http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29979372

Yamaha recalls off-road vehicle after deaths
Rhino linked to 46 fatalities, many of which were rollover accidents
The Associated Press
updated 6:00 p.m. CT, Tues., March. 31, 2009

WASHINGTON - Yamaha Motor Corp., USA recalled about 145,000 off-highway recreational vehicles for repairs Tuesday after three models were involved in 46 deaths.

The two-passenger vehicles are designed for drivers over 16 years old with valid drivers licenses, although some reported deaths involved younger children who were passengers or who operated the vehicles against recommendations, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which announced the recall.

All Rhino 450, 660 and 700 model vehicles were recalled for repairs designed to prevent accidents that resulted in 46 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The reported deaths occurred from the fall of 2003, when the vehicles were first distributed, through this year.

More than two-thirds of the incidents were rollovers. According to the CPSC many of these involved turns on level ground at relatively slow speeds. A number of incidents also involved riders not wearing seat belts.

“These are incredibly large and disconcerting numbers,” said Rachel Weintraub, director of product safety and senior counsel for Consumer Federation of America. “It certainly is showing an alarming pattern of deaths and injuries, which is of grave concern.”

The repairs are designed to reduce rollover risk, as well as to improve handling and keep riders’ limbs inside the vehicles.

“The safety of our customers drives everything we do at Yamaha and today’s announcement by the CPSC about Yamaha’s free repair offer ... reflects this commitment,” company spokesman Van Holmes said. He added that the reported incidents represent less than 1 percent of Rhino users.

Owners of the recalled Rhino models should stop using these vehicles and call their local dealer to schedule an appointment for repairs. They can also receive a free helmet.

“I strongly encourage owners ... to get these repairs as soon as possible,” CPSC acting chairwoman Nancy Nord said in a statement. “In the meantime, safety dictates not to use these vehicles until the repairs are made.”

Yamaha encourages Rhino users to follow safety guidelines included in the owner’s manual and on warning stickers.

Sales of these vehicles have also been suspended for repairs.

This is the first government recall of this category of recreational vehicle.

For more details, call Yamaha at 800-962-7926.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pr.../prhtml09/09172.html
left out the CPSC link

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2009
Release #09-172

Yamaha Hotline: (800) 962-7926
CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Updated To Include Additional Model Information

Yamaha Motor Corp. Offers Free Repair For 450, 660, and 700 Model Rhino Vehicles
CPSC advises consumers not to use the off-road vehicles until repaired

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A., of Cypress, Calif., is announcing a free repair program to address safety issues with all Rhino 450, 660, and 700 model off-highway recreational vehicles. Yamaha has also agreed to voluntarily suspend sale of these models immediately until repaired. Consumers should immediately stop using these popular recreational vehicles until the repair is installed by a dealer.

CPSC staff has investigated more than 50 incidents involving these three Rhino models, including 46 driver and passenger deaths involving the Rhino 450 and 660 models. More than two-thirds of the cases involved rollovers and many involved unbelted occupants. Of the rollover-related deaths and hundreds of reported injuries, some of which were serious, many appear to involve turns at relatively low speeds and on level terrain.

About 120,000 of the 450 and 660 model Rhinos have been distributed nationwide since Fall 2003. Some units have been equipped by Yamaha with half doors and additional passenger handholds, either before or after sale.

Yamaha�s repair includes the installation of a spacer on the rear wheels as well as the removal of the rear anti-sway bar to help reduce the chance of rollover and improve vehicle handling, and continued installation of half doors and additional passenger handholds where these features have not been previously installed to help keep occupants� arms and legs inside the vehicle during a rollover and reduce injuries. 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.

Yamaha is also voluntarily implementing the same repair program and suspension of sale for the Rhino 700 model, in order to ensure customer satisfaction. Consumers should stop riding the 700 model until it is repaired. About 25,000 Rhino 700s are part of this repair program.

Once these repairs have been made to their vehicles, Rhino users should always wear their helmet and seatbelt and follow the safety instructions and warnings in the on-product labels, owner�s manuals and other safety materials. The Rhino is only recommended for operators 16 and older with a valid driver�s license. All passengers must be tall enough to place both feet on the floorboard with their back against the seat back.

