Polaris SLINGSHOT banned from 2 states [Archive] - Honda F6B Forums - The website for F6B & Gold Wing 2018+ Riders

bobbyf6b

12-20-2014, 07:56 PM

The article says that to be a motorcycle in Texas you must sit in a saddle position. If that's their definition then it's not a motorcycle.

IMHO, if you sit side by side I wouldn't consider it a motorcycle either. I think a sidecar is different since it's an add on.

DMAGOLDRDR

12-20-2014, 09:32 PM

:popcorn:

Polaris SLINGSHOT banned from Texas and Connecticut

I looked the Slingshot over at the New York Motorcycle Show last week and I see no reason the Slingshot should be considered as a Motorcycle. Nothing about it had me thinking Motorcycle! You sit "in" it and steer with a Steering Wheel. BUT that's just me!!!
I always thought a Motorcycle by definition was a Bicycle like vehicle propelled by an engine.
Where do we draw the line for what is and isn't a Motorcycle?

nox

12-20-2014, 09:52 PM

I don't know how everyone can compare the Slingshot to the Can-am Spyder. Apart from 3 wheels they are like chalk and cheese.

I believe the Slingshot will face a quick death as I don't see the market for them.

Steve 0080

12-20-2014, 10:05 PM

Went out to dinner and look what was up front and centered !!!

Phantom

12-20-2014, 10:06 PM

I looked the Slingshot over at the New York Motorcycle Show last week and I see no reason the Slingshot should be considered as a Motorcycle. Nothing about it had me thinking Motorcycle! You sit "in" it and steer with a Steering Wheel. BUT that's just me!!!
I always thought a Motorcycle by definition was a Bicycle like vehicle propelled by an engine.
Where do we draw the line for what is and isn't a Motorcycle?

TRIKES are the "grey area"

The Piagio 3-wheel moped
The Morgan is powered by a S&S v-twin
The Campagna T-Rex is powered by Kawasaki 1100,1200,1400 and BMW1600 engines
The Can-Am Spyder is powered by a Rotax
The Campagna V13R is powered by a V-Rod engine
The Boss Hoss Trike is powered by a Chevy 454
The Thoroughbred Stallion is powered by a Ford 2.3 liter engine
The common Goldwing Trike
The common Harley trike
The UN-Common Goldwing with the European 2-wheels up front kit

There are Trikes that you sit in, sit on, sit front to back and side by side :shrug:

XKnight

12-20-2014, 10:10 PM

Wow, that sucks! So much for my plan of buying one. I'm actually shocked that Texas of all places would ban it. Something smells fishy.

53driver

12-20-2014, 10:19 PM

Wow, that sucks! So much for my plan of buying one. I'm actually shocked that Texas of all places would ban it. Something smells fishy.

I read an article a few weeks back about the Texas issue. It's not that they banned it (as of that article), but they didn't know how to legislate it. I.e. register, train, license riders, etc.

bobbyf6b

12-21-2014, 12:27 AM

TRIKES are the "grey area"

The Piagio 3-wheel moped
The Morgan is powered by a S&S v-twin
The Campagna T-Rex is powered by Kawasaki 1100,1200,1400 and BMW1600 engines
The Can-Am Spyder is powered by a Rotax
The Campagna V13R is powered by a V-Rod engine
The Boss Hoss Trike is powered by a Chevy 454
The Thoroughbred Stallion is powered by a Ford 2.3 liter engine
The common Goldwing Trike
The common Harley trike
The UN-Common Goldwing with the European 2-wheels up front kit

There are Trikes that you sit in, sit on, sit front to back and side by side :shrug:

I agree it's sort of a grey area but the Texas definition pretty much clears it up. Out of that list the Thoroughbred is really the only "grey" one. Engines aren't the issue but the vehicle layout.

chipmaker

12-21-2014, 06:52 AM

Saw a red on up in Scottsdale, believe it was GOAZ's. Pretty cool looking...

Steve 0080

12-21-2014, 08:53 AM

Banned is a strong word..... not knowing how/what to register it is a little better. A state can not keep out one vehicle over another....

Retired Army

12-21-2014, 09:31 AM

The state can dictate how to register any vehicle for tax and licensing purposes. Good legislators set up tax bases to gain the most capital to keep the state solvent. Living in the land of the free is by no means free.

Texas TC

12-21-2014, 11:21 AM

Funny thing about the Texas issue with the Slingshot is they consider a V8 trike with side by side seating a motorcycle. A friend of mine (RIP) had one as a daily driver and it was considered for registration and insurance purposes as a motorcycle. Go figure.

