Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Gary on July 11, 2014, 04:10:28 PM
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Three wheeler, 200 HP. Bet it is a gas.
http://www.polaris.com/en-us/slingshot?wt.mc_id=742F1DD8-EC05-E411-B7F5-0050569A00BB&wt.mc_ev=email&WT.mc_id=
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Wow! Thats interesting!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2688936/What-cross-Batmobile-Reliant-Robin-The-low-riding-Polaris-Slingshot-surfs-130mph.html
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/article-0-1F91374000000578-563_634x397_zpscae6fdee.jpg)
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Cool! A Morgan-style three-wheeler. This might be interesting!
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzOwwKI-lHzNCl_H-HWTTHnbnOKxOaXg1ul_zPYOMKwjH69xrL)
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It's got a steering wheel so it will qualify as a car. :BEER:
Matt
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Finally, a match for that crazy Honda NM4
(http://powersports.honda.com/images/nm4/gallery/NM4_2015_01.jpg)
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It's got a steering wheel so it will qualify as a car. :BEER:
Matt
Maybe not in NC, where it's defined like this:
“Motorcycle” means every vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including motor scooters and motor-driven bicycles, but excluding tractors and utility vehicles equipped with an additional form of device designed to transport property, three wheeled vehicles while being used by law enforcement agencies and mopeds.
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I'm in. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :drool
-AJ
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That looks awesome, but, I think it will be harder to see than a motorcycle with it being so low to the ground. Might have to attach a few of those fluorescent orange moped flags to it. ;D
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Illegitimate spawn of an Ariel Atom and Morgan 3-wheeler… looks like fun! ~; :BEER:
cr
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I wonder how many people are capable of climbing out of that, without a helper?
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Maybe not in NC, where it's defined like this:
“Motorcycle” means every vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including motor scooters and motor-driven bicycles, but excluding tractors and utility vehicles equipped with an additional form of device designed to transport property, three wheeled vehicles while being used by law enforcement agencies and mopeds.
Sure looks like seats to me. :BEER:
Matt
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Sort of like the recumbent tadpole trike I had some years ago but with an engine.
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It's certainly an intriguing wehicle but not in any way a product for me. I still look to things like this and say: "why not an über-hot Miata" or something along those lines? Get me some A/C, a heater and a top for when nature craps on me during my drive... not to mention a trunk.
I see this more as a shot across the bow in a growing border war between Polaris and Can Am. Gots to stop the Spyder invasion somehow! That, or it's an asphalt translation of Polaris' wildly successful two-up water-sports products.
Either way, the market eludes me completely. Looks like a ticket magnet with few upsides to this rider.
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I'd like a micro sports car.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/c3_zps223aac7f.jpg)
or
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/c2_zpsf39c198f.jpeg)
or
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/c1_zpsd7ea091d.jpg)
Have races at the indoor mall! :BEER:
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whatever became of the T Rex ?
(http://www.texasironmagazine.com/images/T-REX%20Kawi%201400b.jpg)
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Maybe if they made an off road capable version.
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I wonder how many people are capable of climbing out of that, without a helper?
A most excellent observation. I just became less of a fan of the slingshot. I am flexibly challenged.
;D
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I spent yesterday climbing in and out of several Lotuses. (Real) 7 is much easier than an Elise… A Europa is easier to get into or out of than an Elise. Pretty much anything is easier to get into and out of than an Elise… No top? No doors? No problem!
cr
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whatever became of the T Rex ?
(http://www.texasironmagazine.com/images/T-REX%20Kawi%201400b.jpg)
This?
http://www.microcar.org/blog/2009/08/this-is-not-a-smart-car/
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No interest in any three wheeler from here.
1. Most of the disadvantages of a motorcycle with none of the advantages.
2. Most of the disadvantages of a car with none of the advantages.
3. They each come with one ironclad guarantee - You'll Never Miss A Pothole Again!
Lannis
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No interest in any three wheeler from here.
1. Most of the disadvantages of a motorcycle with none of the advantages.
2. Most of the disadvantages of a car with none of the advantages.
3. They each come with one ironclad guarantee - You'll Never Miss A Pothole Again!
Lannis
I rode a Spyder a couple years ago. I still have occasional nightmares and nausea. I had more fun on a warehouse pallet jack.
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Tell us what you really think.....