For additional information, contact Yamaha at 800-962-7926 anytime, or visit the firm�s Web site at www.yamaha-motor.com

Gee thats nice of them only 46 killed no telling how many injured and just 6 years before they agree that there might be a problem.

I don't personally know anyone who has been injured. But, then again, the people I ride with don't pop wheelies, jump hills, do donuts, ride too fast and slide around corners like they are driving a rally car.

Maybe that has something to do with it? What a novel idea-using a machine as it was intended to be used? Having common sense? Not letting those that are too young or who are not physically strong enough to control the machine use it? Hmmmm. Personal responsibility sounds pretty good. Nahhh, the government will have to force that on everyone to save the dimwits from themselves!

Remember in the 80's when Honda "voluntarily" got other manufacturers to stop importing 1000cc bullet bikes? The government threatened to ban them due to the high death rates with young, inexperienced riders. I hid my Hurricane, fearing storm troopers would take it. Then, Congress had other business that would make them millionaires. So, the bikes came back and say hello to the Hayabusa, ninja zx14,Kawasaki ZZR1400, and the Y2K jet turbine bike. Not disagreeing with the three-wheeler ban, though. I do know of one person who was paralyzed in an avoidable accident that was a "hey, watch this" moment.

Irresponsible parents,just plain dumb people and any kind of powered device from a blender to a chainsaw to a car will surely end tragically.
------------------------------------
Repair Campaign Announcement

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/ou..._Owner_Info_309.aspx

In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. will be offering certain free repairs for all Rhino Side x Side (SxS) vehicles.

This is not a recall. This is a voluntary repair program.
The CPSC announced this repair program for Rhino 660 and 450 models. Yamaha is also voluntarily implementing the same free repairs for Rhino 700 models.

According to the CPSC, the following two repairs are needed “to help reduce the chance of rollover and improve vehicle handling”:

1. Installation of a spacer on each of the rear wheels.
2. Removal of the rear anti-sway bar.

Repair parts meeting CPSC requirements will be available to be installed by your Yamaha dealer as quickly as possible. We will send dealers full repair instructions and will send a follow-up letter to all registered owners as soon as these parts are available.

You should not operate your Rhino until it is modified with these repair parts. If you own a Rhino 660 or 450 that does not have the free doors and additional passenger handhold offered by Yamaha, you should also have these parts installed on your vehicle.

Yamaha stands firmly behind the Rhino SxS as a safe, reliable off-road vehicle. The Rhino is the best-selling SxS vehicle in the market and has been shown to be the best in its class, with many industry and press awards to its credit. Indeed, more than 99% of Rhinos sold to date are being enjoyed by enthusiastic owners without reported incidents.

Yamaha always advises the safe, responsible use of our products. As a reminder, Rhino users should always wear helmets and seatbelts, as well as follow all instructions and warnings in the on-product labels, owner’s manual, and other safety materials. The Rhino is only recommended for operators 16 and older with a valid driver’s license. Every passenger must be tall enough to place both feet on the floorboard with his or her back against the seat back.

If you need additional information about this repair campaign, please contact your Yamaha dealer. If you still have unanswered questions, please call Yamaha at 800-962-7926. You may also wish to go to the CPSC’s website at cpsc.gov or call their hotline at 800-638-2772.

Removal of the rear sway bar helps reduce roll over? I guess their engineers may have had a brain fart when they drew up those plans.
I do agree that the main problem is "Driver error" and parents giving up their control. I've seen some stupid things done by kids and adults in Rhino's.

Before we mock the Rhino entirely and its design, in fairness, a few questions are in order.

Is the vehicle's design inherently "unsafe at any speed," as Ralph Nader once labeled (and thus doomed) the Corvair automobile? (In point of fact, any stability and handling problems were solved on the latter-day Corvairs, from a safety standpoint, but the media stampede doomed the vehicles anyway.)

