Yamaha Rhino Rollovers

---

      In the late 1980's, a new style of off-road utility vehicle entered the market place. This utility vehicle was designed to operate off-road, while at the same time contained a seating arrangement designed to allow operator and passenger to sit side-by-side inside a rollover protective structure (ROPS) vehicle, equipped with seatbelts. The vehicle also contained a cargo bed designed to increase its utility usage. In general, the wheelbase length and track width of this vehicle are greater than four-wheel ATVs. The engine capacity and vehicle design, while strong enough to carry a heavy load, limited the vehicle from traveling at speeds over 25 mph. The vehicle also utilized higher pressure tires than standard ATVs.

      In 2004, Yamaha entered into the side-by-side market with their design of this type vehicle, the Yamaha Rhino. There appears to be a design connection between the Rhino and the Yamaha Grizzly 660 ATV as several Rhino vehicle components and characteristics are similar. The stock Yamaha Rhino has been tested and found to achieve speeds over 40 mph with much higher acceleration rates than other utility vehicles, such as the Kawasaki Mule or the Kubota RTV. The 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 models of the Yamaha Rhino, with minor exceptions, are essentially the same vehicle design.

      Soon after their entry into the market, reports of lateral upsets with injuries began surfacing with the Yamaha Rhino 660 and Yamaha Rhino 450 side-by-side machines. It was discovered these Rhino vehicles were rolling over to the side during low to moderate speed turn maneuvers on essentially flat level ground. In many cases, depending on which way it rolled, either the operator or passenger received a serious leg or arm injury when their limb came out of the ROPS, and was pinned between the vehicle and ground. In some instances, the victim may have attempted to brace themselves by putting their leg out as the vehicle rolled over, while in other cases the leg exited the ROPS involuntarily, due to the force of the upset and the lack of a safeguard to keep it in.

      SEAL engineer, Mike Burleson, is currently investigating and evaluating over one hundred Yamaha Rhino rollover accidents around the country. In 2006, the SEAL engineering team began extensively testing and evaluating the Yamaha Rhino, and comparable Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTV) for stability, safety and other areas of concern. The photographs and video clip depict samples of some of the testing that has been performed.

      ****UPDATE: Yamaha has initiated a recall of 2004-2007 model Rhinos, and incorporated a design change into their 2008 line of Rhino vehicles which include doors, new warnings and supplemental handholds. Owners of earlier models may bring their Rhino to an authorized Yamaha dealer for modification and retrofit. These design changes are also being evaluated by SEAL for their contribution to vehicle safety.****