2015 Polaris Slingshot First Look
The not-so-secret 2015 Polaris Slingshot has a steering wheel and bucket seats. So we shouldn’t even be reviewing it, right? I kinda felt that way when given the assignment. In hindsight, though, I’m glad I had the opportunity. The Slingshot’s an absolute blast, and at $19,999 for the base model, it’s gonna give Can-Am’s Spyder ($18,999 for the ST) some stiff competition.
Read the full story at: www.motorcycle.com/manufacture...
Subscribe!
kzhead.info_c...
KZhead - / motorcycle
Facebook - / motorcyclecom
Twitter - / motorcyclecom
Web - www.Motorcycle.com
Established in 1994, Motorcycle.com is the premiere online resource for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts. With hundreds of high quality, detailed video reviews on bikes from Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and just about everybody else, it's the best place to go to learn about the latest and greatest two-wheeled creations. There's simply no better resource if you're planning on buying or if you just want to check out some awesome machines.
One of my most dear friends and brother was a designer on this vehicle. I'm so proud of him. Amazing job!
Have you both told your parents you're gay yet?
As a longtime motorcycle rider I can appreciate this. One thing a lot of naysayers miss is that 3-wheeled vehicles can use the commuter lane in many states. If you must commute to work or school alone in heavy traffic (which can suck on a motorcycle) this might be a fun option.
Just drove one of these today. Drove around Gatlinburg/Sevierville. Loved it!
Saw one for the first time today... I fell in love instantly.
Just saw an old man driving one today, pulled up and asked him what it was... wild for sure.
I saw this on the highway, and I was like, "Holy Shit! What the hell is that?!"
Douglas Ishizaki Yeah I saw this thing when I was coming out of the store, someone I was the only one around that went " What the heck is that?" no one else seem to notice or care.
Saw one of these on the road today for the first time, It's pretty cool, I don't know if I really want one myself but they look pretty cool.
Saw these driving all around Forest Lake Minnesota and Wyoming Minnesota, they were all in a line about 20 of them. Pretty cool to see
I think Polaris has an awesome product that is not being marketed well. This is evidenced by so much confusion and arguing among potential customers over what this thing is good for. Here's how I would describe it... Have you ever been racing a Go-kart at the track and secretly wished you could bust out of the course and race the thing on the street? That is what the Slingshot is. It's not a super sport motorcycle, and it's not a sports car. It shouldn't be compared to those things. It's like a Go-Kart you can sneak out onto city streets at night and race around. When you think about it that way... the Slingshot sounds incredibly FUN.
Hans Zarkov I've always called it a GLORIFIED GO-CART! Very fun to drive/ride
+Hans Zarkov I don't know about go cart but I get where you're going. It's like a fast ass motorcycle for you and a friend without as much fatigue as being on a bike but all the same exhilaration. And what's better it's considerably safer then a bike.
77Avadon77 The dynamics are not like a motorcycle. It's like driving a small car or go-cart. Drivers even say they forget it doesn't have four wheels because looking forward it looks just like a car, and it handles more like a car than a motorcycle. It's only called a 'motorcycle' for legal reasons.
Hans Zarkov so do you have to get a motorcycle license to drive this ? and learn how to ride a motorcycle to operate this?
77Avadon77 I think it depends on the state. I believe some states who technically qualify it as a 'motorcycle' do not require you to have a motorcycle endorsement for it.
Just drove next to one of those today... looks awesome!
@AZREDFERN Polaris makes all their vehicles in Minnesota, and Iowa. Where'd you pull that FUD from?
I saw one of these in traffic here in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday. I had no idea what it was! Cool looking machine.
Nice description of the drive.
ok so where I live (western NY) how would the Slingshot (if equipped with snow tires) perform? Besides low ground clearance and no weather protection, I would assume in light snow, the Slingshot could do pretty good!?!
This thing would be fun out west. Driving down the scenic by ways in Arizona, Southern California, and Nevada.
