Yamaha Rhino: Difference between revisions
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==Safety== |
==Safety== |
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The Yamaha Rhino has earned a number of awards for performance and safety, including the "2008 Sports Utility Vehicle of the Year" and a rating of "5 out of 5 stars for safety" - the highest safety rating in its class - from Side X Side Magazine (April 2008 edition). |
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Yamaha is recalling the Rhino ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) amid concerns that brakes on the Rhino ATV may fail. The recall, which covers about 7800 Rhino Side-by-Side ATVs, |
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is just the latest safety issue to plague the Yamaha Rhino ATV, which some consider to be the most dangerous ATV on the market. |
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According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC), the brake caliper on the left front wheel of the recalled Yamaha Rhino ATVs could have been made incorrectly, resulting in brake fluid leaking. This can cause a loss of braking and control of the vehicle, posing a serious safety risk to the driver and passenger. The recall covers Model Year 2008 Rhino YXR450 and YXR700 Side-by-Side Vehicles sold at Yamaha dealers nationwide from October 2007 through March 2008 for between $8,300 and $12,000. Consumers with a recalled Rhino ATV should stop using them immediately and contact any authorized Yamaha Rhino dealer to schedule a free repair. The CPSC said registered owners were sent direct mail notification of this recall. |
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So far, no injuries have been reported in relation to the Rhino brake defect. However, that has not been the case with another Rhino safety issue - rollover accidents. While many ATVs are prone to accidents, the Yamaha Rhino ATV is even more likely to be involved in rollover accidents. What’s more, these accidents are also more likely to result in serious injuries and deaths. Critics say the Yamaha Rhino is top heavy, and it has tires that are extremely narrow. These design defects make it far more likely that the Yamaha Rhino will tip and rollover while going through a turn, even when the vehicle is traveling at a slow speed and is on a flat surface. Furthermore, the Yamaha Rhino is designed in such a way that passengers’ legs are unprotected in the event of a rollover accident. Victims of Yamaha Rhino rollover accidents usually experience broken or crushed legs, ankles or feet. In some cases, victims have been permanently disabled, and have had limbs amputated following a Yamaha Rhino rollover accident. When Yamaha Rhino rollover accidents involve children, the results are often fatal. |
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Unlike the brake issue that sparked today’s recall, Yamaha has been slow to acknowledge the Rhino ATVs rollover issues. In September 2006, Yamaha Motor Corp. sent a letter to the owners of Rhino ATVs warning that the Rhino was prone to tip while going through sharp turns. However, the wording of the Yamaha letter seemed to place much of the blame for Rhino rollover accident injuries on the victims themselves. Yamaha warned passengers of the Rhino ATVs to use seatbelts, and to keep their hands, arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times. The letter also included information on handling the Rhino if it should start to tip over. But since Yamaha sent the 2006 letter, it has become increasingly apparent that the actions recommended by Yamaha do little to protect passengers involved in Rhino rollover accidents. |
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It wasn’t until 2007 that Yamaha appeared to finally take the Rhino’s safety issues seriously. At that time, the company offered free modifications to the owners of new and used Rhinos. These modifications included the addition of doors to the ATV, as well as additional handholds. However, the company still has not recalled or offered refunds to the owners of the dangerous Rhino ATVs. It is not yet known if the modifications to the Yamaha Rhino ATVs will in fact make the vehicles safer. |
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Yamaha was the first manufacturer to offer doors as a standard feature on all side-by-side vehicles and has provided additional handholds. In safety information provided to Rhino users and in on-product labels, Yamaha promotes safe and responsible driving, and warns that, as with any motorized vehicle, safety features are no substitute for driving responsibly. Yamaha strongly recommends that both drivers and passengers always wear proper safety gear such as helmets and protective eyewear, make certain the three-point seat belts are properly fastened, and keep arms and legs in vehicle enclosure at all times. Yamaha also states that the Rhino is only recommended for operators age 16 or older who have a valid drivers license and that passengers must be tall enough to place both feet on the floorboard with his or her back against the seat back drivers and passengers. |
Yamaha was the first manufacturer to offer doors as a standard feature on all side-by-side vehicles and has provided additional handholds. In safety information provided to Rhino users and in on-product labels, Yamaha promotes safe and responsible driving, and warns that, as with any motorized vehicle, safety features are no substitute for driving responsibly. Yamaha strongly recommends that both drivers and passengers always wear proper safety gear such as helmets and protective eyewear, make certain the three-point seat belts are properly fastened, and keep arms and legs in vehicle enclosure at all times. Yamaha also states that the Rhino is only recommended for operators age 16 or older who have a valid drivers license and that passengers must be tall enough to place both feet on the floorboard with his or her back against the seat back drivers and passengers. |