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There is a part of me that wants a three-wheeler. Either a Triking, for the familiarity of the drivetrain, or a new Morgan for the actual usefulness and reverse gear. At one point the current owners of JAP were going to start production of an engine for those, don't know what happened to that. S&S is closer to that than Guzzi, but Guzzi is familiar territory.
cr
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Our local Guzzi dealer (Pensacola) is selling Indian and will also have the Polaris Slingshot soon.
Ought to be a helluva sportscar.
Update on release:
http://www.polaris.com/en-us/slingshot
http://www.startribune.com/business/268970361.html
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Cool. Makes my Nephews Lotus Exige seem like a practical car. If I had disposable cash it would make a fun toy to do track days at Lime Rock with.
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The Slingshot is not small. I measured it out and its footprint is about the same as a lot of cars. I bet it is a blast to try though, just can't see owning one. Perhaps something for the rental market?
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That looks like the type of thing I would reward myself with after working 7/12 for three months. About a week later I would be bored with it and all my money would be gone. ::( That's why I no longer work. ;-T :BEER:
Matt
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1700 pounds. That's like 300 pounds heavier than the full steel body VW beetle I used to have.
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1700 pounds. That's like 300 pounds heavier than the full steel body VW beetle I used to have.
Yup , bet it won't float either :D
Dusty
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I'm not a fan of three wheels, and this design is one of the worst. Motor in front, supported by two big, sticky tires: then send the power back to a single, lightly loaded tire that runs in the grease stripe in the middle of the road. Brilliant, must be the product of a design committee.
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Looks like a KTM X-Bow (http://www.ktm.com/x-bow.html#.U9gu82OqRc4) minus a wheel.
I would still take it over a spider.
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TritonTrikes.com (http://TritonTrikes.com)
Better and cheaper.
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Man 90k for an x-bow? Why can they build something like that for about 15k. If you can buy a Suzuki SX4 all wheel drive hatchback for 15k new why can't you buy some unpractical RWD 2 seater without roof or windows for 15K?
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Man 90k for an x-bow? Why can they build something like that for about 15k. If you can buy a Suzuki SX4 all wheel drive hatchback for 15k new why can't you buy some unpractical RWD 2 seater without roof or windows for 15K?
Gotta amortize the value of the tooling, design, all the fixed costs of manufacture. They probably made 500,000 Suzuki hatchbacks for the world ... they'll make 500 of these funny trikes .....
Lannis
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Fellas , when first made aware of the Can Am Spyder , my thoughts were , who would want one of those , now they are almost ubiquitous around here . Yeah , 90K US is too much , but if there is any interest , Polaris will build a cheaper version later . Never misunderestimate ( sorry, could not help myself ;D) the power of exclusivity .
Dusty
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No 90K is for the KTM. The Polaris is coming in at 19-20K. Still more than I would pay but much more reasonable.
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No 90K is for the KTM. The Polaris is coming in at 19-20K. Still more than I would pay but much more reasonable.
Thanks for the clarification , got WAY too much sun today , gonna blame it on that ;D
Dusty
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I think they sell it in an unfinished condition. You sit in the seat then they finish building the thing around you.
S'not as fast as an Areal anyway. One of the Areal models goes 0 to 100 mph and back to 0 in 10.88 seconds.
That time could be improved upon by a special stopping device, a concrete abutment.
You go 0 to 100 in just over 6 seconds then park it on the concrete wall in just a few thousandths more.
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Being out in farming country, I would like to get one of their other vehicles.......
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/2879117-1_zpscf23826c.jpg)
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No interest in any three wheeler from here.
1. Most of the disadvantages of a motorcycle with none of the advantages.
2. Most of the disadvantages of a car with none of the advantages.
3. They each come with one ironclad guarantee - You'll Never Miss A Pothole Again!
Lannis
We've had a Can Am Spyder in the US since Nov 12 and haven't noticed an increase in pothole hits.
1) The Spyder, at 100hp+, outperforms any Guzzi I have ever ridden, especially with a Yoshi pipe and Juice Box as we have.
2) The Spyder can be ridden/driven hard, so hard, that it easily will lift an inside front wheel a few inches, and keep it up for several yards without effort when cornering hard, especially with a stiffer sway bar to control lean out. As such, with the front tyres scrubbing across the road on a hard and fast freeway entry, with plenty of body English to help it stay flat, it gives me excitement that I could never get from a motorcycle and still keep it tyre side down.