I saw one in Las Vegas their were 3 guys who Driving Around the strip. Those slingshot are sick. 😍
Definitely looks interesting, The only complaint i really have is the back end looks like it is lacking. From the back of the cockpit and just over the wheel down it just looks bare. Wish it would carry the lines down and fill in that spot a little more. Are there any plans to make a 2 wheel rear conversion with some body panels? I know that would probably alter its classification for street use, but I think it could fill out the overall look and experience. Especially if someone is willing to go through the paperwork and compliance work.
It the behind seat helmet storage the only trunk?
Are the weatherproof seats as weatherproof as the rzr seats...any amount of rain soaks the seat foams like sponges...then realeases the moisture onto your ass through the stitching for a week after the rain... never mind the rotting of the cushion after a couple years... Love the concept...hate polaris engineers. Access to parts that need regular maint. is so difficult ...seats blow...and stock seatbelts fail out after a year,no mater how much you wash them out..etc...etc.. A 2011 rzrs owner
Still waiting for that Batman motorcycle tho.
This is one of the best I found. Another to follow. I'm doing it.
Does the rear Drive Tire need to be Directional?
So when I need a driving permit or a motorcycle permit to have this car/motorcycle which one is
I just got mine this week. I'm trying to find somewhere on the web about parking it and securing it. I have the SL limited (white). I just hate that it's so easy to push when the parking brake is disengaged. Any suggestions?
don't disengage it then.
+R Smith Anyone can disengage it to steal it hence the question
Djtwice2001 what
is there an option for automatic transmission?
Steering wheel + Bucket seats + car tires = not a motorcycle.
Its a reverse trike motorcycle, with a bigger engine, protective frame, more power, and side by side seating.
I get ya. But Gov regs say 3 wheels = motorcycle.
its a motorcycle, that's how its classified by DMV for license and regs and insurance, etc. No roof? No canopy option? Unusable In the rain?
Looks great! And probably going to be a ton of aftermarket stuff out soon
I can see this being a ton of fun to drive and upgrade. It has a known powerful and upgradable engine. 400 hp is very obtainable rather easily. Plus this is a a variable valve timing engine for those saying throw in a Honda vtec engine in it instead. All gm 2.4l ecotec engines have a vvt system. My 2010 Malibu uses the same engine.
This is on my bucket list. How much is it?
I drove by one on my moped the other day and my mind exploded. I WANT ONE!!!!!!!!!!
Is the Polaris Slingshot automatic or manual.
So it is like the Morgan 3-Wheeler had a baby with the Can-Am Spyder? XP
I'd say that pretty much sums it up. It is direct competition for the Can-Am spider and it gives a more stable and more safe platform. As you can see on their site price is $20K-$30K depending on Model and accessories. I've test driven the Slingshot and it is a lot of fun. I will prefer the Slingshot over the Spider because it better meets my idea of a fun vehicle that I could commute in (instead of my Motorcycle) and I would be very comfortable in taking a passenger, which I'd rather not on my big bike. To add some open air fun to my daily 12 mile commute (1 way) and weekend fun rides - this may be just the thing for me.
Tom Maughan I think it's aiming to be more like a T-Rex then a Can-Am; based on being semi-enclosed and using automotive controls.
Tom Maughan lol 12 mile commute? Bitch I do 30 one way
i would buy the Morgan 100 times before that thing
I think im gonna drive this as my daily even when there's snow on the ground
do u need to have a motorcycles DL for motorcycle, or regular DL?
Regular
***** Oh. In Texas it only requires a regular driving license. To original commenter, check with your dealer.
Are there any advantages to the single back wheel? Does it improve the fun factor, stability, handling or performance?
It allows the vehicle to be classified as a motorcycle and therefore bypass car regulations.
