Used Linhai parts are available from Sun Coast Cycle Sports, inspected at our Florida facility and individually cataloged with photographs and unique SKU numbers. Linhai UTVs and ATVs occupy the budget segment of the powersports market, and the company's relationship with Yamaha gives its products a level of engineering credibility that other Chinese manufacturers lack. We carry components for the Bighorn UTV series as well as Linhai ATV platforms.
Linhai model overview
The Jiangsu Linhai Group is a Chinese manufacturer that has been producing engines for Yamaha since 1993. In the late 1990s, Linhai entered a joint venture with Yamaha to develop new engine platforms, and Yamaha maintains a partial ownership stake in the company with quality control and engineering staff on site. This partnership has given Linhai access to Yamaha's manufacturing standards and product development processes, which is reflected in the build quality of their engines compared to many other Chinese powersports manufacturers. Linhai is the second-largest scooter brand in China behind CFMoto and has leveraged its engine manufacturing expertise to produce a line of UTVs and ATVs for the North American market.
The Linhai Bighorn UTV (sometimes marketed as the Bighorn 28 for its 28-horsepower rating) launched in 2011 as an entry-level, mid-size side-by-side. It has earned a reputation as a capable and reliable budget UTV, particularly among farm and property owners who need a simple, no-frills work vehicle. The Bighorn's design draws clear influence from the Yamaha Rhino, which is unsurprising given Linhai's engineering relationship with Yamaha. While the Bighorn uses its own engine and parts, the Yamaha-influenced design philosophy is evident in the vehicle's layout and construction quality.
Models and year compatibility guide
| Model | Years | Engine | Platform notes |
|---|
| Bighorn 400B | 2011-2017 | 352cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC single, 28 hp | Base model with straight rear axle (not independent rear suspension). 32mm Keihin CVK carburetor. 2-speed CVT with Hi/Lo/Neutral/Reverse. Shaft drive front and rear with selectable 2WD/4WD. 1,200-lb towing capacity. |
| Bighorn 400 IRS | 2013-2020 | 352cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC single, 28 hp | Independent rear suspension upgrade over the 400B. Same engine and transmission. IRS provides significantly improved ride quality on rough terrain. Frame and body panels shared with 400B, rear suspension and subframe are unique to the IRS model. |
| Bighorn 400 LX | 2015-2020 | 352cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC single, 28 hp | Upgraded trim level of the IRS model. Additional standard features and accessories. Mechanically identical to the 400 IRS. All engine and drivetrain parts interchange. |
| Bighorn 410 S EFI | 2018-present | 352cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke EFI single, 28 hp | Electronic fuel injection replaces the carburetor from earlier models. Same displacement engine with EFI throttle body for easier starting and smoother fuel delivery. CVT and drivetrain carry over from the carbureted models. EFI wiring harness and ECU are new and do not interchange with carbureted models. |
Common failure points and frequently replaced components
Bighorn 400B / 400 IRS (carburetor issues): The carbureted Bighorn models use a 32mm Keihin CVK carburetor that can develop jetting and idle issues, particularly when the machine sits unused for extended periods. Ethanol-blend fuel left in the carburetor causes varnish deposits that clog jets and passages. Thorough carburetor cleaning or replacement is a common service requirement for machines coming out of storage.
All Bighorn models (CVT belt): The 2-speed CVT belt is a wear item that requires periodic inspection and replacement. Belt life is typically 1,000-2,000 miles depending on terrain and load. The CVT housing should be kept clean and free of debris to prevent accelerated belt wear.
Bighorn 400B (rear axle limitations): The base 400B uses a straight rear axle rather than independent rear suspension. This design is simpler and more durable under heavy loads but provides a rough ride over uneven terrain. The straight axle can transmit impacts directly to the frame, causing accelerated wear on frame bushings and mounts over time.
All Bighorn models (electrical system): The TCI ignition system is generally reliable, but the wiring harness and connectors can develop issues related to corrosion and poor connector sealing. Intermittent no-start conditions, flickering instrument lights, and erratic gauge readings are often traced to corroded ground connections or loose connector pins.
Most replaced Linhai parts
- CVT belts and clutch components
- Carburetors and fuel system components (carbureted models)
- EFI throttle bodies, fuel pumps, and ECUs (EFI models)
- Wiring harnesses and electrical connectors
- Suspension components including A-arms, bushings, and shocks (IRS and LX models)
- Rear axle components and bearings (400B straight axle models)
- Brake pads, rotors, and calipers (four-wheel disc system)
- Body panels, dump bed components, and bed hardware
- Starter motors, stators, and ignition system components
Related Brands: Hisun • Massimo • Coleman Powersports • CFMoto
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Frequently asked questions
Q: Does Linhai use Yamaha engines in the Bighorn?
No. While Linhai has manufactured engines for Yamaha since 1993 and maintains a joint venture partnership, the Bighorn UTV uses Linhai's own 352cc engine design. The engine benefits from Yamaha's influence on Linhai's manufacturing processes and quality standards, but it is not a Yamaha engine and Yamaha parts will not fit it. Some owners note that the Bighorn's overall layout resembles the Yamaha Rhino, which reflects the engineering relationship between the two companies.
Q: Will parts from a carbureted Bighorn fit the EFI 410 model?
Engine internals (piston, cylinder, crankshaft), CVT components, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, and body panels are shared between the carbureted and EFI versions. The fuel delivery system is completely different: the carbureted models use a Keihin CVK carburetor while the 410 EFI uses an electronic throttle body, fuel injector, fuel pump, ECU, and a revised wiring harness. These EFI-specific components do not interchange with the carbureted models.
Q: Is the Linhai Bighorn the same as a Yamaha Rhino?
No. The Bighorn is often described as a Rhino clone due to visual and layout similarities, and Linhai's partnership with Yamaha lends credibility to the comparison. However, the Bighorn uses its own engine, transmission, and chassis design. Parts from a Yamaha Rhino will not fit a Linhai Bighorn. The two vehicles are separate products from separate manufacturers.
