One thing that has not been brought up is vehicle support. While I enjoy my '14 RTL, the thing about the Slingshot that got my attention was if you had an issue out on the road, you may be closer to help. It has a car engine (GM), car tranny (GM), a more car-like front suspension among other things. If it breaks out in the middle of Nowhere USA, one may not have such a lonely feeling. Otherwise, both are fun vehicles in their own way. If I had room and the Slingshot was smaller, I would consider one to go along with the Spyder.
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BRP Spyder & Polaris SlingShot / Side by Side - Mike Mas
- Thread starter IdleUp
- Start date
You're right Bob as I mentioned in the closing the Sling does not offer the same rush as a bike which was the reason I went looking for another Spyder.
Regards
jcthorne
Well-known member
Yeah, just keep thinking that right up to the point you take it to a chevy dealer and ask for help....
There is actually far more assistance available for Spyder owners than SS. And that still is not all that much.
I appreciated the write up but please quit calling the SS a bike. Its a go cart with 3 wheels. Its NOT a bike. Does not look like a bike, does not ride like a bike, does not handle or control like a bike. They are a fun little go cart but not even close to being fast compared to sports cars.
HayRog
New member
+ 1
monkeyboymorton
Member
I too would draw the line at calling the SS a bike. It clearly is not. I call the spyder a bike as it's closer to that than anything else and I feel it embodies the spirit of a motorbike. You sit on it, rather than in it. It has handlbars, rather than a steering wheel. And so on......
The Polaris to me embodies the spirit of kit cars like the Caterham 7 or Westfield or other low volume track day oriented cars like the KTM X-Bow, Ariel Atom, Radical etc. They usually have off the shelf powertrains, suspension etc, as the Polaris has been descibed as having above.
The official designation as a bike by some states is clearly just legal adminstrative nonesense as they have no idea what to do with it. We have a vehicle class called 'tricycle' in the UK which doesn't require a helmet and can be driven on a car licence. The spyder falls into this category in the UK. Not sure what the Polaris would come under here, but defintely not a bike!!
As for looks, well beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. I quite like it from the front and front 3/4 view. However, I could not live with that rear:
It looks like it was on a fairground ride and somehow came loose. Quite simply horrible. I really cannot believe they released it looking that unfinished at the rear. Sorry SS owner but it's got a hideous ass!!
The Polaris to me embodies the spirit of kit cars like the Caterham 7 or Westfield or other low volume track day oriented cars like the KTM X-Bow, Ariel Atom, Radical etc. They usually have off the shelf powertrains, suspension etc, as the Polaris has been descibed as having above.
The official designation as a bike by some states is clearly just legal adminstrative nonesense as they have no idea what to do with it. We have a vehicle class called 'tricycle' in the UK which doesn't require a helmet and can be driven on a car licence. The spyder falls into this category in the UK. Not sure what the Polaris would come under here, but defintely not a bike!!
As for looks, well beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. I quite like it from the front and front 3/4 view. However, I could not live with that rear:
It looks like it was on a fairground ride and somehow came loose. Quite simply horrible. I really cannot believe they released it looking that unfinished at the rear. Sorry SS owner but it's got a hideous ass!!
Maybe I'm looking at her wrong - but that's a damn "Good Looking" ass to me! :shocked:
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I'm waiting for Fall with some color and leaves and I'll do one on my F3-T - Thanks
Hypurone
Active member
One thing that no one ever seems to mention that has driven a slingshot for any length of time is the SERIOUS heat issues in the passenger compartment. Specifically the drivers' side. My nephew and I rented one of these for a few hours and HOLY CR@P does it roast your feet and legs! :yikes:
Only after extended driving at "speed" can you get it reduced to a livable point. But then when you slow down again, guess what? :banghead:
Our mule had 14K on the clock and was a 2015. It sounded like it was gonna come apart at anything over 5k rpm. And running it up to where they make the most power (6200 IIRC) is a feat of daring, cuz you don't want to be responsible for what sounds like imminent implosion!
I highly recommend renting one first if at all possible, if you are seriously in the market....
Only after extended driving at "speed" can you get it reduced to a livable point. But then when you slow down again, guess what? :banghead:
Our mule had 14K on the clock and was a 2015. It sounded like it was gonna come apart at anything over 5k rpm. And running it up to where they make the most power (6200 IIRC) is a feat of daring, cuz you don't want to be responsible for what sounds like imminent implosion!
I highly recommend renting one first if at all possible, if you are seriously in the market....
Jerry,
Thanks for the flowers - of course when I put up my post on the Slingshot forum, I'll get the other end of the riders! Its just the nature of the beast!
Bottom line for $25K be it a car or bike, this thing is a absolute friggen blast to Drive, Open, Quick and while I'm not one for showing off, The Slingshot will stop traffic get more looks and cell phone shots that a Ferrari!
