Polaris Slingshot

[r0tor]

I would be much more motivated if there was an option for a 4th wheel...

[MX793]

Thankfully, the tranny is different. The 2.4 EcoTech is bulletproof.

You sure about that?  The Skystice used an Aisin AR5 transmission.  And the gear ratios are exactly the same.

[2o6]

Yeah, I don't think there's any other trans that will mate up to the 2.4

[Payman]

You sure about that?  The Skystice used an Aisin AR5 transmission.  And the gear ratios are exactly the same.

Whoops, you're right. I thought the Solstice was a 6 speed. Uh-oh. I didn't like that tranny in the one I test drove.

[MrH]

Was it geared too short or too tall?

[hotrodalex]

I'm sure the rear end (err.. chain) is geared differently.

[MrH]

I just did the math.  3.65 vs 3.73 in the solstice/sky

I think it's worth a test drive though, just to see.  The question is, can I test drive without having a motorcycle license...

[hotrodalex]

The price is a pleasant surprise, given a 1000RZR is $20k.

Guess they don't think the market is as willing to spend silly amounts of money on this compared to the ATV market.

[MX793]

Was it geared too short or too tall?

The problem was more the gear spacing.  IIRC, the gap from 2nd to 3rd (or maybe it was 3rd to 4th?) was too large and the motor fell out of the sweet spot.

[MX793]

Guess they don't think the market is as willing to spend silly amounts of money on this compared to the ATV market.

Powertrain is likely cheaper by virtue of the larger quantities of EcoTecs built every year vs ATV engines.

[MrH]

The problem was more the gear spacing.  IIRC, the gap from 2nd to 3rd (or maybe it was 3rd to 4th?) was too large and the motor fell out of the sweet spot.

Darn.  I'm going to try and get a test drive and see what it's like.  Maybe by virtue of it being so much lighter, it won't fall back in the dead zone for long?  A man can wish...

[Payman]

Darn.  I'm going to try and get a test drive and see what it's like.  Maybe by virtue of it being so much lighter, it won't fall back in the dead zone for long?  A man can wish...

This is a completely different animal than the Skystice, and has the additional belt final drive. I'm looking forward to some real reviews and of course a test drive. I'm going to have to get my MC license now.

[MrH]

Guys, you know what this means though...

LNF Ecotect bolts right up.  That means 300 hp for another couple grand...

[Payman]

Guys, you know what this means though...

LNF Ecotect bolts right up.  That means 300 hp for another couple grand...

[Soup DeVille]

The gear ratios are not well matched to that motor's powerband.  I've never read any praise for that powertrain combo.

Sometimes, chopping half a ton off the curb weight can rearrange those issues.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

 

Nothing too amazing, I'm sure they'll sell a few for a few years and then dump it. Atleast people who buy a can am can still argue they are actually "riding" a bike.

This looks pretty cheesy, is that steering wheel even leather wrapped? 4 grand for red paint? I hope it's actually paint and not gelcoat for that kind of money.

Pretty heavy, IMO and not very powerful while being too expensive and somewhat stupid looking.

Performance wise this thing has about the same power to weight as a base C5 corvette. It's far from slow but also not quite "fast" either, IMO.

I guess I give them some credit for trying though, nobody else seems to be trying.

[Payman]

Nothing too amazing, I'm sure they'll sell a few for a few years and then dump it. Atleast people who buy a can am can still argue they are actually "riding" a bike.

This looks pretty cheesy, is that steering wheel even leather wrapped? 4 grand for red paint? I hope it's actually paint and not gelcoat for that kind of money.

Pretty heavy, IMO and not very powerful while being too expensive and somewhat stupid looking.

Performance wise this thing has about the same power to weight as a base C5 corvette. It's far from slow but also not quite "fast" either, IMO.

I guess I give them some credit for trying though, nobody else seems to be trying.

Nobody has done it for this price point. Makes the KTM and Campagna T-Rex look grossly overpriced.