10225

Deer Slayer

12-21-2014, 03:24 PM

I my case and age, the Slingshot may be my after Motorcycle ride. It ain't no motorcycle but it has to be a Hoot! I think it will be better than a bouncy ass trike. Oh well I have pissed off the Trike People! Just my two cents. :cheers:

Johncmendenhall

12-21-2014, 03:41 PM

Good.

Ixol Phaane

12-21-2014, 05:02 PM

Went out to dinner and look what was up front and centered !!!

Quick, Robin...to the BatMobile!! POW!!

Ericb445

12-21-2014, 09:28 PM

I can't see how any one say's they think this thing won't sell well?:shrug:
The dealer's in my area can't keep them on the showroom floor, there is a dealer in California selling them on Ebay for 10k over msrp.

I have seen two in the wild so far, and I think they look like a blast.
But it isn't no motorcycle for sure.
I still want to take one out for a spin.:icon_cool:

gray rider

12-22-2014, 03:51 PM

I hereby declare my Honda Pilot to be a motorcycle. It is, after all, a Honda and I am a motorcyclist. My Pilot plate runs over $400/year and the motorcycle plates are about $16/each. If the state cares to inspect my Pilot motorcycle I will remove one wheel and it should pass just fine.

CheesyRider

12-22-2014, 04:09 PM

Another line blurring creation (http://www.hannigantrikes.com/products/honda-gl1800-quadracycle/):
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1509873_885166084829662_6974734861707591389_n.jpg? oh=2ba0d86a9e71461faa037d3bc9346b09&oe=5506E701&__gda__=1430734490_4881cbd91d975d5e77bd1104cd46819 2https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1779773_885166231496314_4857654782909911934_n.jpg? oh=8303e57ea232d667b93bc161d35ffe6c&oe=55371E07
I'd be surprised if it could be sold for on-road use in most states.

Ixol Phaane

12-22-2014, 04:22 PM

bobbyf6b

12-23-2014, 01:30 PM

Isn't there some loophole that creators of "custom" vehicles have? There might be an issue because the Slingshot is mass produced.

opas ride

12-23-2014, 05:46 PM

Regardless of some states having issues with the Slingshot it is selling like "hotcakes"..The two local dealers around where I live have orders for 11 units so far and expect more quickly.....A friend of mine bought one last week in Florida and is bringing up to Michigan in a couple of months...He is going to take me for the "ride of my life" he says...We'll see!!

Darkknight

12-24-2014, 05:13 AM

I wanted to see one and maybe purchase one. I thought it would be easier for sweetie to handle than my F6B. Then CT had issues with registering it. Polaris can still work something out with the state DMV so it's still a possibility. The state says they just don't have anything on the books to cover this type of vehicle, not that they can't add something.
So no Black Slingshot with a big red bow under the tree for sweetie this year.:icon_frown:

I was thinking of a RV with a trailer to haul the slingshot and F6, then head down to the warmer climates when it's the dead of winter up here.:icon_wink:

Watchdog

12-26-2014, 03:42 PM

Was at the dealer today. They're selling them as soon as they come in. So there is a market for them. Had two there, both sold. They're ok. I prefer 2 wheels. I was there looking at a triumph tiger to keep the f6b company in the garage.

phlaug

03-14-2015, 07:50 AM

I believe the Slingshot will face a quick death as I don't see the market for them.

The Morgan, that phantom mentions below, might change your attitude, if you had my experience:

I'm approaching a stop light in our SUV in the right lane of two lanes in my direction and am slowing well in advance as there's no point using up brakes to sit and wait. One car already at the light in the left lane and I also figure I'll have a chance to time it and smoke him off the line (I do that any. time. I. can. -- the kid in me.)

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a blur blows by me in the left lane, cuts into the right like a go cart and stops at the light. The woman driving is wearing a bomber "helmet" and glasses, long blonde hair flowing out from under the leather, and blood red nails tapping the steering wheel. And then she takes off like a bat out of hell when the light turns green.

She singlehandedly created in me a lust for a Morgan (or, more precisely, for a woman who would own and drive a Morgan). And the Slingshot is just a WAY cheaper rendition of the same thing.

At the end of the day there are people afraid of certain things, but willing to try others. I don't think many of these things appeal to us -- to motorcyclists. But they could appeal to people who would never consider a bike, or a Can-Am Spyder for that matter...

