Drove the Polaris Slingshot today...

[oZ]

Hey a reason to drop by the board. Justin, my son dropped by today with a Slingshot. I had my iPhone with me so thought I'd share some of the video.

I haven't fired up my Valkyrie in over a year, it's in storage. Just getting too old to gracefully hold that machine up at parking lot speeds.

This machine may be able to fill the hole in my heart left by my Valk.

Shot in Hi Def so select 1080p, cause I look so much better in 1080p (O: actually the iPhone did a surprisingly good job... considering it a damn phone!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbKbVderIyQ&feature=youtu.be

[BonS]

Hey, Oz, the video is private - and I'd sure like to see it!

[oZ]

 

[Dennis from Blythe]

Very cool Gail.  Thanks for sharing.   

[oZ]

Very cool Gail.  Thanks for sharing.   

DENNIS As I live and breath, so good to know you're still out there!!!!

[Highbinder]

We were out riding the other day and one of those past us here in the Mts. of Southwest Va., I said to Tracy "What the hell was that?" She said she had heard about them but couldn't remember the name....seeing your video cleared it all up.. thanks for sharing...

[Robert]

Pretty cool I wonder if you could get just a body and drop in a small v8. Thanks for sharing Oz 

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

They had 2 at the Cycle dealer, Tommy's Motorsports, in Clinton, TN. Went the other day and a different color 1 was there with a sold sticker on it. They must be selling good. 

[#2944]

Picked up our Sling on March 7th drove it home about a hundred miles, yes it was a clear winter day up here.  Over 2K miles on it now and liking it more everyday.  Still have one Valk to ride every now and then.

[MacDragon]

Saw one here in Mass. on the highway the other day. Awsome looking going down the road.  Cool ya got a chance to drive it.

[Gavin_Sons]

If I ever get out of bikes, which will be never I would love to have one with a turbo. Maybe add one with the valk. Be a fun commuter car too.

[cookiedough]

I wonder how the headlights are on the slingshot at night for vision?  Seems to me those middle ones, although am sure bright, do not light up the entire roadway and shoulder of the road like a car, or do they?

Have my doubts about spending 20K plus on a 4 cylinder Ecotec GM engine.  Me and GM 4 cylinder engines have not had a good history.  Maybe a corvette de-tuned V8 engine more like it! 

[f6john]

   The thing is a mystery to me, why not just add another rear wheel and be done with it?

[solo1]

I know that my opinion is a little doubtful about motorcycles since I sold my last one.  However, into the discussion I go anyway.

The Slingshot has slightly more power than my Miata, it is lighter, it has various unknowns as far as reiiability, belt drive, audacious looks three wheels, and over  $20 k.

My Miata is a proven design, bulletproof motor, has four wheel wishbone suspension, BIG disc brakes, six speed manual, sport suspension, 50/50 weight distribution, and cruise, ac, radio, and i would bet that it handles much better than the Slingshot.  Did i mention the roof doesn't leak?  Cost to me $9360.

For the price of a Slingshot, one more wheel and all of the above in a new Miata would set you back the same amount. IMHO, the Slingshot isn't a motorcycle, unlike conversion trikes.

Seems to me that it's sorta like a Harley in that "I gotta have That!"

All of the above is spoken in fun, but I'm satisfied that i made the right choice in the Miata.  i just got back from a rather vigorous drive on a somewhat curvy road. I enjoyed it, in a different way than riding, BUT enjoyed it nevertheless.   Your results may vary.

[#2944]

The Slingshot headlights are excellent at night, surprised me as to how well they cover the road.  The rear lights are impressive also, makes people notice you right away.  The cruise is most welcome feature also.  In rain your legs and feet stay dry.  There's a bit of a learning curve on handling a 3 wheel vehicle just like the Spyder or Wing trike.  Glad I still have a Valk to jump on and feel the 2wheel road again.
Zots

[Dennis from Blythe]

Very cool Gail.  Thanks for sharing.   

DENNIS As I live and breath, so good to know you're still out there!!!!

Right back at ya Gail, glad you are still out here as well.

I am going to this INZANE,  sorry to hear you are not.  It would be great to see you, Karen and Justin again.