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==Classification== |
==Classification== |
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The Rhino was the first of a new class of vehicles known as Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs). Another popular classification for the vehicle is a |
The Rhino was the first of a new class of vehicles known as Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs). Another popular classification for the vehicle is a Utility Vehicle (UTV). |
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| ⚫ | As is common practice when a new class of vehicle emerges on the marketplace, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reviewing the ROV product category, including the Rhino. Manufacturers of ROVs have also formed the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) to develop standards specific to the ROV product category, develop and promote model state safety legislation, and provide other safety initiatives in consultation with the CPSC. |
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is just the latest safety issue to plague the Yamaha Rhino ATV, which some consider to be the most dangerous ATV on the market. |
|||
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC), the brake caliper on the left front wheel of the recalled Yamaha Rhino ATVs could have been made incorrectly, resulting in brake fluid leaking. This can cause a loss of braking and control of the vehicle, posing a serious safety risk to the driver and passenger. The recall covers Model Year 2008 Rhino YXR450 and YXR700 Side-by-Side Vehicles sold at Yamaha dealers nationwide from October 2007 through March 2008 for between $8,300 and $12,000. Consumers with a recalled Rhino ATV should stop using them immediately and contact any authorized Yamaha Rhino dealer to schedule a free repair. The CPSC said registered owners were sent direct mail notification of this recall. |
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So far, no injuries have been reported in relation to the Rhino brake defect. However, that has not been the case with another Rhino safety issue - rollover accidents. While many ATVs are prone to accidents, the Yamaha Rhino ATV is even more likely to be involved in rollover accidents. What’s more, these accidents are also more likely to result in serious injuries and deaths. Critics say the Yamaha Rhino is top heavy, and it has tires that are extremely narrow. These design defects make it far more likely that the Yamaha Rhino will tip and rollover while going through a turn, even when the vehicle is traveling at a slow speed and is on a flat surface. Furthermore, the Yamaha Rhino is designed in such a way that passengers’ legs are unprotected in the event of a rollover accident. Victims of Yamaha Rhino rollover accidents usually experience broken or crushed legs, ankles or feet. In some cases, victims have been permanently disabled, and have had limbs amputated following a Yamaha Rhino rollover accident. When Yamaha Rhino rollover accidents involve children, the results are often fatal. |
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Unlike the brake issue that sparked today’s recall, Yamaha has been slow to acknowledge the Rhino ATVs rollover issues. In September 2006, Yamaha Motor Corp. sent a letter to the owners of Rhino ATVs warning that the Rhino was prone to tip while going through sharp turns. However, the wording of the Yamaha letter seemed to place much of the blame for Rhino rollover accident injuries on the victims themselves. Yamaha warned passengers of the Rhino ATVs to use seatbelts, and to keep their hands, arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times. The letter also included information on handling the Rhino if it should start to tip over. But since Yamaha sent the 2006 letter, it has become increasingly apparent that the actions recommended by Yamaha do little to protect passengers involved in Rhino rollover accidents. |
|||
It wasn’t until 2007 that Yamaha appeared to finally take the Rhino’s safety issues seriously. At that time, the company offered free modifications to the owners of new and used Rhinos. These modifications included the addition of doors to the ATV, as well as additional handholds. However, the company still has not recalled or offered refunds to the owners of the dangerous Rhino ATVs. It is not yet known if the modifications to the Yamaha Rhino ATVs will in fact make the vehicles safer. |
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| ⚫ | As is common practice when a new class of vehicle emerges on the marketplace, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reviewing the ROV product category, including the Rhino. Manufacturers of ROVs have also formed the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) to develop standards specific to the ROV product category, develop and promote model state safety legislation, and provide other safety initiatives in consultation with the CPSC. |
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==Competitors== |
==Competitors== |
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Revision as of 19:51, 12 January 2009
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The Yamaha Rhino is an off-road vehicle made by Yamaha Motor Company. The 2-person four-wheel drive vehicles are in unique class called Side by Side which is in between the size of ATVs and Jeeps. The Rhino is gaining popularity in racing with customizations similar to the full-size vehicles. Polaris and Arctic Cat have made vehicles in the same class.