Jimmytee

03-14-2015, 07:56 AM

Yeah, I'd be on a Spyder if I had to do 3 wheels. That's more like a 3 wheeled sports-cart. I'm sure it would be a blast to drive. "Drive" being the operative word here.:icon_biggrin:

Deer Slayer

03-14-2015, 09:27 AM

:popcorn:

Polaris SLINGSHOT banned from Texas and Connecticut

http://jalopnik.com/polaris-slingshot-now-banned-in-connecticut-still-not-1673007263

https://autos.yahoo.com/news/why-texas-banned-three-wheeled-polaris-slingshot-130043570.html

I like the silly Can Am Spyder part on the Texas part!:lolup: More news I have the wind in my face again, if only on short rides. Week 8 post op going very well. :workout::cheers:

choptop

03-14-2015, 10:22 AM

I like the silly Can Am Spyder part on the Texas part!:lolup: More news I have the wind in my face again, if only on short rides. Week 8 post op going very well. :workout::cheers:;wcsmiley;:yes:

Rcx

03-16-2015, 02:19 AM

A motorcycle has 2 wheels
Walmart has go carts that have 3
See ya -at the mart !

yellow rex

03-16-2015, 06:53 AM

Some people need 3 wheels due to some forum of limitations,
or handicap so be careful what you post some good people are on
3 wheels, and yes I have two 3 wheel bikes and two 2 wheel bikes.

bob109

03-16-2015, 09:08 AM

A motorcycle has 2 wheels
Walmart has go carts that have 3
See ya -at the mart !

Funny you should mention that! What actually determines what you're riding/registered is your "Owners Card"! Two wheeled or three wheeled your Owners Card identifies you scoot as a MC and, as is in Pa., your Drivers License must have the MC endorsement to operate either:stirthepot: As for your insurance, all companies, to my knowledge identify you scoot/cycle as a motorcycle:icon_wink:

Retired Army

03-16-2015, 10:24 AM

If your prize machine was classified as a "butt ugly" for tax, registration and needing an endorsement on your drivers license, would you still keep and ride it? "3wheelSmiley"

choptop

04-29-2015, 04:04 PM

Was at a customers home today and had to leave threw the garage and their sat a red Slingshot. Customer loves it, 1,000 miles so far. Not my cup of tea but...

hgslayr

04-29-2015, 11:06 PM

Slingshot is ugly...Bad replacement for a T Rex...lol

choptop

04-30-2015, 04:49 AM

I also like the looks of the T rex better.

seadog

04-30-2015, 05:41 AM

I also like the looks of the T rex better.

I think price has a lot to do with how much you like the design, around 22,000 for the slingshot and around 50 grand for the T-Rex. see that slingshot is looking better already. :stirthepot:
I talked to a guy who said he and his wife were out west doing 80 on the freeway and two of those slingshots went by him and he said I had to look down at the gear shift to see if I was in reverse. They just flew by him like he was parked he said. He figure they had to be doing well over 100 but probably closer to 130 miles per hour.

Texas TC

04-30-2015, 10:00 AM

I finally saw one on the road in Scottsdale Az yesterday. first one I have seen in action since they cannot be registered in Texas. Really strange to see on the road. Very low and wide and kinda ugly but looks like a blast to drive.

ths61

04-30-2015, 10:19 AM

Doug44

04-30-2015, 12:02 PM

I work part time at a dealership that sells them. We can't keep them in stock only time we did was when they had a "stop sell order" for the recall on the front steering. But not to sound like my Grandfather I about pulled out in front of one a few nights ago after dark. It was at a 3 lane intersection not lighted but with a lot of lights from gas stations etc in the background that sort of masked the Slingshot. The lights on them are very low to the ground and IMO poor as far as traffic. Again IMO they need an additional light up high perhaps between the seats up in the center console placed above the driver and passenger seat head area. I fear this could be a serious problem.

radi0chik

04-30-2015, 12:41 PM

Texas didn't "ban" them per se. The current wording in the state laws don't allow the Polaris Slingshot to be a car OR a motorcycle. http://www.slingshotforums.com/threads/texas-needs-your-help-to-change-state-law.2713/
(http://www.slingshotforums.com/threads/texas-needs-your-help-to-change-state-law.2713/)

They're actively trying to change the wording. But I don't think it's been voted on yet. So there's no real ban---yet.

13585

I got to sit in one at a local motorcycle show a while back. I'd LOVE to test ride/drive one. It's not a motorcycle, no, but I still think it'd be fun. It is a bit hard to get in and out of. I'm 5'10" and I kinda had to slide down into the seat. There's a place here in North Texas that rents them for 300 a day. How about 300 of you send me each $1 and I'll write a report on it! :icon_mrgreen::icon_mrgreen::icon_mrgreen: Nevertheless I think it'd be an awesomely fun thing to play with. If/when I win the lottery, that is.