I sold my blue and silver Interstate,  now I ride  a 2015 gray F6B.

All right Gail,  I'll catch up to you another time.

   

 

[PAVALKER]

I know that my opinion is a little doubtful about motorcycles since I sold my last one.  However, into the discussion I go anyway.

The Slingshot has slightly more power than my Miata, it is lighter, it has various unknowns as far as reiiability, belt drive, audacious looks three wheels, and over  $20 k.

My Miata is a proven design, bulletproof motor, has four wheel wishbone suspension, BIG disc brakes, six speed manual, sport suspension, 50/50 weight distribution, and cruise, ac, radio, and i would bet that it handles much better than the Slingshot.  Did i mention the roof doesn't leak?  Cost to me $9360.

For the price of a Slingshot, one more wheel and all of the above in a new Miata would set you back the same amount. IMHO, the Slingshot isn't a motorcycle, unlike conversion trikes.

Seems to me that it's sorta like a Harley in that "I gotta have That!"

All of the above is spoken in fun, but I'm satisfied that i made the right choice in the Miata.  i just got back from a rather vigorous drive on a somewhat curvy road. I enjoyed it, in a different way than riding, BUT enjoyed it nevertheless.   Your results may vary.

    If and when that time comes for me, I'm with ya on some kind of convertible.

[oZ]

I love me my Miatas and me thinks Solo’s right; for the money you can get an used Miata and have a lot of fun, but….see below.

Quote from Motorcycle Cruiser:
“Polaris hasn’t released official performance figures for the Slingshot, but our informal timing puts 0–60 times under six seconds, and the gearing will push the vehicle to just north of 130 mph. Those numbers don’t put the Slingshot into supercar league, but you will have the pleasure of showing serious sports cars your fancy LED taillights, if you’re in the mood.”

In the video Justin asked if the Slingshot was as quick as my Porsche, well it sure felt like it but no it’s not, my car which turns in an average 0-60 mph 4.9 seconds is quicker (but who cares).

The Slingshot IS visceral, it felt fast, come on let’s face it, it is fast!!!! I’d still consider getting’ me a Slingshot.

When I stopped riding my Interstate I was looking around for a stable platform that this old man could deal with BUT keep at least the same or near same performance.

I considered and tried Des’ (or is it Leslie’s) Spyder. Quick for sure but what I loved about the Valkyrie was its ability to go cross country AND deal with the twisties, the Spyder is great for cross country but not made for the twisties, at all: Here, I’ll show you a video
https://vimeo.com/ozprez/spyder-not-for-twisties

Anywho at the time there were no answers for an old man wanting to still get a thrill out of riding so I looked for a fun driving experience. I ended up with a Porsche but had the Slingshot been available I might have gone a whole other direction (and saved considerable money).

I think the Slingshot is by far the best bang for the buck when it comes to “non-motorcycle” outstanding performance and to try and match that performance on 4 wheels your going to have to multiply the Slingshot's price by at least 3 times if not more.

The Slingshot is revolutionary like the Valkyrie was in it's day... the first truly "Power Cruiser" class motorcycle.  The Slingshot, at it's price point is the first truly affordable "Performance Vehicle". Truly high performance handling at a econo-box price!

My current toy

[solo1]

I can surely see why a great case can be made for a Slingshot.  If I drove one, I would probably say the same. Interesting that a Porsche was mentioned and that a considerable amount of money could've been saved by buying a Slingshot.  Same goes for me except I'm happy with my $9363.00 Miata. Wow! I don't have Porsche money.

 When I was in Johnson City with my son at Inzane, my first Miata kept up easily with Mark and Loth on their Valkyries on route 421 except in the straights.  I had FUN and that's the name of the game. I also enjoyed hearing that four cylinder motor winding its way to 7,000 RPM willingly and joyfully (Yeah, joyfully, that's how I would describe it!) .   I still missed the banking in the curves but anything else other than two wheels would be the same also.

For me, at my age, having given up riding, this Miata will again open up vistas to straighten and wind to be enjoyed and at a price well within my budget.................but that's me.