If the Rhino is unsafe, how do we KNOW this? Are the 46 human deaths proof the Rhino's DESIGN itself is deadly; or, do other proximate causes of these deaths exist?

Of course everyone, including the government, should be concerned with deaths associated with any product use; the CPSC has jurisdiction over ATVs/RUVs in this regard.

The doors and "casket handles" (hand-hold brackets) doubtless can help keep people contained within the vehicles and help prevent ejections in the event of roll-overs (so can seat-belt use, also).

The wheel spacers can improve stability and make Rhinos more difficult to turn over.

I'm unfamiliar with the suspensions geometry; I can't axiomatically visualize how removing a sway bar helps stabilize a Rhino; I'd ordinarily think the effect would be the reverse; yet, I'd defer to the Yamaha engineers and safety specialists regarding the effect of this procedure.

Now, finally, think about the TRAINING a Yamaha buyer receives regarding the vehicle's characteristics and limitations (WHAT training?) and their qualification and skill certication. Consider what their buddies receive in the field; "Here, you drive, Harry!"

Our last military Jeeps "type-classified" (issued to troops) had 4-wheel, fully-independent suspension, without camber compensation (again, I'm not familiar with the Rhino's suspension, I draw no parallels with suspension DESIGN). This suspension was not unlike aspects of the suspensions of Volkswagen "bugs" and early Corvairs.

Troops driving these independently-suspended Jeeps, WITHOUT SPECIAL TRAINING, experienced a high incidence of roll-over accidents.

The Army (and doubtless other Services as well) instituted special driver-training classes for these Jeeps, and--roll-over accidents were reduced dramatically.

Since the military had no means to impose Jeep driver training on the civilian populace, "de-militarizing" this model of Jeep including TORCHING the frame before sale as excess or salvage property, so no untrained drives could operate these vehicles ever again (didn't stop some from re-welding the frames, but . . . you get the idea).

Now, concluding my sermon, before we all jump onto the dog-pile of condemning the Rhino, without verifiable knowledge and experience regarding any inherent design flaws, take care. "Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for THEE!"

Meaning, maybe, some day, a politically-oriented CPSC determines ALL ATVs are "inherently dangerous" because of deaths associated with their use. (Yes, that denunciation would include even your beloved POLARISES, or Hondas, or whatever make-and-model you, in your wisdom, have selected.)

While meaningful safety improvements in Rhinos (and other OHVs) should be embraced, we should beware those who wave the bloody shirt of "Unsafe at any speed" in a campaign whose hidden agenda is to eliminate ALL OHVs (i.e., ATVs, dirt bikes, RUV's, etc.), INCLUDING YOUR OWN.

Can't happen? Look at how the "lead ban" has shut down mini-bike and mini-ATV sales. Have you ever seen a child put a mini-bike or mini-ATV in his MOUTH? How many cases of child lead poisoning are attributable to mini-bikes and mini-ATVs?

So, I'd say, finally--make Rhino's as safe as reasonably possible, but--don't fall for indiscriminate, unjustified, SCAPEGOATING of the vehicle. Accidents, injuries, and deaths may be caused by many different factors.

Beware the "back-door" for banning off-road motorized recreation, PRODUCT LIABILITY. Look what happened to the private aviation industry; the manufacturers' insurance liability obligation added to the selling price of small planes puts 'em out of the reach of most individuals. A repeat performance could exist in the ATV/RUV industry.

My opinion only. Anyone with direct-perception primary evidence and/or verifiable information on any inherently unsafe Rhino design aspects, I'd like to learn of them, and I'd like to have them resolved. Otherwise, I'd be cautious about bad-mouthing the Rhino without cause; such behavior might ultimately be counterproductive, self-destructing one's own privilege to ride his preferred off-highway vehicle.

The ushers will now collect the offering.

quote:

My opinion only. Anyone with direct-perception primary evidence and/or verifiable information on any inherently unsafe Rhino design aspects, I'd like to learn of them, and I'd like to have them resolved. Otherwise, I'd be cautious about bad-mouthing the Rhino without cause; such behavior might ultimately be counterproductive, self-destructing one's own privilege to ride his preferred off-highway vehicle.

