The TRUTH about the 2023 Slingshot

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The TRUTH about the 2023 Slingshot

Рет қаралды 70,529

Күн бұрын

This is the 2023 Slingshot. I had a chance to drive both the AutoDrive (automated manual transmission), and the traditional 5 speed manual. One thing I have learned is that a LOT of automotive journalists try to force the Slingshot into comparisons to cars, and motorcycle journalists try force it into comparisons to motorcycles. The real beauty of the Slingshot is that it is NEITHER one of those things. It somehow takes some of the best AND worst traits of both and creates an experience like no other. In this video, I didn't want to take any other approach than spitballing my thoughts as I rode through Austin, Texas on an absolutely amazing press ride.
00:00 The 2023 ‪@PolarisSlingshot‬ unveil montage
00:25 Intro
01:34 Hit the road in the AutoDrive (Automatic Transmission)
01:51 Slingshot is Not for introverts
02:23 Price range (rough)
02:43 Comfort
03:31 Thoughts on the AutoDrive
04:32 Back into the 5 speed manual #savethemanuals
04:37 Performance
07:09 What the Slingshot IS, and what it is NOT
08:40 Compared to a motorcycle
10:56 Compared to a car / "Just buy a Miata"
14:29 The end....
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#Gears #Polaris #Slingshot

Пікірлер: 109

@markshanny Ай бұрын

I just rented one. I have a special needs son with a seizure disorder who has always wanted to ride a motorcycle but couldn't do so safely. Unlike me he is a bit of an adrenaline junkie who enjoys zip lining and roller coasters. When I found a place a couple hours away that did rentals on these I figured it would give him about 80% of the motorcycle experience with about 99% safety. From that starting point, this vehicle is nearly perfect. Full size Go Kart is quite apt. You get the close to the ground, open air experience but you are in a bucket seat with a seat belt. BTW, here in Pennsylvania you do not need a motorcycle licence nor is a helmet required. I went with the manual transmission and am sure that was the right choice. This is experience driving, not just transportation and as such a passive auto trans is robbing you of some of the experience IMHO.

@brettthomas6327 Ай бұрын

Such respect to your son, Im sure he's a blessing

@johngordon7510 Жыл бұрын

One of the best breakdowns for the Slingshot I have viewed. When I retired I rolled over 1,200 hours of sick pay, went in and paid cash for my 2018. I love it, living in Michigan I do have a few month's that I don't ride it but that just makes the warmer months that much more enjoyable. I did learn to watch out for piles of wet leaves, with the foot wide back tire it can surprise you as the back end will shimmy left and right very quickly. The other description I have heard is it's like when you drove your first car for the first time, the joy and excitement is back. I have had a couple of older biker couples talk to me and they like the fact that they can ride and be out in weather like on a bike and the wives like the fact that they can sit in a regular seat.

@RiggerBrew Жыл бұрын

I have the 2018 SLR LE and I agree it's more like a grown-up GoKart than anything. My wife wouldn't get on a Motorcycle with me, but she LOVES to go out in the Slingshot.

@maverick5990 Жыл бұрын

It's nice to hear a review from someone who gets it!

@timalford7445 Жыл бұрын

great job, i just purchased a 2022 SLR and drove it to work on this foggy morning in moncks corner s.c., i use to ride a road glide on the same stretch of road, a great experience it handles so well good purchase

@romanbeard570 Жыл бұрын

Great review, we bought a 2015 when they first came out. We love it; love the experience and the ride. Hopefully soon we’ll upgrade to a new model. Keep up the good work.

