We wanted to share this information with our readers, but are adding our two cents as we want to make sure our readers are properly informed as there is plenty of misinformation being spread through mainstream outlets. Yamaha has agreed in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to offer certain free repairs for all Rhino 660 and 450 Side x Side's. The honest truth, as someone who tests and rides every side x side produced, there is absolutely nothing faulty in the design of the Yamaha Rhino, but rather a group of money hungry lawyers who will do anything to convince people to push aside personal responsibility while trying to put unwarranted blame on Yamaha. Our whole staff would agree that the Yamaha Rhino is at the top of the list as one of if not the safest SXS on the market today and is not deserving of the continuous attacks. We wanted to point out that 99% if Rhino owners use the product without incident, which statistically is a great track record for any product.
We are going to have more information on this subject in the coming days, but for now, it's important that we take responsibility for our own actions. Also, please understand this important point before diving into this release from Yamaha.
This is not in any way, shape or form a recall, but rather a voluntary repair program. Here's the official word:
In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. will be offering certain free repairs for all Rhino 660 and Rhino 450 Side x Side (SxS) models. It's important to understand that this campaign is not a recall, but a voluntary repair program.The CPSC says that the following two repairs are needed "to help reduce the chance of rollover and improve vehicle handling":
Installation of a spacer on each of the rear wheels.
Removal of the rear anti-sway bar.The repair parts meeting CPSC requirements will be available to be installed by your Yamaha dealer as quickly as possible. Yamaha will be sending dealers full repair instructions and will send a follow-up letter to all registered owners as soon as these parts are available to be installed on the units.
You should not operate your Rhino 660 or 450 vehicle until it is modified with these repair parts. If you have not already done so, you should also have the free doors and additional passenger handhold installed on your Rhino.Even though the CPSC did not include the Rhino 700 in its announcement, Yamaha is also voluntarily implementing the same free repairs. Please suspend use of the Rhino 700 until repairs are completed.
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.