Vehicle
The basic premise involves the chassis, engine, transmission, suspension and basic characteristics of a large utility 4x4 ATV, but with two side by side bucket seats with seat belts and a rollcage. The controls are similar to those of a golf cart, with pedals and a steering wheel rather than the handlebars of a conventional ATV. Rhinos are particularly useful at reaching remote areas for search and rescue type operations, leading to increasing use among first responders such as law enforcement and firefighters. It is able to carry two people and their gear into places other vehicles simply can't reach due to its 54" width. Targeted originally for general utility and recreational use by farmers, ranchers and hunters, but now has more recreational appeal. The Rhino, which is operated similar to a car, is also popular with some disabled people as a means to get places a wheelchair can't. This capable vehicle tops out at 41MPH stock.
The Rhino's 700 is powered by the same liquid-cooled 686cc SOHC 5-valve 4-stroke engine used in Yamaha's Grizzly 700 ATV, driving through a V-belt automatic transmission. The pushbutton 2wd/4wd/4wd differential lock are the same for both machines. Rhino ground clearance is 12.1 in., 0.3 in. more than that of the Grizzly.[1]
Safety
The Yamaha Rhino has earned a number of awards for performance and safety, including the "2008 Sports Utility Vehicle of the Year" and a rating of "5 out of 5 stars for safety" - the highest safety rating in its class - from Side X Side Magazine (April 2008 edition).
Yamaha was the first manufacturer to offer doors as a standard feature on all side-by-side vehicles and has provided additional handholds. In safety information provided to Rhino users and in on-product labels, Yamaha promotes safe and responsible driving, and warns that, as with any motorized vehicle, safety features are no substitute for driving responsibly. Yamaha strongly recommends that both drivers and passengers always wear proper safety gear such as helmets and protective eyewear, make certain the three-point seat belts are properly fastened, and keep arms and legs in vehicle enclosure at all times. Yamaha also states that the Rhino is only recommended for operators age 16 or older who have a valid drivers license and that passengers must be tall enough to place both feet on the floorboard with his or her back against the seat back drivers and passengers.
Classification
The Rhino was the first of a new class of vehicles known as Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs). Another popular classification for the vehicle is a Utility Vehicle (UTV).
As is common practice when a new class of vehicle emerges on the marketplace, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reviewing the ROV product category, including the Rhino. Manufacturers of ROVs have also formed the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) to develop standards specific to the ROV product category, develop and promote model state safety legislation, and provide other safety initiatives in consultation with the CPSC.
Competitors
Other main competitors of the Rhino include the Polaris Ranger, Polaris Ranger RZR 800, Arctic Cat Prowler, and the new Kawasaki Teryx 750 4x4. The Ranger is a mostly utility based sxs (side by side), while the Polaris Ranger RZR is more of a sports vehicle. The RZR is faster, has more horse power, and has a lower center of gravity.