Pro Tec

The Yamaha Rhino 660 & 700 are two of the most exciting and invigorating off road vehicles ever released. These unique machines can be used as a utility vehicle, plus they also have incredible off road capabilities. When they were first released in 2003, the Yamaha Rhino 660 blew people away with its ability to go places that seemed out of reach of a utility vehicle capable of carrying 2 people and 400lbs of cargo in its mini truck bed. The Rhino quickly proved itself as being as off road capable as some of the best ATV's around.

As fun and exciting as these vehicles are right off the factory floor, aftermarket companies such as aFe, K&N and ProTec have invented a plethora of products such as cold air intakes and exhausts to produce more horsepower and faster speeds. Suspension upgrades are also common purchases as well as better seats and bigger mirrors.

But with such powerful machines comes hazards. Injuries have plagued users of Rhino's since they were released. The injuries typically are broken or crushed legs, ankles or feet. In some cases, the injuries were so severe as to require amputation. In certain cases, Rhino rollovers have even led to deaths.

The Rhino seats the driver and passenger next to each other. It has been speculated that the Rhino is less dangerous than Yamaha ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) or quads. The perception that the Rhino provides a safe means of enjoying off road recreation does not match the reality. In accidents nationwide, Rhino riders have been killed or seriously injured. For example, on February 24, 2008, two separate fatal accidents occurred within hours of each other at Imperial Sand Dunes recreation area in Southern California. In both cases, passengers were killed after being ejected from their Rhino.

Many of the Yamaha Rhino deaths have been of children. While every accident involving a Rhino can pose a risk of serious injury, when a child is riding, the injuries have often been more severe. Children have been thrown from the Rhino and died after it landed on top of them.

In injury lawsuits filed against Yamaha, people have charged that the Yamaha Rhino side-by-side seat configuration contains multiple design flaws rendering it dangerously unstable and prone to tipping and rolling over even when driven on flat ground at low speeds. These defects include a top-heavy design resulting in a high center of gravity, and a dangerously narrow track width. Together, these design flaws make the Rhino unduly prone to tip and roll over.

Even with the danger factor, people continue to rush out to buy bigger and faster Rhino's every year. Caution is the golden rule when operating any UTV and the Rhino is no exception. Learn the nuisances of your vehicle before attempting maneuvers that you are not accustomed to doing. Drive defensively as we are taught to drive our automobile and you should be able to enjoy your Yamaha Rhino for years to come.

NorCal Auto Concepts is expanding into the world of off-roading. There are many aftermarket companies coming out with parts for your ATV's and UTV's and NorCal has added those parts to their online stores at http://www.motorintakes.com and http://www.m3mirror.com. aFe and K&N have developed impressive cold air intakes kits that boost horsepower and performance. Putco and CIPA have replacement mirrors for your vehicles and universal seat will make your ride that more comfortable while trans versing those sand dunes.

"Testing" Some Pro-Tec Helmets - Fireworks and Beer