I went to my favorite motorcycle dealership, Clinton County Motorsports, to wish friends a “Merry Christmas.” And, I was hoping to see the new Polaris Slingshot. And there it was, right inside the door surrounded by display material enough to fill a Christmas stocking and then some.
Immediately, the vehicle strikes you as awesome sexy, like something Batman would be driving. It’s nearly 79 inches wide—wider than my Highlander. Wider than a Corvette, according to Jason, one of the sales people.
There’s a trick to getting into it. The steep sides and cavernous foot wells, make for an interesting entry and exit, which would definitely be easier for someone who is regularly practicing Yoga. It will take longer for “old guys.” The key is to slide the seat all the way back and step in with both feet before sitting down and sliding the seat forward to reach the controls. A reverse procedure will get you out.
According to Brad Copsey, CCM sales manager, they have sold or taken deposits on seven units. Four are on the road and three are with deposits including this one on the floor. It’s starting off as a hot seller.
Also on the floor, a 2015 Suzuki V-Strom 650. Now, that’s more my style.
My wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas. I haven’t said anything yet! 
See you on the highway.
Brent
The Slingshot looks very cool, but if I managed to get in, I would probably need assistance exiting.
The VStrom looks to be more appropriate for an old guy like me :o)
That looks pretty wild — but I’m wondering what’s it for? A new take on a convertible, or a strategy to lower the center of gravity of a motorcycle?
Allan, it’s very sexy looking, and HP to weight means very powerful. But, is it practical? This model, according to CCM, is $24,000. The loaded version is more. In a state that requires helmets, one is needed to drive this three-wheeled roadster. A Mazda Miata MX-5 starts at $23,970, comes with soft or hard tops, has four wheels instead of three, and requires no helmet, unless you’re on the race track. 🙂
likin’ the less is more
re: slingshot. I’m thinking “three wheeled go-cart” and idea doesn’t appeal, but if it sells product, good on them. me, I’d as soon get a mini-cooper with a sun roof – same thing, just slightly more framing about my head
re: v-strom. KLR driver right now, you may have seen me around Wilmington – big guy, black helmet, reflective highway vest, black KLR, two Pelican cases with Kalashikov Kitty stickers. but someone who’s opinion I really trust was bending my ear on why I really should take a serious look at the v-strom. and he had multiple good points. think I could handle a 650 adventure, but only after armoring up that silly exposed muffler and oil filter area.
Alan, that’s a fairly good mental picture of the Slingshot: a “three-wheeled go-cart.” But, it’s gonna have a lot more power.
If you have scrolled through this web site, you have probably noticed that I am riding both a V-Strom and a KLR. Both great bikes. I believe the V-Strom is the better bike, but the KLR is so fun to ride, and better on rougher and unpaved roads. I would not buy the V-Strom Adventure model which comes with the crash bars, bash plate and panniers. I would buy the standard and accessorize it with after market products. My V-Strom 650 has SW Motech engine guards and bash plate–less expensive than the Suzuki accessories. And, I prefer the Givi bags. –Brent
re: slingshot, co-worker of mine saw them refilling it at gas station at 68/71 and was talking about how ‘bad’ he thought it was. Maybe he’s one of the one who put it on reserve! I’m just missing that excitement gene though.
re:v-strom, I would go the buy-the-basic and farkle it up from there, if I got a ‘V. Did that with my KLR, but I’m sticking with my low-rent Pelican cases panniers. Did buy HT SU racks, but built custom mounts – having a MIG welder and plasma cutter does that for you. (grin) Otherwise, I can’t afford most of the luggage solutions.