@reid4028 Жыл бұрын

Rented one last summer for a weekend and I really enjoyed my time. Definitely some cons but like you said, it is its own experience. I’ve rode gxsr and sports cars before.. they don’t belong in the same category. I’ve watched a lot of reviews and I really enjoyed this one. By the way, thank you for keeping in mind that you have a microphone while driving. I don’t know how many I’ve stopped watching, cause the reviewer is shouting the entire time forgetting they have a microphone. Looking forward for summer to rent again! Enjoy

@timhernandez2101 Жыл бұрын

I didn't even know about these things till 4 days ago. A buddy brought his over and we went for a ride. I pick up my 2023 Cobalt Blue SL tomorrow. The sling shade is being installed now. Great video!

@americandude3825 Ай бұрын

Still like it?

@mythreelife4764 Жыл бұрын

👍 good review…. Definitely not a car or motorcycle… Big Kid go-cart..If your on the fence about buying a Slingshot..Go for it,Your going to love it…my 2019 GT is the most fun toy I ever bought..still got my 2 wheeler hasn’t left the garage since I got my Sling…Head turning..Picture taken..Finger Pointing..Smiling Ear to Ear all day long..💯✌️😎

@mjareacts2731 Жыл бұрын

Gears and Gadgets I appreciate the fact that you have an open mind. My 2021 Slingshot R looks like a 2022 because I've added the relevant upgrades like the hood etc. Now are those upgrades getting pricey, yes, but I've seen people spend well into six figures just to ride around in a Tonka truck. At the end of the day I don't care if it's 2 wheels, 3, or 4 (and sometimes more) there's something out there for every vehicle enthusiast.

@rogernascimento5006 Жыл бұрын

I just got one 2022R liquid green color beautiful machine first month I put $1,800 mi on it Love it if you ask me was it worth $38,000 out of the door I say yes I'm happy it's very pricey you get what you pay for you can buy a lot of nice cars for that type of money still not a slingshot when you own 1 you going to love it The whole family enjoys it if you got the money why not you only going to live once life is short enjoy it much as you can My opinion I also own 2014 BMW s1000 RR I just like my slingshot better I'm selling my bike just too many idiots on the road awesome video could points good review

@williammorgan5987 Ай бұрын

That’s why I’m here right now. I’ve ridden for decades. Literally every week I’m hearing about more local people being killed by other motorists.

@czimm3744 Жыл бұрын

I have owned one for years and absolutely love it. It is like no other experience and cannot be compared to anything else. Smoking the tire and diving into twisties is an absolute blast. The comment below is also what I say to everyone when asked "How does it drive?" Like a gocart for adults is about the best way to describe it. Smile evertime l'm driving it.

@dougedwards8022 10 ай бұрын

I purchased a new 21 S 5spd. BW color,,,it's a ton of fun. The manual Trans is the only way to go,,,,an doin donuts are a blast in this,,buckle up good an tight,,,it will slingshot your reared right out of it. The gs it puts on you is amazing,,,,just dump the clutch turn the wheel all the way an start grabbing gears,,,,an around an around you go 😂,,,,got its own feeling try it you'll see what I mean,,,be safe as possible,,,

@Jimmer-tr6bi Жыл бұрын

Very solid review; thanks for exposing the comparison arguments, very helpful!

@jacobrobinson7395 10 ай бұрын

Dude I know this video is older but I agree it’s a kick butt go kart. If I were to compare it to any vehicle it drives exactly like an 1972 914 Porsche. I should know I own one.

@Dabebo-xk2bt 10 ай бұрын

I'm 60 don't have much time left and I want one! Perfect for driving around Grand Lake in Oklahoma!

@xd675x Жыл бұрын

Great review. Too many KZfaqr's trying to get view by just bashing the Slingshot. You looked at it objectively and had good and bad to say about it - but it wasn't really negative.

@garysnyder6020 7 ай бұрын

Good review. Glad you mentioned the center back wheel and bumps (pot holes). Living in Pennsylvania pot holes and man hole covers are a real problem. They can turn a very cool, comfortable, fast, enjoyable ride into a back crushing nightmare. One learns to avoid certian roads, it's that bad.

