain info peeps!
	0

05-31-2017, 11:59 AM	#10
bryanchicken Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 5	Air filter and sprocket seems to come to about $65 on Amazon. Would be silly not to start with both of those considering that. I'm sure i'll be short a tool or 2 but they're an investment In terms of buying are there any particularly good or bad places online? Been looking at powersportsmax and txpowersports. Looks like i probably need delivery, no local dealers near from what i can tell
	0

05-31-2017, 04:59 PM	#11
Darth Racer Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: MD Posts: 558	Hey Bryan, the Rhino is a purchase I do not regret. It has been serving me well and exceeded my expectations after the mods were completed. I used TXpowersports and all went well with the sale.. others have had problems in the past getting the paperwork from them to register their street bikes. If you have a pickup just get it delivered to the nearest hub and pick it up there. Liftgate service costs more and will add a bit of time to your wait while they jerk you around with appointments. Local dealers have a pretty good mark up on this stuff so not to sure you will get a decent price (was the case for me). Seeing one in person though made me more confident of what I would get buying one online. A basic set of wrenches and sockets is all you need to work on it... two large adjustable wrenches help when doing the rear sprocket upgrade. If you can do the hitch mod you can do the sprocket upgrade.
	3

05-31-2017, 11:45 PM	#12
Widowmaker Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 21	Welcome bryanchicken, What everyone has posted covers everything you really need to know. I'll just say I have been running mine in the Arizona desert 15 to 30 miles everyday for the last 4 months and am very happy with the Rhino. I have done the Gearing change because it was to fast for my needs. 80% of the time I creep along in 1st or 2nd gear at high idle while looking for illegals. I highly recommend the gearing change. I have used the stock plugs, stock carb, and stock air filter with an extra piece of foam added. I also added a small cooling fan in front of the engine due to the fact I run in 100 to 115 degree heat in 1st gear going 2-3 mph. The only thing I have replaced so far are the rear wheel bearings. They free wheeled OK, but I was starting to get play in them and had to keep adjusting the chain. So I got the Part # 6006 bearing from Whygostock.com. They are a better bearing and show no signs of wear yet. If you don't beat your Rhino it will do you well, I know with the mods I have made I have a real Desert Beast. Enjoy, Kurt
	2

06-01-2017, 09:24 AM	#13
bryanchicken Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 5	Here's an off-the-wall question for you guys..... With the gearing mods, would/could you use it to pull a tow-behind mower? Or is that pushing it a bit too far?
	0