The Yamaha Rhino is an off-road vehicle made by Yamaha Motor Company. The 2-person four-wheel drive vehicles are in a unique class called "Side by Side", which is in-between the size of ATVs and Mini SUVs. The Rhino is gaining popularity in racing with customizations similar to the full-size vehicles. Polaris and Arctic Cat have made vehicles in the same class.
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The basic premise involves the chassis, engine, transmission, suspension and basic characteristics of a large utility 4x4 ATV, but with two side by side bucket seats with seat belts and a ROPS certified structure. The controls are similar to those of a golf cart, with pedals and a steering wheel rather than the handlebars of a conventional ATV. It is mainly targeted for general utility and recreational use by farmers, ranchers and hunters. It is also popular with some disabled people as a means to get to places inaccessible by wheelchair.
Yamaha was the first manufacturer to offer doors as a standard feature on all side-by-side vehicles and has provided additional handholds. In safety information provided to Rhino users and in on-product labels, Yamaha promotes safe and responsible driving, and warns that, as with any motorized vehicle, safety features are no substitute for driving responsibly. Yamaha strongly recommends that both drivers and passengers always wear proper safety gear such as helmets and protective eyewear, make certain the three-point seat belts are properly fastened, and keep arms and legs in vehicle enclosure at all times. Yamaha also states that the Rhino is only recommended for operators age 16 or older who have a valid drivers license and that passengers must be tall enough to place both feet on the floorboard with his or her back against the seat back and still reach the passenger hand-holds.
On March 31, 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a repair program for Rhino 660 and 450 models. Yamaha subsequently and voluntarily included the same offer for Rhino 700 models in order to reduce confusion and ensure customer satisfaction. According to the CPSC, the following two repairs were needed “to help reduce the chance of rollover and improve vehicle handling”: 1. Installation of a 2-inch spacer on each of the rear wheels. 2. Removal of the rear anti-sway bar.
Yamaha also announced that same day that the company was temporarily suspending sales of the Rhino until the affected models could be repaired, and the CPSC advised owners not to operate the vehicles until taking them to a dealership for the modifications. All new Rhino 450, 660 and 700 models will have the same modifications. The sales suspension lasted less than two months.
The rhino was the first of a new class of vehicles known as Recreational Utility Vehicles (RUVs). Another popular classification for the vehicle is a Utility Vehicle (UTV).
As is common practice when a new class of vehicle emerges on the marketplace, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reviewing the ROV product category, including the Rhino. Manufacturers of ROVs have also formed the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) to develop standards specific to the ROV product category, develop and promote model state safety legislation, and provide other safety initiatives in consultation with the CPSC.
ROHVA obtained approval by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) of the first standard for ROVs on March 5, 2010, setting an initial benchmark for vehicle design, configuration and performance. To allow it to continue to address ROV performance criteria in this expanding vehicle class, ROHVA initiated the ANSI process for revising the newly approved standard on March 9. As part of the revision process, ROHVA also will continue its efforts to solicit and exchange information and views with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and its staff.
Other main competitors of the Rhino include the Polaris Ranger, Polaris Ranger RZR 800, Arctic Cat Prowler, Kawasaki Teryx 750 4x4, the new (BRP) Can-Am Commander and the John Deere Gator. The Ranger is a mostly utility based sxs (side by side), while the Polaris Ranger RZR is more of a sports vehicle.