"Zach Campbell" (zach-campbell)
01/02/2015 at 09:00 • Filed to: Slingshot, Polaris, Spotted
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"Zach Campbell" (zach-campbell)
01/02/2015 at 09:00 • Filed to: Slingshot, Polaris, Spotted | 5
| 6 |
Yeah, well, neither had I before yesterday.
The best way I can describe it is that if a Can-Am Spyder and Morgan 3 Wheeler had a child, it would look like the Slingshot.
Quoting Polaris: " Slingshot is a three-wheeled motorcycle. It is not an automobile, it does not have airbags, and does not meet automotive safety standards."
I spotted one the other day while sitting at a traffic light. Before I could turn around, the owner was long gone. About 30 minutes later, while I was pumping gas, the owner drove by again; still too fast for me to figure out exactly what it was. All I knew was that it was not anything I'd ever seen before.
Yesterday, my father told me he met a guy at the grocery store with a very cool car. All he could remember was that it was a Polaris and for me to look it up ASAP. After doing some research, sure enough, it was that car. My father said that the guy drove to Roanoke to get it, that he's only had it for a few days, and that he's loving it. He said the owner had about 4 pairs of Long Johns on, but was not letting the 30 degree weather keep him from driving his open top, open side, two seat, three wheeled vehicle motorcycle .
After doing some research, I have discovered that it is powered by a 2.4L GM-sourced Ecotec motor, creating 173 HP and 166 ft-lbs of torque. Thanks to its polymer body panels and high-strength steel spaceframe it weighs a somewhat anorexic 1743 lbs. It has a 5 speed short-throw transmission and utilizes a carbon-reinforced belt and shaft to power the rear wheel. It has a weatherproof interior, 18 inch wheels in the front and one 20 inch out back.
I am actually really liking this motorcycle . I think it looks great, is in a class all of its own, is affordable compared to other track cars/motorcycles, and with 173 HP on tap while weighing under 1 ton it should go like stink. I am interested to see how the Slingshot not only preforms in the showroom, but also on the road and the track.
Specs:
Dimensions:
Curb Weight: 1743 lbs.
Overall Length: 149.6 in.
Overall Width: 77.6 in.
Overall Height: 51.9 in.
Wheelbase: 105.0 in.
Chassis/Suspension:
High-Strength Steel Spaceframe.
Double-Wishbone Front Suspension.
Powertrain/Performance:
Engine: 2.4L DOHC GM-Sourced Ecotec Engine.
Power: 173 HP @ 6200 RPM.
Torque: 166 ft-lbs @ 4700 RPM.
Brakes:
298 mm Ventilated Disk All Around.
Wheels:
Two 18x7.5 in the Front.
One 20x9.0 in the Rear.
Transmission:
5 Speed Synchromesh with Reverse.
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt.
Shaft and Belt Drive.
Steering:
Electric Power Steering.
Driver Aids:
Anti-Lock Brakes, Electronic Stability and Traction Control.
Photo Credits of: Polaris, Motorcycle.com, and MotorcycleUSA.
Mattbob
> Zach Campbell
01/02/2015 at 09:14 |
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but 173HP through one tire.... Seems like a bad idea to me.
Cosmo F
> Zach Campbell
01/02/2015 at 09:34 |
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Reviews have been positive and their production is sold out through 2015.
RockThrillz89
> Mattbob
01/02/2015 at 09:43 |
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But that one tire is really wide. A lot of liter bikes are pushing that kind of power. And they weight about 1200lbs less, and a fingers width or two of rubber/road contact. This thing looks a blast when it goes crooked in the corners.
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Zach Campbell
> Cosmo F
01/02/2015 at 09:49 |
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Wow, I didn't know that. I live in a somewhat small city so when I saw one, especially with it being so new, I suspected they were selling like hot cakes. Good job Polaris!
BigBlock440
> Mattbob
01/02/2015 at 10:09 |
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No worse idea than putting 346 hp through 2 tires....
doodon2whls
> Zach Campbell
01/02/2015 at 10:13 |
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There has been some traffic on the Slingshot on Oppo/Jalopnik/Gawker.
http://thesmokingtire.kinja.com/video-polaris-…
http://indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com/polaris-slings…
Neat concept, but it's a very niche vehicle. We'll see how it fares.
Looking at the spaceframe, I feel like it needs two extra elements to complete the triangulation ... In the current configuration, the design says 'break here' at the vertex on the sides. I realize that they left that top element out to aid ingress/egress, and most assuredly have done enough analysis to ensure it'll live, but it just looks like a piece is missing.