3) Mrs G has also been known to lift the inside front wheel under my directions, so it's easy for anyone to have an extra measure of excitement if they so desire.
Then again, most Spyders I see in Australia are driven in such a grandfatherly fashion that it's no wonder the average person thinks they are uninspiring...
Now the Polaris Slingshot looks just like my sort of hoon box, since I have never had a vehicle that I would be glad to spin the back wheel(s) on asphalt. The Slingshot evidently does it quite capably with 173hp and 1700lbs weight. I'm waiting to try out the seating position, and if it's OK, we'll have one as well. ;-)
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I rode a Spyder a couple years ago. I still have occasional nightmares and nausea. I had more fun on a warehouse pallet jack.
You should have tried starting the engine. ;-)
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If they made it rear wheel steering, then, they might have something.
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I think I'd call Chuck Beck before going to one of these three-wheeled contraptions...
(http://kitcarempire.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/1967-Porsche-550-spyder-replica-by-beck.jpg)
http://www.beckspeedster.com/generalproductinfo/550spyder.html
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I think I'd call Chuck Beck before going to one of these three-wheeled contraptions...
(http://kitcarempire.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/1967-Porsche-550-spyder-replica-by-beck.jpg)
http://www.beckspeedster.com/generalproductinfo/550spyder.html
can you get it for $20,000? I like the Slingshot for that price..
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We've had a Can Am Spyder in the US since Nov 12 and haven't noticed an increase in pothole hits.
1) The Spyder, at 100hp+, outperforms any Guzzi I have ever ridden, especially with a Yoshi pipe and Juice Box as we have.
I can guarantee you that my Norge will outperform any Can-Am anywhere, anytime.
Please note, performance to me is having fun riding a motorcycle.
A Can-Am can't be compared to a motorcycle because it is not one. While you still wear a helmet and gloves etc, so do the people running go-carts, sno-mobiles and such.
A Can Am has more in common with a car than a motorcycle.
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can you get it for $20,000? I like the Slingshot for that price..
Air-cooled powered:
$20k for the "Deluxe Pre-Assembled Body Package" (no engine, trans., brakes, wheels, tires, lights).
$30k for the "Deluxe Roller Package" (no engine).
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I can guarantee you that my Norge will outperform any Can-Am anywhere, anytime.
Oh boy, we'll be running for pink slips here in a bit!! :D ;-T
Wonder if they'd let a Can Am on a track with the bikes on Track Day? I'd love to see how it REALLY does against an aggressively ridden liter-bike.
Running on the street only proves who has a higher tolerance for the risk of death, not who is the better rider or who's machine performs better. Running on the track (or against a timer on a course) is the only way to really tell.
I'm betting on the bike, even though I know a four-wheeler with fat tires will usually beat a bike on an open track.
Lannis
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What a great option to have. I would love to give it a try. The GF feels safer, lockable storage and crazy fun performance. I'm in.
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Several Sling shots on display at the recent biker rally here.
Very interesting machine. Probably a lot of fun.
Just wish the lines were more rounded and organic, rather than angular.
Same engine as in the recently departed Pontiac Solstice / Saturn Skye. 170 bhp and a 5-speed transmission.
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I saw something that looked like the T-rex (pictured in this thread) up in the NC mountains week before last - only it wore BMW badges. The owner got in it, put on his helmet, secured the three point seat belt, put 'er in reverse and took off burning rubber for a respectable distance. About that time, a guy drives up in a BMW car that had race-type decals on it and said "that was nothing, watch this". He tried several times to spin the rear wheels but only got launched rather quickly. I guess his "traction control" device really worked.
It was rather comical and sad at the same time. ;)
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Connecticut DMV says no to Polaris Slingshot.........
http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2014/12/19/connecticut-dmv-says-no-to-polaris-slingshot/?intcmp=features
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Connecticut apparently has a bee in their bum .
Dusty
...but they do have a point.
Enclosed engine and enclosed driver/rider = auto to them.
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...but they do have a point.
Enclosed engine and enclosed driver/rider = auto to them.
Good point . Wonder what they would say if the SS had a Moto Guzzi badge ? ;D
Dusty
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Texas and CT odd pair to agree on something. It really is a car minus one wheel. But now I don't have to worry about buying one. Maybe you could register it in Vermont?