Regarding your magazine comments - I published a magazine on RC helicopters for 19 years - here's a PDF issue with a real turbine engine in a model - Enjoy!
http://www.rotory.com/free/rotorymay10.pdf
The heat issue is from the muffler being located in the engine compartment. But its all in the windshield selection - The LE model comes with a double bubble windshield (shown) and therefore let's air in on both side of the rider and passenger which evacuates all the heat on the compartment and has no heat issues at all.
The heat issue is only with the full windshield - however, if you look at my bike my tall full winter windshield has the adjustable wings which evacuates the heat as good as the double bubble and there is no heat issues at all. During the winter by closing the side vents it gets nice and warm without a heater. Since its an automotive engine you can easily add a coolant heater to the bike.
Also, by adding the heat / sound foil stick to the firewall reduces the heat further.
Regarding another users concerns for warranty - believe me, no matter if you drive a Spyder or Slingshot both companies suck big time in support - if you don't break down close to your selling dealer you're screwed. If you were lucky enough to find a dealer - believe me the guy is going to think you're weird because its not a Jet Ski! Also, they are not going to roll you in and fix it right now - that does not happen, so bring some extra clothes and a motel directory because you're not going anywhere for a while.
When it comes to warranty - you are in a far better position with the Slingshot, because unlike the Spyder, the drive train on the Slingshot is all "Common Chevrolet" and any general repair facility can work on it, to include Idiots! Besides, what really can break down with a common car engine and a stick transmission?
Pirate looks at --
New member
:agree:Having ryden behind a SS for several miles, I had the same thought! Did they run out of money to continue the design process? Have they ever looked at the vehicle driving away? It looks cool from the front and the side, but it is in serious. End of an Ass lift!:roflblack::roflblack:
Pirate looks at --
New member
Get it right
We all need to stop calling either one of these vehicles "Bikes". They are not bikes (bi meaning two). They are, at least the Spyder is, motorcycles! In Texas I believe that the SS is an "Autocycle". All that being said, I refer to our spyders as motorcycles! They have motors and they are a tricycle, or trikes for short. For reasons mentioned by others here the SS is no more a bike/trike/motorcycle than an RC airplane is an RC/helicopter! JMHO
We all need to stop calling either one of these vehicles "Bikes". They are not bikes (bi meaning two). They are, at least the Spyder is, motorcycles! In Texas I believe that the SS is an "Autocycle". All that being said, I refer to our spyders as motorcycles! They have motors and they are a tricycle, or trikes for short. For reasons mentioned by others here the SS is no more a bike/trike/motorcycle than an RC airplane is an RC/helicopter! JMHO
Bob Denman
New member
Of course: you are correct...
We all need to stop calling either one of these vehicles "Bikes". They are not bikes (bi meaning two). They are, at least the Spyder is, motorcycles! In Texas I believe that the SS is an "Autocycle". All that being said, I refer to our spyders as motorcycles! They have motors and they are a tricycle, or trikes for short. For reasons mentioned by others here the SS is no more a bike/trike/motorcycle than an RC airplane is an RC/helicopter! JMHO
Hey Pirate,
When I bought my first Spyder back in 08 all the "Other" motorcycle riders said the same exact thing you're saying about the Slingshot that its not a motorcycle and is a joke. In fact, when I lived in Va my club "Would Not" let me ride my Spyder on our monthly their rides, they said it was too wide and interfered with other riders. Get ready because a number of companies are coming out with forward trikes and there's going to be a lot more name calling.
Let's not forget our Harley Davidson riders - they were the toughest on Spyders but now since Harley came out with a Trike - its all OK and forgotten LOL.
Bottom line I'm going to keep call it a bike because its nothing like my Ford 150 or my old ladies car. Really who cares what they call it - both the Slingshot and the Spyder sitting on the ground are identical - there is two steering wheels and the set is pushed by a rear wheel. Both require Motorcycle endorsements, both require helmets, both are open air cabins, both allow you to get killed easier than a car! Who gives a damn what the seat looks like or if the bike has a steering wheel or handlebars - it means absolutely nothing.
Regards
Ron2andia
New member
I like the Slimg Shot and think it looks amazing! Love my Spyder as well.. But a SS is not a bike... Anything with a steering wheel, a hood and engine like a car is just that.. That being said as long as it's fun who cares! Have fun I hope to drive one.. Well test drive lol... someday soon...
JerryB
New member
Hi Ron2andia,
Re: But a SS is not a bike...
Bike or motorcycle, you & the others on here saying it is not a m/c; the State of Oregon disagrees with you.
Until they change the law, any 3-wheeler is registered as a motorcycle & must obey the laws associated with them.
Jerry Baumchen
PS) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_rose_by_any_other_name_would_smell_as_sweet
Re: But a SS is not a bike...
Bike or motorcycle, you & the others on here saying it is not a m/c; the State of Oregon disagrees with you.
Until they change the law, any 3-wheeler is registered as a motorcycle & must obey the laws associated with them.
Jerry Baumchen
PS) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_rose_by_any_other_name_would_smell_as_sweet
M
MelloYelloSpyder
Guest
You forgot gas pedal and seatbelts...
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