[MX793]

This is a completely different animal than the Skystice, and has the additional belt final drive. I'm looking forward to some real reviews and of course a test drive. I'm going to have to get my MC license now.

Final drive, including belt, is taller than the Skystice was.  But it is also much lighter, so even out of the sweet spot, the thing is going to hustle.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

Still to expensive, atleast for me.

I believe is someone really wanted to they could make something much better for less. My guess it would be one of the japanese companies.

Skirting automotive crash and emissions requirements by making it a trike should allow for a huge amount of savings in regard to R&D and manufacturing costs.

A RaceRep liter bike is all of 13K. The only difference between that and a performance trike is a some metal and another wheel and a seat. I wouldn't expect them to be able to beat that price, but I'd think one of them would be able to come in well under 20. With a much superior product compard to the slingshot.

[MrH]

Guys, the solution is simple:  Skip the red paint, worthless sound system, and ugly wheels.

Instead, drop in a crate LNF motor for $3k.  300 hp, 340 lb/ft of torque.  Bad gearing be damned

[Soup DeVille]

Atleast people who buy a can am can still argue they are actually "riding" a bike.

No. They can't.

[MrH]

Nothing too amazing, I'm sure they'll sell a few for a few years and then dump it. Atleast people who buy a can am can still argue they are actually "riding" a bike.

This looks pretty cheesy, is that steering wheel even leather wrapped? 4 grand for red paint? I hope it's actually paint and not gelcoat for that kind of money.

Pretty heavy, IMO and not very powerful while being too expensive and somewhat stupid looking.

Performance wise this thing has about the same power to weight as a base C5 corvette. It's far from slow but also not quite "fast" either, IMO.

I guess I give them some credit for trying though, nobody else seems to be trying.

It might not be blindly fast, but it's that kind of open wheel driving experience can't really be had for $20k.  I'm excited for it.

It may seem weird, but I'm curious how open the lower portion of the cockpit is.  If I wear khakis into work, would I run the risk of getting road grime all kicked up at me?

[FlatBlackCaddy]

Also, something like this needs a motorcycle motor. I can only imagine the thrill of driving a purpose built race machine with a gm 4 banger rattling and thrashing away as I run it deep into it's 6400rpm redline.

Another reason the japanese need to do this, atleast they have the motors laying around to power something like this(properly).

maybe that's the best thing about this, it's existence and the possibility that someone will answer this product with something much much better.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

No. They can't.

They can, kind of. Since they are sitting up and moving handlebars.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

It might not be blindly fast, but it's that kind of open wheel driving experience can't really be had for $20k.  I'm excited for it.

It may seem weird, but I'm curious how open the lower portion of the cockpit is.  If I wear khakis into work, would I run the risk of getting road grime all kicked up at me?

I'd be more worried about that GM mill showering me with miscellaneous liquids.

[Soup DeVille]

I would be much more motivated if there was an option for a 4th wheel...

Legally, that might work as a bolt-on aftermarket kit

[FlatBlackCaddy]

Frankly, the 3 wheeled aspect is a dealbreaker for me. Price could have overcome that but I see alot more people being more interested in used performance vehicles, kit cars or other purpose built track cars. Anyone in this market(speaking of the track/race aspect) isn't going to be afraid to turn a wrench. With that in mind this thing does miss the bar, IMO.

I'll put my money elsewhere and be much better off for it.

[MrH]

That thing looks great, but for $29k, you still need to do paint, gauges, lights, wheels/tires, and seats.  And that's for the most complete kit you can buy.  Buying anything less complete, and you're probably looking at a year long project at least.

[FlatBlackCaddy]

That thing looks great, but for $29k, you still need to do paint, gauges, lights, wheels/tires, and seats.  And that's for the most complete kit you can buy.  Buying anything less complete, and you're probably looking at a year long project at least.

I was thinking of buying the stage 3 this winter and having it finished by early spring. It's not that much work.

Even a stage 3 and wheels and tires gives you a complete roller, just install(bolt in) engine and drivetrain and that's 80% of the car.

[Payman]

What kit is that?