You may not even realize it, but the 2010s were not that long ago. One second you’re watching the Chicago Cubs win the World Series and break their 71-year curse, “Gangnam Style” was the biggest song in the world, and everyone suddenly became an activist after using #KONY2012 on their social media. Next thing you know, you’re buying baby formula, teaching yourself how to balance a checkbook, thanking whoever it was that invented the air fryer, and debating on whether you should deactivate all your social media accounts and enjoy life.
We have all gone through significant changes in a short amount of time, and the motorcycle industry is no different. These days motorcycles are outfitted with technology that is downright futuristic, and it keeps getting more and more advanced every day. But the 2010s were also great for the motorcycling world too. It was a decade for when the standard for what makes a sport bike great was raised to a new level. Bikes saw new designs, bigger engines, more torque, more power, and best of all… more fun. So let’s take a cruise down memory lane and check out some of the sport bikes that made the 2010s a great decade to start your motorcycling journey.
1 2018 Ducati Panigale V4S
While the 2010s were a big decade for motorcycles in general, the one class that really took this time to stand out are superbikes. One in particular that managed to stand out from the crowd was the release of the Ducati Panigale V4 in 2018. Up until this point, Ducati had been in the habit of pushing out capable-yet-clunky Panigale V-twins that many customers were growing weary of. Seeing room for improvement, the motorcycle manufacturer replaced it with a new brand-defining model with new standards of performance, power, torque, and control. The Panigale V4 based its frame off that of a MotoGP and was available in for trims: the standard V4, the performance-focused S, the even more performance-focused Speciale, and the top-shelf V4R. This V4’s approach to power was direct and instant, as it could accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 3.2 seconds, 100mph in 5.63 seconds, and 150mph in 9.85 seconds. With a top speed recorded at 191.3mph, the Panigale V4 served as the new face of Ducati by attracting customers ranging from casual weekend riders to full-blown competitive racers.
Specs
|
Engine |
1,103cc 90-degree V4 w/ counter-rotating crankshaft |
|
Engine Output |
214 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque |
|
Transmission |
Six-Speed |
|
Fuel Economy |
34 MPG |
2 2013 Ducati Streetfighter 848
What happens if you take the Ducati Panigale and strip it down? You get the Ducati Streetfighter. By doing away with the additional fairings and bringing a set of higher handlebars, Ducati’s Streetfighter line is about as “naked” as these bikes can get. By bringing some of the style of its V4 brethren, the Streetfighter is powered by a V2 engine that brings all the fun and speed one can expect from a Ducati, but at a more affordable price point. Also, thanks to its easy-to-handle nature, this motorcycle is often viewed as a decent entry-level model for someone looking to enter the Ducati world without feeling overpowered by the bike. While the model we are referring to comes equipped with the V2 engine, multiple versions of the Streetfighter are available with V4 engines.
Specs
|
Engine |
849cc liquid-cooled, Testastretta 11-degree L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder |
|
Engine Output |
125 horsepower and 66 lb-ft of torque |
|
Transmission |
Six-Speed |
|
Fuel Economy |
42.6 MPG |
3 2010 BMW S 1000 RR
If there was a motorcycle that understood the assignment of “perfect timing”, it would be the BMW S 1000 RR. This superbike was launched by the German auto manufacturer in 2010, and it also happened to be their first attempt entering the superbike world. But considering that BMW has some of the greatest engineering minds on the planet, it seemed rather appropriate that the S 1000 RR set the bar high for the decade in terms of power, performance, and handling. Outfitted with ABS, traction control, four selectable ride modes, and the option to add a quickshifter, this bike first started out as a limited-edition model with only 1,000 available units for sale. But considering the positive response it had from customers, as well as hungry buyers, BMW quickly brought this bike back into the factory for mass-production.
Specs
|
Engine |
4-Stroke, traverse four-cylinder, DOHC Engine |
|
Engine Output |
193 horsepower and 82.6 lb-ft of torque |
|
Transmission |
Six-Speed |
|
Fuel Economy |
33.8 MPG |
4 2014 Kawasaki Z1000SX
A Different Scooter Specialist? SOCA Specializes In Vespa
Have you heard of SOCA? Well, now you have and let me tell you more about them. A few of us were approached by a new distributor, and let’s just say that they’re quite crazy when it comes to Vespas.