I just seen one the other day here in Vegas bad ass
Please tell me that they are going to make a Right hand drive model for Australia ......... so want one :)
The Can-Am has a motorcycle seat, steering, motor and gear shift. So , even with the third wheel it still has a motorcycle feel to it. This Polaris has car seats, car steering wheel, car motor and gear shift. Morgan has the same type of set-up using a Harley Davison engine sitting side ways at the front. The engine is not covered. Looks cool. Check out the Morgan car co. site.
The shortcomings of a compact car and motorcycle all rolled into one
Saw one at NOPI nationals at myrtle beach with a green sparkle paint job
Nice ride
right hand drive model?
Just came across this today. It was sitting in the valet parking side of the mall. And honestly I thought it looked waaay cool up close. As a matter of fact, a Lambo was parked close by. But I hardly paid it any attention at all. If a $25K car could steal one's attention away from a $250K car that's saying something... And now that I know the sticker price, I want one :)
Looks like fun!!! Mike
but can you do sick wooliz with it?
Looks like fun!
i saw that today in Denver. I would buy it:)
"Secret testing facility" "In Wyoming, Minnesota" Not so secret now, huh?
+BuckGreywolfe Yeah, those trees look like they can surely stop intruders from waltzing right in.
Their was a Halloween themed motorcycle parade in Revere Massachusetts that I took a video of and you can see at least a couple of Slingshots in it. It's the last uploaded video on my KZhead channel. 15:12, you see a red one and at the 15:50 mark of the video you see a black one. Might be more but you'd have to watch the entire video.
That thing looks awesome. I would buy it.
I'm 6'5". Am I going to fit in the trike?
very cool. dont think it will do well on the street but looks like one hell of a good track day car. and for a great price when you comp' it to the ktm or arial atom.
Is it gas or electric powered?
This is amazing!
Looks sweet :D finally something with 3 wheels that looks cool.
I just preordered 5
Mainly through the interior design it's cool to see what a car by Polaris might have looked like
that will be a good ride
Looks nice
Many people who lack the patience to learn how to ride a real motorcycle on the street will die in these once they get released to the streets. They will be almost invisible in traffic. Your butt height is below the center of a car tire and your head is below many pickups headlights.. No airbags. Few will wear helmets. This looks like it would be a lot of fun in the right place driven by someone with good judgment. Driven fast by teens on the street it will be a killer.
Ik how to ride a motorcycle and I plan on getting one of these and I'm also a "teen" and the seat is like 1 ft higher than your head so I think ppl will be able to see it unless they are drunk or texting/calling while driving
From the seat of my bike I see people texting every single day from the seat of my bike. the visibility you have on a bike is one of your big advantages. It will be very dangerous in traffic. If you get one of these avoid using it in traffic. commuters are some of the worst drivers. they are in a haze of distraction with kids going to school, cigarettes and coffee, the radio, phone and texts. many just don't take it seriously. It will be fun at the track and on twisty country roads. In the city it will be a death trap. Your shoulder will be the height of a pickup or SUV bumper. there is no side impact protection. I saw a car run right into a suburban the other day. Having a visible seat top is useless.
true... good thing i live in a small town lol
Not really man, this thing breaks more necks than a lambo. The most dangerous thing about it is that people take their eyes off the road and can't stop looking at it.
and the reviews are coming in. Aggressive traction control turns off the fun in turns so you can't overwhelm the back wheel. And it's still low and you'll still get run over.
is it registered as a motorcycle or a car?
This would be the best daily driver, no automatic and have fun every day. Although winter months require different tires or just use my truck for winter
Suggestion for Polaris: Why not make something even more truly unique? Make a 3-wheel drive version. You already have brake vectoring and traction control software. Use the FWD transmission normally mated to this powerplant and adapt your RWD drivetrain to it. That would be AWESOME.
Car license or motorbike license is required?
Without a roof, what is the point? Only reason I want a three-wheel is for commuting to work in the rain. I'll wait for the Elio (if that ever comes out) - roof and cheaper, better gas mileage.