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Texas and CT odd pair to agree on something. It really is a car minus one wheel. But now I don't have to worry about buying one. Maybe you could register it in Vermont?
Actually you could register it in Vermont. They don't care where you live. Give them the money and they will hand you a plate. Friends in New York are doing that now.
Pete
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Why would anybody ever want an unstable 3 wheeler?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QQh56geU0X8
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For bit more money you could get a used Lotus Elise. About as practical but you get a roof. My nephew has a breathed on Exige, stupid fun car.
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Another toy for little people.
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Goes with the territory.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/10af98b14a8a58ce04ae67296d85c8ee_zps907718b4.jpg)
Welcome aboard, Mr. Bond.
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Saw a slingshot this morn. Seats were closed cell foam like a Lemans III
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Is that a *Gumby* doll on the front ??? ;D
Dusty
That's the back, and no.
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There is a pending bill in the NCGA to reclassify these things so that they are neither Motos or cars.. A new class, but has to be enclosed (not fully~ no windows req'd) and the driver has to sit 'in' it not 'astride' it
They are also about to sink the scooter option here.. As everything 50cc up will end up requiring plates & insurance & there is talk of ~no licensee requirement~ BUT you can't drive one if your license has been taken or suspended
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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There is a pending bill in the NCGA to reclassify these things so that they are neither Motos or cars.. A new class, but has to be enclosed (not fully~ no windows req'd) and the driver has to sit 'in' it not 'astride' it
They are also about to sink the scooter option here.. As everything 50cc up will end up requiring plates & insurance & there is talk of ~no licensee requirement~ BUT you can't drive one if your license has been taken or suspended
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
"BUT you can't drive one if your license has been taken or suspended". Uh oh. No more whiskey-cycles in NC. At least it could get them to work when they were sober.
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"BUT you can't drive one if your license has been taken or suspended". Uh oh. No more whiskey-cycles in NC. At least it could get them to work when they were sober.
That's what makes it maddening... Many of these ppl are riding a moped not because they want to but because there is no other option. I agree drunk driving is horrible.. But once you got a guy busted down to riding a moped 25min each way in freezing rain; just to get to work... And you take that ability away... It starts seeming like cruel & unusual to me. IMHO will only encourage them to drive cars illegally.
Ok sorry thread jack over, slingshots look cool & fun
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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That's what makes it maddening... Many of these ppl are riding a moped not because they want to but because there is no other option. I agree drunk driving is horrible.. But once you got a guy busted down to riding a moped 25min each way in freezing rain; just to get to work... And you take that ability away... It starts seeming like cruel & unusual to me. IMHO will only encourage them to drive cars illegally.
Ok sorry thread jack over, slingshots look cool & fun
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
He probably will drive illegally. That's what he was doing when they took his license -- why should having it revoked make any difference? As far as cruel and unusual -- are you arguing that people aren't aware of dui laws and consequences? A drunken sot behind the wheel is an innocent victim of the system?
On topic -- I think the slingshots and other side-by-side vehicles do need their own designation. Slingshot is one of the first of this concept. I predict there will be a thriving industry in pseudo-cars by the time my grandson is driving. They're neither fish nor fowl to the DMV and they need an identity.
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I agree with Texas-these vehicles are not motorcycles. Just as trike conversions, sidecars, out rigger wheel kits and the Spyder should not be. A motorcycle is a motorized bicycle. Two wheels, single track. Anything else needs another classification and skill set. And Insurance.
There is also an effort to ban mopeds here in SC. I hope it passes. We need to get these people out of the public eye. It's so cruel to be seen on one of them. Might as well have "LOSER" tattooed on the forehead. Being laughed at and ridiculed just isn't fair.
Miss anything?
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Get a DUI in Kansas and you can't even ride a moped during the suspension period.
GliderJohn
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For anyone else like me that had no clue what a Slingshot was!
http://www.polaris.com/en-us/slingshot
JB
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(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/fotoguzzi/Screenshot2014-11-12at73612PM_zps94dc808e.png)
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Redrider posted: "There is also an effort to ban mopeds here in SC. I hope it passes"
By who? ??? :BEER:
Matt
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Saw them at the MC Show in Cleveland this weekend. Interesting vehicles, a lot of "transformer" styling in that thing. I think it would be hard to miss potholes with those wide tires and three tracks - and we sure have a lot of those in Ohio. They are not my cup of tea, but hope the manufacturer sells a bundle of them they look sort of neat.