The distributor and the brand themselves are quite fanatic when it comes to Vespa scooters. Hailing from Indonesia, SOCA is a brand that was born out of a passion for Vespa, a certain lifestyle, and the craving to create parts that are a visual expression of performance and passion, akin to the very scooters that SOCA designs for.
When it comes to vision, the brand is more than just parts and accessories. Given that owning and riding a Vespa is a lifestyle, the brand caters to more than just the odd mod that you may find sitting pretty at the shop. SOCA’s products are expressions of Vespa riders’ passion for riding in style, and they’re meticulously designed and provide seamless and eye-catching interaction with Vespa scooters—as the brand has mentioned in its press materials.
SOCA’s selection of parts offers enthusiasts a break from the norm, namely from the likes of popular Polini—to name one out of a few dozen popular marques. However, other than the odd mirror blanking screw, the product line extends to 12-inch Cast Alloy Rims, a Ducktail, Sportscreen, and—yes—mirror hole covers to name a few.
8 Photos
The brand got its start in Indonesia, and the name “SOCA” is derived from the Sudanese dialect of its home country, translated roughly, it means “eye.” SOCA is already a worldwide brand, and it enjoys widespread availability in Europe, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam (where Vespas are born), and most recently: The Philippines.
SOCA has recently expanded to another territory, and its products are not only unique and indicative of the brand’s personality but also of quality, with industrial-grade materials and techniques being employed for every part that’ll find a home on a Vespa scooter.
There are a number of interesting items to note, namely the SOCA Ducktail. While I know it’s rather pointless on a Vespa, unique and eye-catching it still is, and perhaps we could see more of the brand in the near future, perhaps further west.
McLaren Solus GT Wins 2023 Goodwood Shootout With Impressive Time
The McLaren Solus GT has exceeded expectations by dominating its class at the Festival Of Speed hill climb. With a time of 45.34 seconds, it won the 2023 shootout and achieved the third-fastest time ever recorded for a production car on the course. Only the McMurtry Speirling (39.08) and Nio EP9 (44.32) have recorded faster times.
The McLaren Solus GT, powered by a V10 engine, took multiple practice runs before the timed run and impressed enthusiasts with its performance. Throughout the runs, it competed against the Subaru GL Family Huckster driven by Travis Pastrana, the Rimac Nevera, and several hand-picked race cars. The Solus GT was a full second faster than the next-best Subaru.
These are the top five results:
| Car | Driver | Time |
| McLaren Solus GT | Marvin Kirchhofer | 45.34 Seconds |
| Subaru GL Family Huckster | Travis Pastrana | 46.37 Seconds |
| McLaren-Cosworth M26 | Michael Lyons | 46.89 Seconds |
| Porsche 911 GT3 Cup | Adam Smalley | 47.40 Seconds |
| Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 | Jake Hill | 48.18 Seconds |
The McLaren Solus GT is equipped with a 5.2-liter V10 engine that delivers an impressive 829 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds and has an estimated top speed of 200 mph.
Weighing only 2,205 pounds, the Solus GT generates up to 2,646 pounds of downforce. Its aerodynamic design was inspired by the 2017 Vision Gran Turismo concept for the Gran Turismo racing game.
Only 25 customers will have the opportunity to own a McLaren Solus GT, which is specifically designed for track use. Each owner will receive a driver-development coaching program, an FIA-homologated racing suit, a special helmet, and a bespoke HANS device.
The McLaren Solus GT is priced at £2.5 million ($4 million in US dollars).
What Happened To Boho Camper Vans From Shark Tank Season 11?
In Season 11 of “Shark Tank,” Boho Camper Vans made an appearance and partnered with Barbara Corcoran. They were offered $150,000 in cash and a $150,000 line of credit in exchange for a 10% stake in their company. Initially, the two friends were seeking $300,000 for the same equity, and they received offers from O’Leary, Oza, and Greiner before ultimately accepting Corcoran’s offer, which met their desired terms.