@Diezel360 Жыл бұрын

Awesome review will be getting one for myself soon😎

@andrade3kids Жыл бұрын

Great video I just bought one yesterday and my wife loves it and we have Harleys is a different animal we loved it Great video

@rosemarieardito3676 Жыл бұрын

Great review you did correct in what you said I had two Miatas and two two wheel motorcycles and two Can Am Spyders. I am ready for the slingshot.

@DMillerFlorida Жыл бұрын

When I first was considering the slingshot, I thought how uncomfortable the seats looked. Boy was I wrong! I sat in a used one just a few months ago to test drive it and I was impressed.. I wasn't impressed with the used vehicle and the price with too many miles.. so I'm heading to the new dealership. The Miata.. As an ex Miata owner in my youth days... it's funny to know I'm not the only one who thought the same thing. These are great for companies. I am putting my website on the right and left sides of the hood.

@shoottothrillphotoWI Жыл бұрын

James Dean would have bought this 3-wheel roadster in the 1950s if it were available. Great review.

@burn1gotbeats Жыл бұрын

Good video great points as well 👍😎.

@kctrace266 Ай бұрын

Rented and crashed a 2022 in Maui last week lol. Loved the experience. My Son and I ride Hondas and we want my wife and Daughter to ride with us, but a CBR1000RR-R Fireblade scares the heck out of them. Perfect go between. Great video.

@JamesSmith-fz1gg 2 ай бұрын

Appreciate your insight!

@kiztope1 Жыл бұрын

Lime creek is a fantasic road! I'm not surprised that they did a demo there...

@Larsgman 4 ай бұрын

I want one so bad. Its just so unique and it not being expensive is very alluring

@user-ru5xs7qc9z Жыл бұрын

I bought one a month ago i love it ,ive had motor cycles nothing close because the attention i love the way children looks i love it

@geremymackay1900 Ай бұрын

I drove one for the first time 4 days ago for 12 hours and now in 3 days I'm driving from Vancouver to penticton

@archenemy6893 Жыл бұрын

Controlled sliding is a must, it's ticked that box.

@JoseRivera-sf1sd Жыл бұрын

Owned super bikes and Harley’s and own muscle cars and let me tell you the Slingshot R that I have now is fun! I also daily drive it in Florida as well! Some folks will compare and complain but it is a different feeling in the Slingshot.👍👍👍👍👍💪💪💪💪💪

@j.vosier6786 5 ай бұрын

I also live in florida, thinking about selling my harley and getting a slingshot

@mattm1686 25 күн бұрын

Can I get a link to your one where you drive the one with the auto drive? It’s more in-depth.

@keezyfox4989 Жыл бұрын

I drive a convertible car and I feel free when driving it and I haven’t seen a Slingshot b4 😲 I’m not sure if we have them in Australia but if they do I would definitely buy on👍🏻🐨🇦🇺

@r.scotthill3082 Жыл бұрын

How does it handle panic stops?

@Tinman964 Ай бұрын

Actually looked at one 6/24 test drive it for a good amount hit some twisty back roads with it . The only few things I didn’t like . The peddles are to close for my liking and I had a hard time finding center in the lanes and the brakes . I know small things but .. now I don’t know if the brakes can be upgraded or the brake pedal moved over a smidge? Oh what I test drive was a roush edition. Oh and do they make a full windshield for these ?

@user-yk1oj4hr2d Жыл бұрын

Just got aSLR it's a BLAST ALL SMILES CANNOT WAIT TIL broke ln

@bb1040 8 ай бұрын

My neighbor bought a new 2023 modal this spring, it is now December and he no longer has it, he wrecked it. He is 76 years old and thought they would be fun, but didn't realize a $40,000 vehicle with three wheels would be a little tricky to keep on the road. Lucky he came out un hurt but the Slingshot was destroyed. I am the same age and will just stay with my 1986 Goldwing. LOL

@opichocal 6 ай бұрын

You can’t beat a Goldwing. I’m 49 and always thought those things were for old people. I picked up a 2008 and boy was I wrong 👍

@shirleygorre6003 Жыл бұрын

I liked your comparison to a Miata. I also think it depends where you live. Sun Belt or Snow country. Daily driver or second vehicle for fun and gas mileage.

