10 Reasons Why The Polaris Slingshot Is Better Than A Traditional Motorcycle

Oct 20, 2023

Don't let the three wheels and steering wheel deter you; here's why you need to give the Polaris Slingshot a chance

When the Polaris Slingshot first hit the market, people were not quite sure what to make of it. First, the purists claimed that it would never be a motorcycle because it had three wheels. Then others said it wasn't a trike because the two wheels were in front and not in the back. Even the local governments couldn't agree on whether it was a car or a motorcycle. Thankfully, the Slingshot has settled in and found its place on the road. Those who buy one end up loving it and the lifestyle they bring. These 10 reasons to give the Polaris Slingshot a chance will have you booking a test drive.

A Polaris Prostar 2.0L 4 Cylinder engine with a carbon fiber reinforced belt is powering the Slingshot. Depending on which Polaris you purchase, it could have anywhere from 178 to 203 horsepower. There are also manual and automatic options, making it possible for anyone to drive a Slingshot. The manual machines come with a five-speed transmission. From a stop, it can achieve 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. It can reach a top speed of 125 miles per hour. The 1,997cc engine rev limits at 8,500 RPMs. For stopping power, the Slingshot comes with Brembo aluminum calipers and vented cast iron brake rotors.

Riding a motorcycle is fun, but let's face it, they aren't always the most practical mode of transportation. There is a serious lack of storage capacity, which leaves you making the hard decisions about what you really need to bring with you. Of course, you could add saddlebags and luggage, but now you are adding bulk and weight. With a Slingshot, you don't have these problems. There are convenient small compartments throughout to keep essentials readily available. Then, larger compartments behind the seats can easily hold a weekend travel bag. This makes daily traveling or traveling with a Slingshot more practical.

Related: Top 10 Best Trike Motorcycles You Can Buy

Ride on any motorcycle for long enough, and your body will begin to ache. There is just no getting around it. This is because you are stuck in one position for the entire time. You have one leg on either side of the machine, and you must stay centered and balanced to stay upright. This isn't the case with the Polaris Slingshot. Instead, you sit in the machine in a traditional car set with plenty of legroom. This lets you move around and change positions. There is also plenty of support through the back and seat, so your body feels supported.

There is nothing on the road that looks quite like a Polaris Slingshot. They aren't passenger vehicles, motorcycles, golf carts, or scooters. Despite having three wheels, they don't have the same setup as a trike. They are also more substantial than a Cam Am, another two in the front three-wheeled vehicle. The unique styling of the Polaris means you are going to turn heads. Even if you have a basic base model, people are going to look at it. Start customizing, and be prepared to have people stop, take pictures, and want to talk to you. Even if you see another Polaris on the road, the odds are slim that it will look like yours.

Related: 10 Types Of Harley Davidson Motorcycles

Because there are three wheels and the majority of the weight is practically sitting on the ground, the Slingshot is incredibly stable. You would have to try hard to get it to flip over or roll. We are not recommending that you try to do this. However, that stability comes in handy when taking on ultra-curvy or mountain roads. You feel stable and secure as you punch the gas and turn the wheel. In addition, take a walk around the Slingshot and check out that back tire. It is huge! That wide back tire plants the back of the Slingshot and keeps it secure.

Fuel economy is one of the primary reasons for the growing popularity of motorcycles. As fuel prices rise, more and more people are looking for ways to save money while commuting. With the Polaris, you get impressive fuel economy without committing to riding a motorcycle daily. Polaris claims that you can get between 23 and 33 miles per gallon. The average is about 28 miles per gallon. Of course, your driving habits and fuel quality will determine how good of fuel economy you can get with your Polaris. Polaris recommends that you use 91 octane or higher.

Related: 10 Reasons Why You Should Own A Harley-Davidson Fat Boy

Not to be left behind, the Slingshot comes with all the technology that you could ever want. Apple CarPlay comes standard on most and is an option you can add on others. There are multiple technology packages to choose from. A basic package includes a seven-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, a backup camera, and a USB port. The more extensive technology package includes the same display but also navigation, vehicle health monitoring, vehicle location, Bluetooth, a backup camera, and USB phone connectivity. If you want to really upgrade your Polaris, check out the Rockford Fosgate package with an upgraded stereo system.

The amount of aftermarket customization options is virtually endless for the Slingshot. First, there are a ton of colors to choose from. Unlike motorcycles, where you are lucky if there are more than one or two colors, Slingshots come in everything from basic black to neon yellow. Then, once you choose your color, it's time to choose the body design, seats, lights, sound system, and anything else you can think of. The customization process is also approachable, so you don't have to be a mechanic or have experience turning a wrench to express your personal style. Check out a local club or meet to get inspired.

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Motorcycles are dangerous. Your entire body remains exposed to the elements and traffic around you. This isn't the case with the Slingshot. Instead, you sit down and in it. There is a strong and durable metal cage that surrounds you, providing a significant amount of crash protection. Then, if you opt for the roof, you have a solid cover above you, giving you even more coverage and protection. The Slingshot comes equipped with seatbelts. Years of testing have shown that seatbelts in moving vehicles save lives. Finally, in some states, the Polaris is a motorcycle. This means you must follow motorcycle laws, such as wearing a helmet. Now your face and head are protected in the event of an accident.

Don't assume that because the Slingshot is bigger that it has a higher price tag than a motorcycle. This simply is not the case. With a starting price point of about $21,000, many motorcycles are more expensive. This makes the price reasonable and affordable when you consider everything you get for your money. For that same base price, you could buy a Harley-Davidson Street Glide, Triumph Tiger 1200, or an MV Agusta Turismo Veloce 800 Lusso. These are all great bikes, but you get so much more for your money with the Slingshot. Especially if you plan to take trips or travel with your new machine.

Andra DelMonico has dedicated her writing career to sharing her passion for cars and motorcycles. She has 15 years of experience owning, riding, and working on both sportbikes and cruisers, at one point rebuilding her Kawasaki ZX14. She routinely attends motorcycle events across the country, from Daytona to Sturgis. As a writer, Andra has utilized her knowledge and passion to write compelling and detailed content for a wide variety of motorcycle industry clients.