O’Leary proposed a $300,000 loan with a 9% interest rate in exchange for 7% equity. Oza offered $300,000 for a 25% stake in the company. Greiner presented $300,000 for 20% equity, but Sodeemann and Ellenson asked her to lower her equity to 15% without changing the investment amount. When Greiner turned down their counteroffer, the pair decided to go with Corcoran.
“Barbara was the perfect fit for us because she understood our aversion to debt and provided a solution to pay it off quickly,” Ellenson explained after reaching a deal with Corcoran.
2024 Ford F-150 Platinum Unveiled Without Camouflage
Ford is in the process of developing the refreshed F-150, and the latest spy shots reveal the high-end Platinum trim without any camouflage.
The updated F-150 Platinum showcases a new front end design. The bracket-shaped running lights are still present, flanking the stacked headlights. However, the vertical section is now a straight piece, departing from the current model’s angled section at the bottom.
Volkswagen Group increases all-electric deliveries by around 50 percent in the first half year
- In the first six months, 321,600 all-electric vehicles (BEVs) were handed over to customers, compared with 217,200 in the same period last year
- In Europe, the Group is the market leader in the BEV segment and gained market share, with deliveries increasing by 68 percent to 217,100 vehicles (H1 2022: 128,900)
- Order bank in Western Europe remains good at around 200,000 BEVs
- Hildegard Wortmann, member of the Group’s Extended Executive Committee for Sales: “With an increase in all-electric deliveries of around 50 percent in the first half of the year, the Volkswagen Group is systematically continuing its transformation. We are the market leader in Europe in this segment and have gained market share. Since May, we have again seen an improved trend in incoming orders here, after a certain reluctance on the part of our customers at the start of the year due to reduced subsidy programs, partly long waiting times and high inflation. In view of the recent significant reduction in delivery times, we expect this positive trend to continue in the coming months.”
The Volkswagen Group increased its deliveries of all-electric vehicles (BEVs) by 48 percent year-on-year to 321,600 vehicles in the first half of the year. The BEV share of total deliveries rose to 7.4 percent, up from 5.6 percent in the first six months of the previous year. The Group achieved the highest growth in Europe, where deliveries rose by 68 percent to 217,100 BEVs. Here, the Volkswagen Group is the market leader and gained market share. Significantly more customers of a Group brand took delivery of their all-electric vehicles in the USA, too. The increase here was 76 percent to 29,800 vehicles. In China, deliveries were around two percent below the previous year’s level at 62,400 BEVs in a particularly competitive market environment. Recently, however, the trend here has also been positive. Following a lower first quarter, 18 percent more BEVs were handed over to customers in the world’s largest automotive market in the second quarter than in the prior-year period. Worldwide, the increase in the second quarter was 53 percent to 180,600 vehicles (118,000), and the BEV share of total deliveries rose to 7.7 percent (6.0) in this period.
Around 68 percent of the Group’s BEV deliveries were in its home region of Europe, followed by China with 19 percent and the USA with nine percent. Four percent went to other markets.
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 164,800 vehicles by the end of June, slightly more than half of all BEVs in the Group. It was followed by Audi with 75,600 vehicles (group share 24 percent), ŠKODA with 31,300 vehicles (group share 10 percent), SEAT/CUPRA with 18,900 vehicles (group share 6 percent), Porsche with 18,000 vehicles (group share 6 percent) and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles with 12,300 vehicles (group share 4 percent).
