Georgia Court of Appeals Reverses Ruling Regarding Yamaha Rhino

The Court of Appeals of Georgia has unanimously reversed a trial court’s May 2010 decision in favor of plaintiffs and ordered judgment for Yamaha in McTaggart vs. Yamaha, a case involving an accident on a Yamaha Rhino. The Court of Appeals’ decision means that courts in all nine cases that have gone to trial have rejected plaintiffs’ claims and found in favor of Yamaha.

According to the company, the Rhino is a safe and useful off-road vehicle when driven responsibly, and has won virtually every "first in class" award and top safety ratings in independent reviews since its introduction. Yamaha said it will continue to stand behind the Rhino and will vigorously defend their product.

"The testimony and evidence presented during the trial showed that this unfortunate incident had nothing to do with the design of the product," said Van Holmes, ATV/SxS public relations manager for Yamaha. "The incident illustrates the importance of following the safety guidelines posted on the vehicle and the owner’s manual. The Rhino is a safe and useful off-road vehicle when driven responsibly. Drivers and passengers should wear helmets, protective gear including foot wear, and the vehicle’s three-point seat belts at all times."

Holmes continued: "Yamaha’s top priority is the safety of our customers, and we pride ourselves in the safety and quality of our products."

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.