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I have considered one I never want to hurt anyone on a motorcyle and since my accident I am not sure about my balance. I still ride myself but to take anyone on a ride is not going to hapen at this time. So for a lady friend going for a ride this would be a good option. Indiana has not allowed them yet time will tell.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuXWHGEBPT0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuXWHGEBPT0)
^^^ There's a really fun comparison of 3 different types of the same thing all pitted against eachother. The Slingshot seems fun in concept but it doesn't drive particularly well and the rear end is fugly: It looks like a rubbermaid bucket with a swingarm sticking out of it.
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Redrider posted: "There is also an effort to ban mopeds here in SC. I hope it passes"
By who? ??? :BEER:
Matt
The legislature has a group that cannot stand a moped and was pushing for an outright ban. Noisy crowd but going nowhere IMO. There is a rewrite of the laws underway, if my sources are to be believed. The current "Moped Tag" system controlled by one dealer in Columbia is going away. (Be a member of his association and you get the plates for a small fee-pay through the nose if you are not) The proposal is for 49cc or less, operators permit and liability insurance. Tags come from the DMV, not WW. As always, enforcement will be sketchy. Ask 5 cops about the rules and get 10 different opinions of understanding. Example-moped speed limit is 25 while top speed is supposed to be 30.
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He probably will drive illegally. That's what he was doing when they took his license -- why should having it revoked make any difference? As far as cruel and unusual -- are you arguing that people aren't aware of dui laws and consequences? A drunken sot behind the wheel is an innocent victim of the system?
On topic -- I think the slingshots and other side-by-side vehicles do need their own designation. Slingshot is one of the first of this concept. I predict there will be a thriving industry in pseudo-cars by the time my grandson is driving. They're neither fish nor fowl to the DMV and they need an identity.
Oh yes people are aware and the penalty is stiff for a damn good reason...
But in a state where only a fraction of the population has access to public transpo... taking away the moped is just a further measure to marginalize people.. I'd much rather have a drunk with no licsence actually go to work, pay their fines, and struggle with the moped... Than to have a drunk lose their job, end up MY responsibility when he goes to jail for missing probation payments! Or worse yet, have him driving a car around!
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Oh yes people are aware and the penalty is stiff for a damn good reason...
But in a state where only a fraction of the population has access to public transpo... taking away the moped is just a further measure to marginalize people.. I'd much rather have a drunk with no licsence actually go to work, pay their fines, and struggle with the moped... Than to have a drunk lose their job, end up MY responsibility when he goes to jail for missing probation payments! Or worse yet, have him driving a car around!
:+1
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Around here mopeds are the province of youngsters who find them cool. Actually, that sort of makes them cool.
DUI guys ride bicycles here. Often you can tell, they are the guys on a mountain bike wearing work boots and Carhartts. Of course, sometimes I wear that too.
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Oh yes people are aware and the penalty is stiff for a damn good reason...
But in a state where only a fraction of the population has access to public transpo... taking away the moped is just a further measure to marginalize people.. I'd much rather have a drunk with no licsence actually go to work, pay their fines, and struggle with the moped... Than to have a drunk lose their job, end up MY responsibility when he goes to jail for missing probation payments! Or worse yet, have him driving a car around!
this
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Saw o ne of these at the Bike Show a couple weeks back, it's big, too big in my opinion, costs a pretty penny and the styling is not to my taste.
IMHO if you want side by side open air touring get a Miata, its probably twice the vehicle and you won't get wet.
PS, my wife had a Miata (2005) for 4 years, fantastic little car, and it was surprisingly a great winter car.
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Saw o ne of these at the Bike Show a couple weeks back, it's big, too big in my opinion, costs a pretty penny and the styling is not to my taste.
IMHO if you want side by side open air touring get a Miata, its probably twice the vehicle and you won't get wet.
PS, my wife had a Miata (2005) for 4 years, fantastic little car, and it was surprisingly a great winter car.