The most successful BEV models in the first half of 2023 were:
- Volkswagen ID.4/ID.5 101,200
- Volkswagen ID.3 49,800
- Audi Q4 e-tron (incl. Sportback) 48,000
- ŠKODA Enyaq iV (incl. Coupé) 31,300
- Audi Q8 e-tron (incl. Sportback) 19,500
Volkswagen Group – Deliveries of battery-electric vehicles (BEV) to customers
|
Deliveries to |
Jan. – Mar. |
Jan. – Mar. |
Delta (%) |
Apr. – Jun. |
Apr. – Jun. |
Delta (%) |
Jan. – Jun. |
Jan. – Jun. |
Delta (%) |
|
Europe |
98,300 |
58,500 |
+68.1 |
118,900 |
70,400 |
+68.8 |
217,100 |
128,900 |
+68.5 |
|
USA |
15,700 |
7,900 |
+98.0 |
14,000 |
9,000 |
+55.7 |
29,800 |
17,000 |
+75.5 |
|
China |
21,500 |
28,800 |
-25.4 |
41,000 |
34,700 |
+18.0 |
62,400 |
63,500 |
-1.6 |
|
Rest of world |
5,600 |
4,100 |
+37.1 |
6,700 |
3,900 |
+74.4 |
12,300 |
7,900 |
+55.3 |
|
Worldwide |
141,000 |
99,200 |
+42.1 |
180,600 |
118,000 |
+53.0 |
321,600 |
217,200 |
+48.1 |
|
Deliveries to customers by brands |
Jan. – Mar. |
Jan. – Mar. |
Delta (%) |
Apr. – Jun. |
Apr. – Jun. |
Delta (%) |
Jan. – Jun. |
Jan. – Jun. |
Delta (%) |
|
Brand Group Core |
97,000 |
65,100 |
+49.0 |
130,300 |
82,400 |
+58.2 |
227,300 |
147,500 |
+54.1 |
|
Volkswagen Passenger Cars |
70,000 |
53,300 |
+31.2 |
94,800 |
62,500 |
+51.6 |
164,800 |
115,900 |
+42.2 |
|
ŠKODA |
12,400 |
8,800 |
+40.6 |
18,900 |
13,400 |
+41.3 |
31,300 |
22,200 |
+41.0 |
|
SEAT/CUPRA |
9,200 |
2,200 |
+318.9 |
9,700 |
6,100 |
+60.3 |
18,900 |
8,300 |
+128.7 |
|
Volkswagen CommercialVehicles |
5,500 |
700 |
+642.2 |
6,900 |
400 |
+1,680 |
12,300 |
1,100 |
+998.6 |
|
Brand Group Progressive |
34,600 |
24,200 |
+42.7 |
41,100 |
25,800 |
+59.2 |
75,600 |
50,000 |
+51.2 |
|
Audi |
34,600 |
24,200 |
+42.7 |
41,100 |
25,800 |
+59.2 |
75,600 |
50,000 |
+51.2 |
|
Lamborghini/Bentley |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Brand Group Sport Luxury |
9,200 |
9,500 |
-3.4 |
8,800 |
9,400 |
-6.0 |
18,000 |
18,900 |
-4.7 |
|
Porsche |
9,200 |
9,500 |
-3.4 |
8,800 |
9,400 |
-6.0 |
18,000 |
18,900 |
-4.7 |
|
TRATON |
300 |
400 |
-38.8 |
400 |
400 |
-7.1 |
600 |
800 |
-22.8 |
|
MAN |
150 |
270 |
-44.7 |
250 |
270 |
-7.1 |
400 |
540 |
-26.2 |
|
Volkswagen Truck & Bus |
20 |
110 |
-83.8 |
20 |
0 |
+1,050 |
40 |
100 |
-65.0 |
|
Scania |
70 |
20 |
+208.3 |
70 |
70 |
+9.2 |
150 |
90 |
+62.9 |
|
Navistar |
10 |
20 |
-13.3 |
60 |
100 |
-40.0 |
70 |
110 |
-36.4 |
|
Volkswagen Group (total) |
141,000 |
99,200 |
+42.1 |
180,600 |
118,000 |
+53.0 |
321,600 |
217,200 |
+48.1 |
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Nimbus Motorcycles Is Making a Comeback as an Electric Motorcycle Manufacturer
Nimbus may sound familiar to you, but we’re not talking about the electric autocycle manufacturer. We’re referring to the motorcycle manufacturer from the 20th century. Like many other early motorcycle manufacturers, Nimbus started in a different industry before venturing into motorcycles.
While Ducati began with radio equipment, Nimbus started as Nilfisk, an electric motor and vacuum cleaner company. The name “Nimbus” was derived from the surnames of its founders, H.M. Nielsen and Peder Andersen Fisker. In 1918, Fisker developed the first Nimbus motorcycle prototype as motorcycles gained popularity. In 1934, Nimbus introduced its most popular and long-lasting model, the Type C.