As I mentioned over on the Frontier, Those accident's likely started out with a Hey Y'all watch this. I find it hard to believe a roll over on level ground at a slow speed as mentioned in the report by MSNBC.

Tree Farmer~ It's good to see you're still kicking.

quote:

I find it hard to believe a roll over on level ground at a slow speed as mentioned in the report by MSNBC.

Tree Farmer~ It's good to see you're still kicking.

Not hard to believe at all, remember the witch hunt on the Jeep CJ5? You turn the wheel full left, followed by turning the wheel full right, and watch a slow speed roll. Now of course only a moron would drive in such a manner....but it sure makes good press coverage.

I am not really familar with any of the side x side but do any of the rest have rollover problems to this extent? yamaha is good at making tippy machines for what ever reason. The GRIZZ from what I understand needs widen out to make them more stable. If I am wrong sorry about that, just what I have heard several times. Seems to me that LAmigra has mentioned that also, he owns one. But then what don't he own?

The SLEDS we used to refer to them as them TIPPY BA$T#@&$. Great machine and easy to tip sideways in the powder, but at times to easy.

Have to agree with TXDOC hard to protect ppl from themselfs. It is that old "HEY YA ALL WATCH THIS" syndrome!

I was talking to the mechanic at my local Yamaha dealer and the rep was in there. It is actually a volunteer recall and not a full blown recall. Yamaha will let you know about it but it is your choice if you want it done or not. They cannot sell any more Rhinos either until the mods have been done to the new ones. Sad thing is Yamaha doesn't even have the parts to fix them yet.

Ronnie

I was doing a search for rollover accidents. All most all of what I find pertains to LAWYERS willing to sue because of RHINO rollovers. I really expected to find the RZR involved in many.

I test drove a Rhino awhile back and found them to be good when operated within their limits.

You drive them with respect as you would any 4X4 or high center of gravity vehicle and your fine.

Also, use any and all restraint systems + helmut, and you should be good to go.

quote:

Originally posted by Kenny:
Tree Farmer~ It's good to see you're still kicking.

Thanks, Kenny!

Yeah; I'm still around, with long posts and boring anecdotes from yesteryear!

I too would like someone to comment on the removal of the sway bar. How will that help?? Don't have one, don't know anybody with one.

Disconnect sway bar for rock crawling and reconnect for normal trail riding. Problem is that to many feel safe in the Sxs's without the use of seat belts and helmet. You roll it you cannot get away from it like an ATV. No seatbelt who knows what all can happen. No helmet you can smack your head on the side it rolls to depending if you are driver or passenger. Jeep had the same problem several years ago. If you do not follow safety suggestions you are likely to get hurt or in some cases killed. Don't see that as Yamaha's fault that some seem they do not need to follow what is suggested.

quote:

Originally posted by Cob:
... yamaha is good at making tippy machines for what ever reason. The GRIZZ from what I understand needs widen out to make them more stable.....

Problem with the Grizz is that they made it too narrow. I added 1.5" spacers to mine (3" overall) and it still does not measure 48" wide. Combine that with the high seat position and the quick turning of the EPS and you can get in trouble fast if you are horsing around.

The RZR is just as tippy as a Rhino, my wife has it on its side once, but can tell you the Rhino has a WWWAAAYYYY better airbox!

I have no problem with the stability of the Griz or the Rhino. And I never will because I'm selling those damm killers. I guess those damm 3 wheeled killers taught me how to move my butt and use some body english.

jsc bet that makes wifey feel good compareing her BOX to a RHINO's BOX!

longtravel:
I can relate with that I have always thought that my snowobile ability made me a better quad rider. Dam that is a scarey thought no better than I am now, take away what I learned on sleds.

WOW! I didn't relize that GRIZZ was that narrow!

I have been looking hard to see what other SxS have rollover problems. Especially POLARIS. But so far the RHINO out numbers any thing else, the ambulance chasers are on them like stink on POOP!