Saw one of these in my town yesterday, the speakers are loud af!
Gotta have one of these.............
I gotta have one!!
I'm assuming this falls into the "motorcycle with sidecar" category as it only has three wheels, which means you'll probably save money on insurance, and those who only have a bike license still have something car-ish to drive around. Would have preferred to see front wheel drive, but it doesn't look SO bad. I'd still rather go for a second hand sports car or something for the same price, but this still looks like a fun toy. On a side note, how would they stop the seat areas fill up with water if it rains?
So Awesome, i need one
Getting that car!!!
oh look... the elio car finally came out...
base is $19,000 not bad really, so glad someone is making a real tadpole trike.
MPG ?
Looks like a fun quirky energetic three wheeler. I'd sport it.
VW was thinking of something like this but chickened out when their legal dept freaked out. I am sure unsafe at any speed but thrilling to be sure! Crazy fast and as stable as a 911.
Why no big brakes ? At least a nice 2 piston up front a 1 in the back
A mic with a cord! Haha! Dude! Get into the 90's! I forgot what year I was in!
I guess it can be technically classified as Asa motorcycle but it seems more like a car to me Still very stylish and looks like a blast to drive! You drive a car and ride a motorcycle
Good job guys - a few specs earlier would be apprec. Looks like an incredible job - but I have 2 questions #1 - WHAT TOOK SO LONG. #2 = When are we going to see a HALF-SPEC model? The ecoboost is a really hot connection for Polaris - congrats on working this out. BUT WE NEED A COMMUTER AS WELL - okay? Some utility and economy, dudes. BIG F'N TRUNK and at least a nice rain cover - with a full roll cage.
We need a shoot out with a T Rex, with some kind of adjustment to level the playing field for the difference in price/power.
Slingshot is 1/3 of the price and makes more power but it also weighs more.
Best part was at 1:23 "No ruff"
Saw one driving around Calgary the other day...dark purple...was distracting to other motorists...lol
Modern version of the Lotus. Very very nice.
all of the intro models are pre-sold , and there's a waiting list for the following units. they're made in America, not Mexico, China and Japan.
Well they should of went with the Honda s2000 engine. That engine comes in two forms. 2.0 litre 240 horse and revs at 9000 rpm with a six speed. And the last one is the 2.2 litre with 238 hp revving at 8000 rpm also with a 6 speed tranny. That would of been crazy mix
An all-black version might look better. A smaller steering wheel with a flat bottom would help too.
Interesting engine choice. I expected a motorcycle engine or something like the 1.0L Ford Ecoboost.
I don't know the legality of something like this in the USA, but in Canada, if you sit on a seat, in the open, and it has a handlebar and handlebar contols it is classed as a three wheeled motorcycle. However, if said vehicle has a steering wheel, one sits in a seat, has foot controls, and is surrounded by frame or body it is classed as a three wheeled car. All Canadian cars have to have seat belts, windshield wipers, defroster, air bags, certain size and height bumbers....the list is endless! I believe the T-rex is no longer available for sale in Canada because of the "three wheeled car" classification?
Love mine
For everybody interested in this though, take a look at the KTM X Bow, so much better.
1:23 what's a ruff?
awesome!
I want an Elio!
Seriously Star Wars! If I had the coin to spare, I'd have one. Just to have one.
Black and silver color looks like some sort of bat-mobile. Pretty cool
Love it
I would buy it if it had a less obtrusive look. Maybe a 70's baja bug style.. More rounded. This though looks like something that Vette owner would buy thinking he's now cool again.
"Marcus, we need to come up with a new idea for a vehicle. Something new that no ones done before." "Well we could take the KTM Xbow and take off one wheel." "FUCKING GENIUS"
I really like it other than its only a manual, which I can drive I just prefer an automatic.
In this day and age something like that should get 40+ mpg and still be fun
I want it!
Bring to Singapore and I will buy it if it's legal here