2022 Polaris Slingshot SL Review | MC Commute

Описание: Polaris offers powersport enthusiasts something different with its 2022 Slingshot SL ($26,799). Although it looks like a backward trike, it’s categorized as a three-wheel-equipped autocycle in California. To operate this vehicle in the Golden State, you only need a standard driver’s license; no motorcycle endorsement is necessary, though DOT-labeled helmets are required for drived and passenger.

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Editor’s note: We tested the automatic transmission-equipped version in the 2020 Polaris Slingshot SL MC Commute Review. Legal restrictions and vehicle classification vary from state to state. Check your state’s local laws before operating this vehicle on public streets.

Polaris says it designed the Slingshot to look like a predatory bird. If there’s one thing Polaris gets right, it’s the industrial design; it did a great job with the styling. This Slingshot rolls on 18-inch front cast aluminum wheels and a 20-inch rear cast aluminum wheel. The wheels look nice and are equipped with low-profile Kenda rubber. The two-front, single-rear configuration lets it have side-by-side seating and accommodations for a passenger. There’s plenty of storage behind the seat and inside the glove box, where there’s also a USB and a 12-volt charging port.

Like most new automobiles, the Slingshot employs an electronic proximity key fob, which is used to start the engine. A mechanical key locks the internal storage cases.

Starting the Slingshot reveals a strange glitch; occasionally, when the starter button is pressed, the trike won’t immediately start. The dash display reads, “Proximity key fob not in range.” As Polaris has been manufacturing this vehicle for the last two years, this is an odd hiccup.

While the Slingshot may loosely resemble an automobile from the front, there are no doors. Low frame rails on either side require interesting contortions to get inside. For those with limited mobility, traditionally a notable part of the trike-driving demographic, this vehicle likely wouldn’t be a good fit. The seats do have forward and aft mechanical adjustability and the backrests also adjust forward and back, just like most cars. Another nice touch is tilt steering, though there isn't a telescope function.

This Slingshot’s 1,997cc water-cooled inline-four was engineered and manufactured by Polaris in Minnesota and replaces the GM Ecotec four-cylinder used since the Slingshot debuted for the 2015 model year. This engine doesn’t benefit from variable valve timing like the GM unit, but feels very similar in terms of power, vibration, and sound. There’s also a red button which Polaris calls “Slingshot mode.” This adjusts the engine calibration for added response. Realistically, we couldn’t really tell the difference between either setting. The major perceivable difference is the new I4 has a bit more torque. It’s a cool-sounding engine, and it’s really fun to row through the gears.

Those gears live in a Japanese-sourced five-speed Aisin AR5 transmission, an older design that’s been manufactured for well over a decade and used in vehicles including the Chevy Colorado and old-school Isuzu Trooper. It may be an aging design, but it’s a proven one, and this gearbox functions well. We love how close the lever throws are between each of the five gears though there’s a bit of a longer gap between second and third. We also think closer ratios would be an improvement in this application. Still, it’s a very nice, positive-shifting unit. Those who don’t want to work the clutch pedal can opt for an auto-drive transmission ($1,750 option) that adds hydraulic actuation via a Magneti-Marelli system; still a manual transmission, but with automated operation.

We’re typically manual shifting enthusiasts, unless it’s Honda’s DCT, so we wouldn’t spend the extra $1,750 for the AutoDrive transmission. It’s worth noting that, since this is a rear-drive trike, it doesn’t have the torque steer effect of vehicles like Vanderhall’s autocycle (as noted in the 2020 Vanderhall Motor Works Venice GT Review MC Commute). Traction control keeps the 20-inch wheel and tire in contact with pavement, though it can also be manually disabled for burnouts or lurid fishtailing.

Article: https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/st...

Photo: Polaris Inc.

Video: Adam Waheed

Motorcycle Gear Worn

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