License requirements vary by state. for specific state licensing. Check out the latest videos, pictures, and updates from the world of Slingshot.Price: $19,999Available: NowThe first time you see the Polaris Slingshot coming at you, it looks like a set piece from some big-budget Marvel movie—this is a mode of transportation for someone with a secret identity and superpowers. There's that wide arachnid front end -skimming the pavement with spats and spoilers and open-wheel fenders, a prototype racer from the future. Then the rest of the machine comes into view, and it gets even wilder.The back end tapers to a point, where a hefty swing arm carries a carbon-fiber--reinforced belt that drives a single tire. From the front seats forward, it's like a car—bucket seats, steering wheel, GM Ecotec four-cylinder hooked to a five-speed manual transmission. From the rear it's a giant mutant motorcycle. And that distinction makes all the difference—the Slingshot's odd wheel count both -defines its identity and allows it to exist in the first place.

Because the Slingshot has three wheels, the federal government classifies it as a motorcycle. That means, depending on the state, you might need a motorcycle license and a helmet to drive it. Of course, it's not really a motorcycle, but it's certainly not a car either. At any rate, the motorcycle designation gave Polaris, maker of snowmobiles and off-roaders called side-by-sides, the freedom to design a machine with no doors, no roof, and no windshield (it's an option). There's no climate control, no airbags. This is a minimalist transportation experience—1,725 pounds and the wind in your face. The Slingshot makes a Lotus Elise look flabby and decadent. It's not really a motorcycle, but it's certainly not a car eitherHowever, as a street vehicle the Slingshot still has to pass muster with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and its rollout was marred by two significant recalls. On Jan. 20 Polaris issued a recall concerning the roll hoops, which might not meet specifications for hardness.

And you'd want to have strong roll hoops if you experienced the defect announced the next day, which involves a bearing in the steering rack. motorcycle tires oshawaPer the recall notice, "If the steering pinion gear disengages from the steering rack, a loss of steering control could result, increasing the risk of a crash." used bikes for sale nanaimoPolaris is not a carmaker, but right now it's learning that NHTSA has certain expectations for street vehicles, like ensuring that they steer.motorcycles for sale scarborough ukAssuming all the important parts remain bolted together, the potential for vehicular mayhem is somewhat limited by the Polaris' humble powertrain. used ktm for sale in los angeles

By car standards, the Slingshot's got a great power-to-weight ratio, with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder putting out 173 horsepower. motorcycle kickstand bootZero to sixty is probably around five seconds, and with traction control disabled the Slingshot will light up its rear tire. vespa for sale marylandThat said, Ducati riders accustomed to ten-second quarter-miles won't find that sort of thrill.womens motorcycle helmets glitter The handling, as you'd expect, is somewhat different from a car's. Without the stabilizing effect of dual rear wheels, turn-in is instant, but a given corner could -require a few steering corrections. Still, the body stays flat, and the ride is remarkably supple. Potholes, though, are a peril.

When you straddle a crater between the front wheels, you can feel a mule kick from the back a moment later as the centrally mounted tire drops in. Such is the price of three-wheel locomotion. The actual price, however, is surprisingly reasonable: $19,999 to start. That seems like a bargain for a machine that delivers so much visual impact and sheer visceral entertainment. Whatever the Slingshot is, there's nothing else like it.  3 things that happened to me while I had the Slingshot Alternative Fuel Vehicles by the Numbers The Physics of Tesla's Ridiculous 2.28-Second 0-60 Time Don't Hit the Trail Without a Hi-Lift Jack The Greatest Road in the World Might Be Switzerland's Furka Pass These Are 11 of AMG's Most Interesting and Unusual Cars This Roller Guardrail Seems Brilliant, Except For One Major Problem Why Carbon Fiber Is the Miracle Material This Is Probably the Only Time You'll See a New Ford GT Hit a Puddle Motorcycles Are Learning to Save You From Your Own Recklessness

How to Read a Tire Size Inches Off the Ground Feel the road in your seat and in your chest. Out in the Open Enjoy a 360° rush of sight, sound and smell. Charge every corner and never let off. Punch it and you’re there. Both driver and passenger have a front row seat to the action. News from the showThe Polaris Slingshot, a new three-wheeled sports-vehicle, lacks a few components necessary to be considered "a car." In most states you can register it as a motorcycle, slap on a helmet, and be on your way. Texas says "not so fast." It seems to be coming down to the Texas Department Of Public Safety clinging to the definition of a motorcycle as something with "a saddle" as opposed to a car-style seat, which the Slingshot has. As such, the vehicle is no longer street legal in the Lone Star State. According to this memo from Polaris HQ to dealers posted on SlingshotForums, it would appear Texas had given the vehicle prior approval but had changed their mind.