Yamaha offers free repairs for Rhinos

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is offering certain free repairs for all Rhino 660 and Rhino 450 models to help reduce the chance of rollover and improve handling.

Yamaha’s repairs will involve the installation of a spacer on each of the rear wheels and the removal of the rear anti-sway bar. Yamaha is also voluntarily implementing the same repair program and suspension of sale for the Rhino 700 model. These repairs are in addition to the installation of free half doors and additional passenger handholds that Yamaha has been offering for some time.

The CPSC says it has investigated more than 50 incidents involving 46 driver and passenger deaths in Rhino 660 and 450 models. More than two-thirds of these cases involved rollovers and many involved unbelted occupants. According to the CPSC, many reported injuries appear to involve turns at relatively low speeds and on level terrain.

Rhino 450, 660 and 700 models are eligible for the free repairs.

If you don’t already have a door on your Rhino, you can get a free one from Yamaha.

About 120,000 of the 450 and 660 model Rhinos have been distributed nationwide since fall 2003. The CPSC says owners of the affected Rhinos should stop using them and call their dealer to schedule an appointment to have repairs made once they are available and to take advantage of a free helmet offer.

“The safety of our customers drives everything we do at Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., and today’s announcement by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission  about Yamaha’s free repair offer for Rhino models 660 and 450 reflects this commitment,” says Yamaha ATV and Side-by-Side public relations manager Van Holmes. “While more than 99% of Rhino owners use the product without incident, CPSC and Yamaha examined the small segment of Rhino owners who have had an incident on the product to develop modifications that may help reduce the chance of rollover and improve vehicle handling in certain situations.

“Yamaha stands behind the Rhino and is proud of the Rhino’s safety record and safety features. The vehicle has won virtually every ‘first in class’ award and top safety ratings in independent reviews since its introduction, and has skyrocketed in popularity due to its exceptional reliability, safety and versatility. And hundreds of Rhinos are used every day by law enforcement personnel, first responders, and federal and state agencies.  “Yamaha is deeply saddened whenever anyone is injured in a Yamaha-related accident. The vast majority of our customers operate their Rhinos safely and responsibly, and have enjoyed millions of riding hours without incident. Yamaha reminds all Rhino owners, as with any motorized vehicle, that safety features are no substitute for driving responsibly. Follow all safety rules and age guidelines, which are included on warning labels on the vehicles and in owner’s manuals, and always wear the seat belt and a helmet when operating the Rhino.”

For more information on the Rhino repair campaign, click here.