Rhino Doors and Handholds

In August 2007, Yamaha instructed Rhino dealers to install its new doors and handholds on models dating back to the Rhino’s introduction in 2003. The models affected include:

• 2004 Rhino 660 – YXR660
• 2005 Rhino 660 – YXR660
• 2006 Rhino 660 – YXR660
• 2006 Rhino 450 – YXR450
• 2007 Rhino 660 – YXR660 without doors
• 2007 Rhino 450 – YXR 450 without doors

The newest Rhino models come with the doors and handholds already installed. As part of the installation of the new features on the older models, Yamaha sent letters to registered Rhino owners offering the features. The company also sent out adhesive stickers for the dashboard of the vehicle and a supplementary owner’s manual pamphlet.

While Yamaha’s door and handhold kits may increase the safety of the Rhino if an accident does occur, the Rhino’s defective design will continue to cause it to roll over at a higher rate than if the vehicle had a safer design. Many accidents have been caused by the Rhino’s top heavy and narrow design set on narrow wheels. These factors have led to accidents on flat terrain at low speeds as well as on rugged terrain at high speeds. When these vehicles roll over, occupants are subject to serious injuries because they do not have the metal and steel protection that they would in a car accident. Accident victims can be pinned underneath the vehicle and sustain serious injuries and death. While the doors and handholds may offer some protection, the roll over rate remains unacceptably high.