I did find this article and this guy talks about the RZR, says the low GC and center of gravity help. But can still roll over at 50 inch wide. He also says the steering requires 3 full turns of wheel to move wheel to full lok from side to side. That may help alleviate some of the rollovers.

When you think about it, the Polaris Ranger RZR is a lot like being in a relationship. How? They both involve a lot of compromises. Polaris Industries noticed, like most ATV manufacturers, that a lot of money was being spent modifying workhorse UTVs for sportier purposes.

Since the market was speaking loud and clear with its checkbooks and credit cards, might as well give 'em what they wanted. So they did ... sort of. See, sporty UTVs are about performance, handling, and looks. The Polaris Ranger RZR is certainly closer to these attributes than it's plain Jane sibling, the Ranger. But is it close enough? Let's find out.

Performance - 760cc liquid cooled twin with fuel injection. Good power for a machine in this class. The lightest weight compared to its nearest competition (Yamaha Rhino and Kawasaki Teryx) provides good acceleration. Fuel injection seemed to meter well, but the throttle is a little touchy. Makes it a little harder to control in rough going.

Overall, the Polaris Ranger RZR wins the class in engine performance right now. I say right now because this "class" hasn't really been defined yet. So far its been coined side-by-side, sport UTV, STV, and RUV. The lines are blurring between these vehicles and pure sport buggies, and for that matter, off road carts. This is gonna get interesting!

Anyway, some of you may feel that horsepower was compromised so Polaris could keep a toe in the utility pond. If that's you, there are several performance enhancing gizmos available, including a turbo kit.



Handling - Here's where I think most of the compromises show up. On one side you have the smallest physical size, lightest weight, most wheel travel, and lowest center of gravity in the class. That usually makes for good handling.

But in this case, you will compromise on a few things. The 50" track width is great for tight trails and gives you access to most ATV trails, but it also means less high speed stability and more "tippiness". You'll also know what your passenger had for lunch.

Complaints by some about the slow steering at nearly 3 turns lock-to-lock are heard frequently. Probably a concession to the Polaris legal department to minimize the chances of a driver induced rollover. But slow steering in a model intended for sport is not really a great match.

A lower center of gravity helps out on the tippines and stability issues, but at a cost of less ground clearance. The long suspension travel won't help much when you're high centered in the rocks. Solution? Don't leave home without a winch.

Of course the aftermarket is standing ready with bigger wheels and tires and wider suspension kits. You can have even longer travel shocks for those pillow soft landings. So instead of Polaris choosing the compromises, you get to.

The Polaris Ranger RZR also comes with All Wheel Drive. It's engaged electrically by a rocker switch on the dash. That doesn't necessarily mean you're in 4 wheel drive. Just that the system is engaged. AWD is activated when wheel slippage is detected - engages - then goes back into 2WD when wheel speed is equalized.

Works well enough in rough terrain, but you may want to leave it in 2WD in more open country. One thing you don't have control over is the rear differential, which remains locked all the time. To make a tight turn, the inside rear wheel will have to be able to spin, or the front may push.

The Razor also comes with front and rear anti-sway bars. Good for controlling body roll, not so good when you need full suspension travel. Sway bars tend to limit wheel travel, even to the point of picking up the inside wheel. You can always remove them if wheel travel is more important to you than flat cornering.



Looks - This is one of those "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" kind of things. If you just spent over 10 grand on a Polaris Ranger RZR, chances are you think it looks great. If you own a Teryx or Rhino, you probably won't be too impressed. My opinion? ... still more utility than sport.

Once again, if you have the cash, the aftermarket has your cure. Polaris is even getting in on the game with an extensive line of factory accessories. A few changes here and there can alter the RZR's looks dramatically.

Time to answer the big question. Is it the best sport UTV out there right now? In terms of competition from major manufacturers like Yamaha and Kawasaki ... I think so. Let me hedge that bet by saying this whole segment is a moving target and that usually means new models will be coming on the scene fast and furious.

But for now, the Polaris Ranger RZR is king of the hill. It's going to be fun to see how this segment shakes out. Small manufacturers have a good shot at this too, since no one has a clear definition of even what they should call these things. I just plan on enjoying the ride!