@rosemarieardito3676 Жыл бұрын

I had two Miata’s they were fun. I just sold my Can Am Spyder that was fun too but getting ready in a few months shopping for ones of theses toys got to have your toiys I am 68..

@DMillerFlorida Жыл бұрын

Funny you brought up Miata. I bought one in 92 at the young age of 19. I test drove a slingshot and thought... For the price, why not get another Miata instead? I would get a cover and a trunk and a blessing of an interior. But.... The slingshot..... It's just a different vibe. It screams rebel in the rain. It tells the world you're not scared, but you want some comfort. It tells the world you've got pocket change for a fun day.

@jerodkenoyer270 Жыл бұрын

I have been wanting to check one of these out for so long. I will definitely be looking into a rental. My concern is my height of 6 ft 5 in. Also, wondering if they'll follow like many others have and try to electrify this thing. If they figure that out and get it right I'm sure it could be a total neck breaker in terms of overall speed and 0 to 60.

@GearsGadgets Жыл бұрын

DOOO IT!! I would be curious to know how it was at 6'5", I don't THINK it would be a problem as I am 6'1" and never once felt remotely cramped but I would love feedback from someone taller. I did ask about electrification and it's always fun to ask questions you know they won't answer. The response I got led me to believe there is likely a sketch or prototype floating around Polaris HQ somewhere.

@jerodkenoyer270 Жыл бұрын

@@GearsGadgets well here in my small Northern California area I know that they have one dealer down in the valley. I will be sure to stop in there and at least sit in one. I will definitely also be inquiring about rentals, I have always wanted to drive one! As much as I do grimace at the idea of everything all-electric, I do appreciate the addition of electrified options. I think we should all have options. I bet if they can figure out how to sling those batteries down low like some of the electric cars already it would help that thing stick to the road like a magnet! FUN FUN!

@theminigunner98 Жыл бұрын

When I first got to drive an auto after owning a manual, it was goofy at first, but I didn't realize that it was an "autonomous manual" until actually driving it and then questioning after.

@saltlife650 Жыл бұрын

What is autonomous manual?

@mjareacts2731 Жыл бұрын

@@saltlife650a lot of people don't realize you can make the autodrive upshift by tapping on the gas pedal. Granted it's different from manually rolling through your own gears, but it's great for war vet such as myself who's left leg doesn't work as well as it did after being shot five times in combat.

@archenemy6893 Жыл бұрын

Slingshots and can am rykers are not common in the UK. I own a piaggio mp3 300 and get a variety of responses. Three wheel vehicles have a large market but are expensive and usually purchased as expensive toys. The spyders are more practical in the cities, and great for commutes and touring.

@kith00000 3 ай бұрын

My city allows ATV's, Mules, golf carts, on the road. I'm torn between the slingshot and a fast Mule or similar.

@bas4903 9 ай бұрын

Wish we had these in Australia.

@davidsizemore2745 Жыл бұрын

I think some state categorize the Slingshot as a autocycle.

@tommienoffsinger7779 Жыл бұрын

Man, I want one so bad. I have to wait for my kids to get done with college.

@cike8694 5 ай бұрын

I have never driven/ridden a slingshot. For me they seem to fall into the category of a new version of a rail buggy or dune buggy. I think having one would be a lot of fun, and a great addition to my Motorcycles. I just don't really have the room to keep one. Maybe someday.

@davidsizemore2745 Жыл бұрын

Unless laws have changed across the board some state require a motorcycle endorsement to drive a Slingshot and some don't. Some states require a helmet to drive a Slingshot like a motorcycle some states don't.