I am starting to experience difficulty getting onto and off of my motorcycles so I purchased a 2010 for transportation. Never seen a Slingshot but I have a felling I would also prefer the Miata. ;D
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/DSC_0126_zps9420dddd.jpg) (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/2jabam3/media/DSC_0126_zps9420dddd.jpg.html)
:BEER:
Matt
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getting away from the social commentary, I was able to sit in one at the Cycle World Pukefest.
I can see it as a modern Lotus 7. I'd like to see one of those with 4 wheels instead of three wheels and the belt driven rear. So my prescription: sell it for $15k, put 4 wheels on it, and up the HP.
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not directly related to the main topic,,,,,,
...if a license isn't required to operate a scooter, moped, radio flyer red wagon, how can "they" prohibit the operation of the device if your license is suspended or revoked?
You are operating a device that does not require a license. If that makes sense, then perhaps "they" shouldn't ride bicycles or skateboards either.
I dunno, sometimes I just scratch my head. ::)
See ya, I'm going back to the shop.
Apparently there is some kind of sport ball game on T.V. today....... ;D
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If you want 4 wheels and cheaper:
(http://img.webme.com/pic/p/pembleton-archives/p4010001.jpg)
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Or if you're happy with 3 wheels:
(http://img.webme.com/pic/p/pembleton-archives/quicksilver2.jpg)
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not directly related to the main topic,,,,,,
...if a license isn't required to operate a scooter, moped, radio flyer red wagon, how can "they" prohibit the operation of the device if your license is suspended or revoked?
You are operating a device that does not require a license. If that makes sense, then perhaps "they" shouldn't ride bicycles or skateboards either.
They can restrict you from operating any motorized vehicle upon a public roadway. That's how.
Many States have done that in order to get rid of the "DWI Loophole" and Liquorcycles.
Stupid, if you ask me, but States are doing it. Then, people with suspended or revoked drivers licenses are relegated to bicycles or driving cars illegally. Guess which one they do?
*In Arkansas, operating anything with an engine on public roadways DURING A DWI License Suspension = 10 days jail. (if you're caught, of course).
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It's like they are getting away with something and need to be punished more. ::( :BEER:
Matt
PS: Redrider-My son verified that the bill to ban mopeds in SC was the work of one person and is going no place. ;-T
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If you are skinny and still flexible, this one looks really, .... err, fun!
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/b853d0cbe5b416e3e0c0215038cc55c5_zpshk3gyzyi.jpg)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/original_123654_bYapIo5iemJvcSnDooBrcU7MV_zps7nkfildq.jpg)
8)
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Or if you're happy with 3 wheels
What difference does it make? Is there some significant attraction to 3 wheels, or is this a difference without much real difference? I mean, sure could be a little more likely to flip over in a turn, but I'm not going to call that an attraction.
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I wonder....
If states get to reclassifying items like this - where does one stand (sit?) with regards to helmet laws.
Todd.
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What difference does it make? Is there some significant attraction to 3 wheels, or is this a difference without much real difference? I mean, sure could be a little more likely to flip over in a turn, but I'm not going to call that an attraction.
Differences:
Weight: lighter than 4 wheels
Operating costs: 1 less tire to replace!
Registration: 3 wheels are cycles in some jurisdictions, so less taxes and registration costs
Different from everything else: this is a Guzzi forum, need I explain? ;D
Note: I have a book with a picture of a Morgan 3-wheeler racing in the 1930's. The driver is using his hand to push the car back down while going around a curve. Morgan racers back then wore a heavy glove on the off-side hand just for that purpose :o
:beat_horse
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(http://www.morgandc.com/e-card/RacingThreeWheeler.jpg)
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(http://www.morgandc.com/e-card/RacingThreeWheeler.jpg)
Yowza but that's some side-loading on that poor outside, spoked and under engineered wheel.
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The reason for 3 wheels is so they do not have to meet all the safety requirements (and emissions) of cars. 5mph bumpers, air bags, roll over protection, windshield specs, dashboard cushion/layout, etc, etc. I think car emissions are a bit tougher than bikes.
So, if they are classified as cars then they will not be road capable until completely redesigned.
If Polaris wins and gets them road legal then the first lawsuit after a fatal crash may be a big one. It will either go against the state for allowing a dangerous 'car' on the road or against Polaris for same. Especially if Polaris advertises it as 'safe' in any way, shape or form.
A side benefit if Polaris wins is that it may generate a glut of small 3 wheel vehicles with great gas mileage and none of the safety features that load up the weight and cost of cars.