The Type C, a shaft-driven motorcycle, initially produced around 18 horsepower, which later increased to 22 horsepower in subsequent versions. It had a top speed of 75 miles per hour. The Nimbus Type C became popular for military and government use, serving as contract vehicles for the Danish post office, army, and police forces. It was also a reliable choice for civilian use within Denmark, although the company did not export the motorcycle.
4 Photos
Now, in 2023, the past is meeting the future once again. Nimbus is nostalgically remembered by many Danish fans and collectors around the world. Collectors and enthusiasts are thrilled by the idea of obtaining a rare bike that can only be seen once a year in a remote location. This explains why Nimbus motorcycles have a dedicated group of fans beyond Denmark.
Nimbus Reborn
In 2014, Claus Støvlbæk Clausen, a Danish entrepreneur, felt it was his responsibility to revive the Nimbus name as a symbol of Danish innovation and technology. He contacted Nilfisk-Advance, the owner of the Nimbus rights, to express his interest in acquiring them. Although Nilfisk-Advance initially had plans to sell to someone else, the deal fell through, and Clausen ultimately obtained the Nimbus trademark and technology rights.
Initially, Clausen hoped to secure funding from investors to start producing new Nimbuses in 2015, but this plan did not materialize. Nonetheless, Clausen persevered in his mission. He enlisted the help of the design firm 3Part, and they collaborated to create this electric bike design. The goal was to capture the essence of the Type C while reimagining it as an electric motorcycle.
3Part founding partner and CEO Simon Skafdrup stated, “It is with great humility and respect that we have agreed to be birth attendants in the development process, which will lead to a relaunch of the Nimbus motorcycle. I compare it with standing with the potential some Italians saw years ago, with grabbing the original FIAT 500 drawings and bringing the model back into the present. Incidentally launched in a pure electric version recently. There is a strong DNA and countless design details to take as a starting point, so our role on the design team may be more to select, focus, and refine than it will be to find something new.”
The company plans to produce both an electric motorcycle and an electric bicycle, with production of the motorcycle expected to begin around 2025. There has been talk of reintroducing a sidecar, which was previously used with the Type C, but no designs have been released concerning this development. As we learn more, we will keep you updated. What are your thoughts on what you’ve seen so far?
A Look At Triumph, Bajaj, Harley, Hero, And The Rise Of The Middleweights
We are now in July 2023, and it has been a busy few weeks for Triumph, Bajaj, Harley, and Hero MotoCorp. These companies have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare Triumph’s Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X, as well as Harley’s X440 for their debut. The excitement is palpable.
From an international perspective, the partnerships behind the development of these bikes make perfect sense. In many Asian countries, there is a huge number of small-displacement motorbikes being ridden by a diverse range of riders who rely on their two-wheeled vehicles for their daily lives. Large displacement bikes are often subject to high taxes and are less common. This has created a demand for a middleweight bike that falls between the small and large displacement categories. These bikes offer a little more power without crossing into the realm of big bikes. The partnerships between manufacturers are also important for resources, geography, and maintaining attractive pricing structures.
Royal Enfield has been a prominent player in this middleweight segment with its 350 trio: the Meteor 350 cruiser, the Classic 350 retro-modern standard, and the Hunter 350 modern urban machine. Now, Triumph/Bajaj and Harley-Davidson/Hero are entering the market to compete for a share of this growing segment. Aprilia, part of the Piaggio Group, has also announced plans to launch its own mid-segment bike in 2023. All these companies have initially launched their bikes in India, the world’s largest motorcycle market, with plans to expand to other international markets later.
This segment is attracting attention because it offers a step up from a 125cc scooter, making it an achievable aspiration for many riders. It provides a sense of personal growth and achievement without being out of reach.
According to Bajaj managing director Rajiv Bajaj, Triumph could potentially sell 40,000 to 50,000 TR-platform bikes annually in the next year. Bajaj’s partnership with KTM has given him insights into the motorcycle market, as KTM’s annual sales have grown significantly over the past decade. The partnerships between these companies are aimed at replicating this success in the middleweight segment.