Wayne

[Jeff K]

Where do they draw the line? Tire count? It might look cool, it might drive cool, but if you get in it, not on it, it isn't a motorcycle to me. I thought they were splitting hairs with the Spyders being called motorcycles.
Donning my flameproof suit...

[Serk]

Why not add a 4th wheel and call it done is that by making it like they do, it has the safety requirements of a motorcycle, not a car. All the emissions crap, airbags, backup video cameras, etc. etc. etc... All that stuff and weight a car requires, this doesn't...

And it has caused some legal quandaries. Here in The Republic because of the Slingshot they just passed a new law making a third class of vehicles pretty much FOR the Slingshot called "Autocycles".

AN ACT relating to the titling, registration, and operation of an autocycle.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 501, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 501.008 to read as follows:
Sec.501.008.TITLE FOR AUTOCYCLE. (a)In this section, "autocycle" means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is:
(1)designed to have when propelled not more than three wheels on the ground;
(2) equipped with a steering wheel;
(3)equipped with seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the seat; and
(4)manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle.
(b)For purposes of issuing a title under this chapter, an autocycle is considered to be a motorcycle.
SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 502, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 502.004 to read as follows:
Sec.502.004.REGISTRATION OF AUTOCYCLE. (a)In this section, "autocycle" means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is:
(1)designed to have when propelled not more than three wheels on the ground;
(2) equipped with a steering wheel;
(3)equipped with seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the seat; and
(4)manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle.
(b)For purposes of registering a vehicle under this chapter, an autocycle is considered to be a motorcycle.
SECTION 3. Section 521.084, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 521.084. CLASS M LICENSE. A Class M driver's license authorizes the holder of the license to operate a motorcycle or moped as defined by Section 541.201.
SECTION 4. Section 521.085(b), Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
(b) Subsection (a) does not prohibit a license holder from operating a lesser type of vehicle that is a motorcycle described by
Section 521.001(a)(6-a) or an autocycle as defined by Section 501.008.
SECTION 5. Section 545.416, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:
(f)For purposes of Subsections (c) and (d), an autocycle as defined by Section 501.008 is considered to be a motorcycle.
SECTION 6. Section 547.617, Transportation Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 547.617. MOTORCYCLE FOOTRESTS AND HANDHOLDS REQUIRED.
(a) A motorcycle that is designed to carry more than one person must be equipped with footrests and handholds for use by the passenger.
(b)This section does not apply to an autocycle as defined by Section 501.008 or a motorcycle as defined by Section
521.001(a)(6-a).
SECTION 7. Chapter 661, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Section 661.0015 to read as follows:
Sec.661.0015.PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR FOR AUTOCYCLE. (a)In this section, "autocycle" means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is:
(1)designed to have when propelled not more than three wheels on the ground;
(2) equipped with a steering wheel;
(3)equipped with seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride the seat; and
(4)manufactured and certified to comply with federal safety requirements for a motorcycle.
(b)For purposes of this chapter, an autocycle is considered to be a motorcycle.
SECTION 8. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2015.

[bigguy]

To each his own. I decided that I'd rather add two wheels than one. It's a 1998 model I picked up for less than I paid for the Valkyrie. Much to my surprise it's every bit as much fun, if in slightly different ways.

[solo1]

To each his own. I decided that I'd rather add two wheels than one. It's a 1998 model I picked up for less than I paid for the Valkyrie. Much to my surprise it's every bit as much fun, if in slightly different ways.

Interesting.  When i had my first Miata, a close friend, and his wife, decided that it was time to sell his Gold Wing and quit riding. I offered him the use of the Miata and he and his wife took it for a drive with the top down. He came back and said "That's It!'   In a very short time he bought a used 2001 Z3 .  They briefly considered a Miata but opted for the slightly larger Z3 with an automatic tranny.
Just recently he bought another 2001 Z3 in excellent shape and he and his wife are in new England now enjoying the scenery and the Z3.

 When i was looking for a nice Miata this time, i drove a used Chevy Z28.  Too cumbersome, too heavy, too unresponsive, except for that big engine.  no thanks.