@ZoahPorre Жыл бұрын

@ 4:17 its not that I dont know how to drive stick, I just would never opt to do so. DCT/Scooters/Automatic only for me...A computer shifts better than anyone anyway.

@GearsGadgets Жыл бұрын

In the Slingshot the shifts are WAY slower in the automated manual than a traditional automatic. It’s still a manual it’s just doing the clutch engagement via some kind of electric servo deal and every shift is like driving with someone who is leisurely going gear to gear. If you want to bang 1-2 shifts, it’s not happening in the automated manual. Go back to 3:35, I can shift way faster than that.

@johnkay1821 Жыл бұрын

OMG . I wouldn’t mind one at all especially as it has a hard top accessory because I live in the UK . The only worry would be getting banned so dam easily with this vehicle 😅

@Brad3390 Жыл бұрын

State of KY lists it as a Motorcycle on Title.

@miltonduncan3145 9 ай бұрын

I really like the go cart for grownups comment. I think it describes the Slingshot very accurately. Nice video

@RiseAtlantis Жыл бұрын

I wish they made it with closed top like a convertible and 4 wheel

@MOOCHUCK Жыл бұрын

There are conversion kits you can buy for it. Turns it into a 4 wheeler

@williama.ortiz-floresgil168 Жыл бұрын

For the top price of a slingshot you can get a spec out miata club nd2 with the bbr package and still be cheaper than the sling shot r... I think the comparison to the miata is because they have always said the miata is the closest thing to a gocart for the streets having perfect 50 50 balance extremely lightweight and incredible feel, so when tou comoare the slingshot to a go cart the comparisons are going to be made

@mjareacts2731 Жыл бұрын

I own a Slingshot R, I've also driven my dad's Miata, they're not even remotely similar experiences. Not only that these are two entirely different customers that are in the market for entirely different types of vehicles. If you're in the market for Polaris Slingshot then other vehicles to consider would be, Can-Am Ryker/Spyder, Vanderhall, Compagna T-Rex. None of these vehicles that I just mentioned are cars, so the Miata comparison is completely dead in the water on arrival.

@michaelrs8010 2 ай бұрын

I keep hearing horror stories about the brakes

@fruitjuiceronline8714 Жыл бұрын

I want one so bad lol

@cashxx Жыл бұрын

I think the comparison towards a miata is more money wise. You're getting far more for your money going for a miata that is similar with low to the road and convertible. A miata is giving you safety features, air, heat, roof, etc. A slingshot, vanderhall, etc are in their own category but I just don't see them being worth what they cost! Starting at 20k isn't too bad, but the price jumps pretty steep for just a few more features. I'd rather see them at around 15k and top out at 25k but will never happen. I see the prices increased for the 2023 model! Like vehicles, I'd love to know what it costs to build one!

@GearsGadgets Жыл бұрын

All fair points but the one thing to note is that the “cost to build one” in parts and labor might only be half the MSRP but then there is the overhead of Tooling, R&D, Management, Marketing, Legal, Facilities, and a bunch of other things I am not smart enough to understand. Take all of those costs divided into however many units they sell and it changes the picture on such a niche product. I’m sure they are making money but it’s not nearly as high volume as any car would be. It’s super interesting for sure.

@madeofcoconuts 22 күн бұрын

I love how you can hear him kinda laughing as he drives and talks. It’s a hot wheels car that you can actually drive. It’s easy to compare this negatively to what other things do better, but that laugh is what I’m missing most days. Why spend $80k for something that’s actually made to do 130 mph when the speed limit is half of that? 80 in a slingshot is probably a lot like 130 in a Porsche.

@BMWEiV-Drivingaroundtheworld Жыл бұрын

Any link to the Chinese manufacturer and the price please?

@GearsGadgets Жыл бұрын

@RiseAtlantis Жыл бұрын

It's made in America

@jhbarringer Жыл бұрын

That would be interesting to know. I would think that there is at least one Chinese knock-off by now.

