Posted on 03/31/2009 7:38:11 PM PDT by Libloather
Yamaha recalls 2008 Rhinos
Problem with brake caliper affects 7,800 vehicles
Story by ATV.com Staff, Apr. 01, 2008
Yamaha Motor Corp. USA of Cypress Calif. has recalled some of its 2008 Rhino side-by-side vehicles due to a problem with a brake caliper.
The recall, which was voluntarily conducted by Yamaha in cooperation with the Consumer Products Safety Commission, affects about 7,800 Rhino YXR450 and YXR700 UTVs. Owners of these vehicles should stop using them immediately unless otherwise instructed.
The brake caliper on the left front wheel may have been made incorrectly, which could result in brake fluid leaking. This can cause a loss of braking and control of the vehicle, which poses a serious safety risk to the driver and passenger. No injuries have been reported.
These vehicles, which retailed for between $8,300 and $12,000, were sold nationwide from October 2007 through March 2008.
For additional information, vehicle owners can contact Yamaha at (800) 962-7926 or visit the company’s website at http://www.yamaha-motor.com/
If only............if only.........
My neighbor is in a law suit over a Rhino. His Rhino rolled over with his sister-in-law driving and her leg was crushed. There was a Yamaha rep over there just last week taking pictures.
Until next year - when taxes skyrocket?
Corner them hard and fast, they are like the old Jeeps... they want to roll. That danger is clearly spelled out in the owner’s manual and, I believe, on one of the many warning/danger/caution stickers plastered all over.
I have rolled my ATV. Thank God for no injuries, but it was 100% my fault - I was horsing around and doing donuts in the snow (probably why there was no injury). But had there been an injury, I just don’t see an ethical way I could sue Kawasaki for my actions.
Now - If a major suspension component were to collapse or otherwise fail, causing the Rhino to roll... that would be a whole different story.
Rino recall?!
Somebody out there is a GENIUS!
You got me with it, at first. That was funny! LOL
Of the crushed leg or crushed vehicle?
And a short time I after I posted, another Rhino recall:
http://cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09172.html
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 46 driver and passenger deaths in these two Rhino 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
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