[oZ]

Big Guy;
What a beautiful car! And if it's about the joy of the ride I know that machine to be a carver on windy roads. I love me BMWs

[WamegoRob]

The Slingshot looks like a heck of a fun 3-wheeled sports car.  On the Slingshot-vs-Miata sort of discussion, though, I'm convinced that if DOT classifies it as a motorcycle then I'd prefer to not wear a helmet driving my convertible car. 
 
If, however, helmet-required states make exceptions in the form of the "Autocycle" classification, then it comes back to just which convertible car is more fun to drive.

[G-Man]

   The thing is a mystery to me, why not just add another rear wheel and be done with it?

That's what I say about those spyder thingies.  Saw one in The Bronx yesterday and rider was wearing a fullface and head to toe leathers.  Why, that thing ain't tipping over on the way to the next light or stop sign.  This thing was as big as a small car (bigger than some, Fiat for ex).  Silly.  Put a 4th wheel on it and make is a cool little hotrod, or an urban dune buggy type vehicle.

[f6gal]

I would seriously consider the Slingshot, IF I was no longer comfortable on 2 wheels.  But for now, the Valkyrie fills that need.  For my 4 wheel needs, below is my current choice of toys.  I love the retractable hard top.

[tonyfan70]

If you add one more wheel don't you pretty much have an Ariel Atom? And methinks they're available with a V-8, but I could be wrong. They aren't slow either.

That Beetle sure is a sexy looking car. Love it. It's gotta be nice to be able to own vehicles some of us might of had posters of all over the bedroom.

Often wondered when the day comes I can't ride anymore, would I still be able to muscle around one of those sweet kit car Cobras? I'd have to have help with some of the assembly but....

[solo1]

A Beetle is a Mercedes?  Did i miss something

[f6gal]

If you add one more wheel don't you pretty much have an Ariel Atom? And methinks they're available with a V-8, but I could be wrong. They aren't slow either.

That Beetle sure is a sexy looking car. Love it. It's gotta be nice to be able to own vehicles some of us might of had posters of all over the bedroom.

Often wondered when the day comes I can't ride anymore, would I still be able to muscle around one of those sweet kit car Cobras? I'd have to have help with some of the assembly but....

Yikes... Depending on the model, the Ariel Atom costs 3-4 times as much as the Slingshot.

[WNGD]

I have only seen the Slingshot at the Spring motorcycle shows so far but I'd love to take it for a weekend or rental.

I know some people like them, but a Miata only looks OK if you have your wife with you so you can pretend it's hers....same as a Beatle convertible or MGB to me, jmo, no insult intended.

[cookiedough]

I'd consider a used slingshot after about 5-6 years ONLY after the GM ecotec 4 banger is proven to be a reliable motor.

As far as a Miata, a 60 year old lady at work had one but sold it due to husband's failing health.  But she loved it driving it with the top down, felt like a young kid again.  I'd be afraid there is no room in it and get stuck in it, pretty tiny inside isn't it?

I'd buy a used corvette convertible if money allowed though or just put radial car tires on my 800cc 2-up Can am Max ATV and turn signals and drive it on the road as well, legal in some states.  It's almost the same size as the Miata after all?

[solo1]

I have only seen the Slingshot at the Spring motorcycle shows so far but I'd love to take it for a weekend or rental.

I know some people like them, but a Miata only looks OK if you have your wife with you so you can pretend it's hers....same as a Beatle convertible or MGB to me, jmo, no insult intended.

Yeah, i've run into that thought before too. so have a lot of MALE Miata drivers.  It's small so it's not macho.  I realize that no insult was intended .  Just the other day two women called it 'cute'

Thoughts like that come very close to the package that Harley sells.    However, the Miata sports car does perform, sometimes  a lot better than the bigger and heavier ones.  BTW, my son Chris (Psychotic Bovine) drove it and he came back enthusiastic and he's a big guy.

I'm most certainly glad that ,at my age, I make no excuses for being seen in my Miata, just like I make no excuses for not riding long distances on my motorcyles.

I think that it would be a good test to drive the Miata and the Slingshot back to back and THEN decide which one works for you.   Not knocking the Slingshot, it is a macho looking rig!