Yamaha Rhino
The Yamaha Rhino was a popular off-road vehicle produced by Yamaha Motor Company from 2004 to 2012. It was designed for a driver and passenger with two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. It was popular with off-road enthusiasts, farmers and other landowners who used it for recreation and light utility. Built at Yamaha’s factory in Newnan, Georgia, it is classified as a Side-by-Side, UTV or ROV (recreational off-highway vehicle).
The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association defines ROVs as “motorized off-road vehicles designed to travel on four or more non-highway tires, with a steering wheel, non-straddle seating, seat belts, an occupant protective structure, and engine displacement up to 1,000cc (for gasoline-fueled engines).”
2009 free repair program
On March 31, 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a repair program for Rhino 660 and 450 models. Yamaha subsequently and voluntarily included the same offer for Rhino 700 models in order to reduce confusion and ensure customer satisfaction. According to the CPSC, the following two repairs were needed “to help reduce the chance of rollover and improve vehicle handling”:
- Installation of a two-inch spacer on each of the rear wheels
- Removal of the rear anti-sway bar
Yamaha also announced that same day that the company was temporarily suspending sales of the Rhino until the affected models could be repaired, and the CPSC advised owners not to operate the vehicles until taking them to a dealership for the modifications. All subsequent Rhino 450, 660 and 70l0 models have the same modifications. The sales suspension lasted less than two months.
Competitors
Other main competitors of the Rhino include the Polaris Ranger, Polaris RZR, Arctic Cat Prowler, Honda Pioneer, Kawasaki Teryx 750 4x4, the new Can-Am Commander and the John Deere Gator.