It is worth noting that China is also becoming a major motorcycle market, and KTM has a strong presence there through its partnership with CFMOTO. Recently, Pierer Mobility and CFMOTO announced plans to strengthen their cooperation to meet the increasing market demand in China and the Asian region.
Some More Middleweight Development Details Worth Noting
- 2017: Triumph and Bajaj formed their partnership.
- 2021: Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp formed their partnership.
- Piaggio Group, the parent company of Aprilia, already has a presence in India and has not partnered with a local manufacturer for its middleweight bike development.
- Triumph and Bajaj’s TR-platform bikes will be exclusive to Triumph and will not be used by Bajaj for their future bikes.
- On the other hand, the partnership between Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp is similar to previous deals between BMW Motorrad and TVS Motor Company. This allows both companies to use the same platform for their respective bikes.
Mahindra XUV700 Reaches 1 Lakh Homes In India
The last 50,000 units of the Mahindra XUV700 were delivered in the last 8 months
The Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra’s flagship SUV launched in 2021 as a successor to the Mahindra XUV500, has achieved a significant milestone. It has delivered 1 lakh units to customers in India. The XUV700 achieved this milestone in just 20 months, which is quite impressive considering its fairly premium offerings and popular variants priced around Rs 20 lakh. Since its launch, the XUV700 has faced a significant waiting period. Mahindra received 50,000 bookings in the first three hours, and it took 12 months to deliver those units. The next 50,000 units were delivered in 8 months. The waiting times for the XUV700 are still high, and Mahindra is now working on increasing production capacity to speed up the delivery of the next 50,000 units, according to their statement.
What does it offer
The Mahindra XUV700 comes with a host of features, including an integrated 10.25-inch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, and a 12-speaker 3D sound system by Sony. In terms of safety, it offers seven airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a 360-degree camera, reversing camera, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and high-beam assist.
Also Read: Mahindra Scorpio Nameplate Crosses 9 Lakh Production Milestone
Powertrain Details
The Mahindra XUV700 is available with two engine options: a 2-litre turbo petrol engine (200PS/380Nm) and a 2.2-litre diesel engine (up to 185PS/450Nm), both paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The top-spec diesel variants also come with an all-wheel-drive drivetrain.
Price & Rivals
The prices for the Mahindra XUV700 range between Rs 14.04 lakh and Rs 26.18 lakh (ex-showroom pan India). Its rivals in the market include the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Hyundai Alcazar. The lower variants of the XUV700 also offer a 5-seater configuration, competing with 5-seater SUVs like the Tata Harrier, MG Hector, and Hyundai Creta.
Read More on : Mahindra XUV700 on road price
Here’s Why The Polaris Slingshot Is Better Than A Traditional Motorcycle
When the Polaris Slingshot first hit the market, people were not quite sure what to make of it. First, the purists claimed 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. Here are 15 reasons why you should give the Polaris Slingshot a chance.
Updated July 2023: The Polaris Slingshot is an excellent three-wheel bike that deserves as much recognition as possible. So, instead of letting this article get buried in the multitudes of other dead articles online, we have decided to refresh and update it with more information to keep you coming back for more. Enjoy!
15 The Polaris Slingshot Offers Great Performance
A Polaris Prostar 2.0L 4-Cylinder engine with a carbon fiber reinforced belt powers the Slingshot, and *depending on which Polaris you purchase, it could have anywhere from 178 to 203 horsepower.
Polaris Slingshot Models And Specs
|
Model |
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
Top Speed |
Dry Weight |
|
Slingshot S |
1,997 cc |
178 hp |
120 ft-lbs |
125 MPH |
1,636 lbs |
|
Slingshot SL |
1,997 cc |
178 hp |
120 ft-lbs |
125 MPH |
1,652 lbs |
|
Slingshot SLR |
1,997 cc |
203 hp |
144 ft-lbs |
125 MPH |
1,656 lbs |
|
Slingshot R |
1,997 cc |
203 hp |
144 ft-lbs |
125 MPH |
1,651 lbs |
|
Slingshot ROUSH Edition |
1,997 |
203 hp |
144 ft-lbs |
125 MPH |
1,680 lbs |
There are manual and automatic options, allowing anyone to drive a Slingshot. The manual machines come with a five-speed transmission. The Slingshot can achieve 0-60 in 4.9 seconds from a stop and can reach a top speed of 125 miles per hour. The 1,997cc engine rev limits at 8,500 RPMs. The Slingshot has Brembo aluminum calipers and vented cast iron brake rotors for great stopping power.