@swood248 Жыл бұрын

I have a 2019 GT..love it

@Jamess17065 Жыл бұрын

Id buy one if you could K swap it.... :)

@leroybarnes4510 Жыл бұрын

It’s in the class of its own…🎉🎉🎉I like that blue and black.😊😊

@user-px2xz1bu1x Жыл бұрын

I had a 2021 slingshot R with the automatic and hated it. As soon as you touch the brake it would start down shifting, I disliked it so much I sold it.

@Kristof_Lazaar 4 ай бұрын

What about reliability? Polaris has terrible reviews on several other products that they sell is this better in the reliability category?

@GearsGadgets 4 ай бұрын

I’ve now driven several slingshots and didn’t have any issues but I haven’t long termed one so it would be irresponsible for me to comment on reliability.

@americandude3825 Ай бұрын

I’d rather have a Yamaha super Tenere, but my wife asked me politely and respectfully to choose something with three wheels. So I am gonna grab a spyder or slingshot.

@bongoslide Жыл бұрын

When i had spare cash, i forgot i wanted one, now i deeply regret, and thought weather in England an be all over the plae, only winter startup would be a onsern.

@ericc4526 9 ай бұрын

What would happen if you roll over?

@Grizzly50450 Жыл бұрын

I might buy one so I don't have to daily my Duramax but on the days I can't daily it I can just drive the truck. Keep the mileage low on it 🤷‍♂

@mikedean7540 Жыл бұрын

The only review ive seen worth a sh%!. Thank you.

@thecluuchannel4705 Жыл бұрын

It's a luxury gocart

@SarcasticFOX Жыл бұрын

2020 R and that's exactly what I say. Adult Street legal gocart 😆

@TripMeister 11 ай бұрын

2023 R - I said that the first day! Word for word!

@user-yk1oj4hr2d Жыл бұрын

😊

@latoyarichardson6473 2 ай бұрын

If you never rode one of these don’t comment. It’s not a car more like a go cart

@doggjns4411 Жыл бұрын

This Guy Made a great video of the Slingshot, Salute, Motorcycle guys tell us all the time to get a real Bike🤦🏾‍♂️Clowns

@GearsGadgets Жыл бұрын

Thanks, I am a motorcycle guy but I can’t stand other super judgmental motorcycle guys who can’t fathom why anyone would want anything other than their motorcycle. Drives me insane. Slingshots are stupid fun.

@javersowens2035 Жыл бұрын

The Slingshot is a great toy to own. I have owned mine brand new since 2018,, manual is the way to go. The Slingshot is only ment to be one thing, A Slingshot!! If you want another vehicle, then buy it. But then don't try to compare it to a Slingshot. On the other hand do not compare the Slingshot to any other vehicle.

@imaxx21 Жыл бұрын

no helmet required in LA

@RONNIE-T-OVER 6 ай бұрын

China japan korea africa will mske the best ones hands down

@richardyoung6944 8 ай бұрын

It's a street legal gocart

@g-man1272 Жыл бұрын

I own a vanderhall and it's also three wheels but compared to this it's a Porsche lol. $10k more and it looks more classic. It is also much faster ,smaller and 4 inches off the ground. Check it out when you get a chance

@mattm1686 Ай бұрын

anybody put handcontrols on there auto

@darkdaze3860 8 ай бұрын

Autocycle.

@jamesforest7975 10 ай бұрын

Why do you need a helmet?

@g10prodriver76 Жыл бұрын

Is a motorcycle because is missing a wheel to be a car

@lindawatts3575 Жыл бұрын

I bet it's priced like a car

@GearsGadgets Жыл бұрын

Not sure what that means. It starts at $21,499 and goes up to $37,349 which makes it priced like anything else in that range which could be a car, a motorcycle, a camper, a boat, a double wide, or 18,000 snickers bars.