14 The Slingshot Exudes Practicality
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.
13 The Slingshot Is Comfortable
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 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.
12 The Polaris Slingshot Offers Open Air Riding For All
There are times in everybody’s life when they can no longer do things they once enjoyed, such as riding motorcycles across the country. The Polaris slingshot can solve that dilemma for many because it is more stable than a two-wheeled vehicle, giving options to those that would generally have no way to drive in the open air other than buying a convertible like the Mustang or BMW that has some power. The three-wheeled Slingshot opens up a new world of options for the disabled or slightly impaired, who typically have to hang up their motorcycle riding gear for good.
11 Set Up For Two Like A Car
Almost every motorcycle on the road is set up to offer seating for two, with the driver in the front, and the passenger in the back, sitting directly behind each other. The Polaris Slingshot is not designed in this traditional style of motorcycle style, which sets it apart from its rivals. The Slingshot has two bucket seats set into the cockpit of the vehicle side by side, like a classic sports car. This allows for a more comfortable ride for both occupants and better awareness between the two when on the road.
10 Unique Styling
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 more substantial than a Cam Am, with another two in the front three-wheeled vehicle. The unique styling of the Polaris means you are going to turn heads. People will look at it even if you have a standard base model. 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.
9 The Slingshot Is Stable
The Slingshot is incredibly stable because there are three wheels, and most of the weight is practically sitting on the ground. 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 is beneficial 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.
8 It Delivers Good Fuel Economy
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. The Polaris Slingshot gives you 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.
7 There Is Ample Technology On The Polaris Slingshot
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 consists of the same display but also gives you the following:
- navigation
- vehicle health monitoring
- vehicle location
- Bluetooth
- backup camera
- USB phone connectivity
6 The Polaris Slingshot Is Highly Customizable
The amount of aftermarket customization options are 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 select 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.
5 No Dearth Of Safety On The Polaris Slingshot
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. A strong, durable metal cage surrounds you, providing significant 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.
4 The Slingshot Turns Like A Car
The two wheels in front are the most significant difference between the Polaris Slingshot and a standard motorcycle, such as the Honda Rebel or the Kawasaki Ninja. As you can guess, just by looking at the Slingshot, you can see that turning the three-wheeled bike will rely on something other than countersteering, which is how you turn a two-wheeled motorcycle, especially at high speeds. The Polaris Slingshot cannot work on that principle because of the two wheels in front, which is why it was designed with a steering wheel. It turns like a car, so it has a steering wheel like a car to make it easier to control throughout the entire corner.
3 The Slingshot Gets Attention Everywhere You Go
One thing that stands out the most when you own a Polaris Slingshot is how much attention you get. When you pull off the road to gas up, it is almost guaranteed that you will be there for at least half an hour or more. Not because it takes that long to fill the gas tank on the bike but because random people will come up to you and ask questions about the Slingshot. Everything from what it is to how it drives, so when you stop, be prepared to become a salesperson because that is part of owning the Polaris Slingshot you simply cannot avoid.
2 Driving The Slingshot May Not Require An Endorsement
Driving a motorcycle in any state within the country requires that you pass a separate test, other than your basic driving test, to get an endorsement added on to allow you to legally drive a bike. This is not much of a problem if you are a seasoned rider, but when you are first starting out, it can be just as stressful as the first time you had to take the car written and driving test. The Polaris Slingshot falls in between categories in some states, so you may not need a motorcycle endorsement. Check it out before taking your Slingshot for a spin on the roads, though, unless you like playing the odds with the law.
1 The Polaris Slingshot Is Rather Affordable
Don’t assume that the Slingshot has a higher price tag than a motorcycle because it is bigger. This simply is not the case. With a starting price of about $21,000, many motorcycles are more expensive. This makes the price reasonable and affordable when considering 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.