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If you want 4 wheels and cheaper:
(http://img.webme.com/pic/p/pembleton-archives/p4010001.jpg)
Is that Chiity Chitty Bang Bang?
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British kit car. Citroen based, front wheel drive.
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It's like they are getting away with something and need to be punished more. ::( :BEER:
Matt
PS: Redrider-My son verified that the bill to ban mopeds in SC was the work of one person and is going no place. ;-T
Hell, it'll be scissor-lifts next.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30InBgGhiSo
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For the track, these look real basic, cheap and light.
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/320Cooper20Mk20820Goodwood200908_zpsdbrnnhze.jpg)
(http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag77/Penderic/Cooper20Mk20820Cutaway_zpslqhvtxwc.jpg)
Big single!
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4-wheel IRS with overhead leaf springs. How very advanced for a minicar in the 50's!
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Coopers are about $40K and up these days.
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50s F3 Cooper and other F3 cars get credit for the Triton "craze" of the day. Formula was 500cc, mostly single-cylinder. And the Norton Manx was The Deal for that… remove engine from frame, sell off frame to some crazy who wants a better home for the Triumph lump, and the rest is history.
cr
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Elio...a startup in Shreveport, LA has advertised their tandem 2-seater as safe, well-equipped, and capable of 84 mpg. The asking price is supposed to be $6,800 and service will be provided at Pep Boys service centers. They even bought an old GM truck plant as a production facility...
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1081467_80-mpg-elio-three-wheeled-car-to-be-built-at-former-gm-truck-pl[L (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/JamesBagley/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/2E1BFA8A-CED5-4D95-986C-291C3F38D561.jpg.html)ant
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c229/JamesBagley/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/2E1BFA8A-CED5-4D95-986C-291C3F38D561.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/JamesBagley/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/2E1BFA8A-CED5-4D95-986C-291C3F38D561.jpg.html)
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Elio...a startup in Shreveport, LA
We have a threadfest for that thing. What a mess...
http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=65708.0
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My wife brought the Elio to my attention. When I said that it was too small she said, "They're not small...they're 'fun-sized'."
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Elio production pushed out another year to 2016. Nobody actually hired for the Shreveport plant and the realtor, who invested in Elio, is actively trying to peddle the property to someone else, which suggests elio doesn't own it. Also, their claim of 84mph is countered in their own literature by figures of 49 and 60mpg, and the figures are based on an engine that has not yet been designed - simply does not exist. Anything you can verify as actually having an engine in it is sporting the geo metro 3-banger.
On the good side, if you prepay for your elio before Feb 15th you get a free t-shirt. Also, they got the weather channel logo on their web page.
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car and driver magazine has a test of this thing in the newest issue.
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But it's not being tested with the engine they're promising, because the engine hasn't been designed or invented yet. Might as well be towing one down the road behind a horse for the value of any road testing.
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well, I don't know what engine they are promising but it was the same engine I saw in the vehicle in Dallas. I was little surprised since it's not a particularly impressive engine but on the other hand, the vehicle is so light, the engine doesn't have to be special.
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According to the last press I read, although the mock-ups have the metro engine, they are planning to design and develop their engine in-house. It's said that they're holding the design very close to the chest on account of it's so far advanced of anything currently offered. However, they have no staff hired to do the R&D, no tooling, and the only tangible evidence of activity at the proposed factory site is about 15 people doing general cleanup of rubbish and debris.
If this is all it takes to harvest $6800/head from people who don't expect anything for it, I ought to go public with my trike design. I meant it as a one-off, but hey -- it exists.
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If you want 4 wheels and cheaper:
(http://img.webme.com/pic/p/pembleton-archives/p4010001.jpg)
Good grief, that is beautiful! Although I think it would look even better with a round head 850 motor.
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My local Guzzi/Indian dealer texted me yesterday to come by and take a look at the two new Polaris Slingshots that they just received. I did.
I haven't devoted a lot of attention to this new vehicle and I was surprised when I first saw it. It is bigger than I expected. For some reason, I was thinking about a vehicle comparable to the 3-wheeled Can-Am Spyder.
The Slingshot is basically like a small car. Think Mazda Miata-like. It is nothing like the Can-Am Spyder. It's a car.
You shoehorn yourself into the two-seat cockpit and sit very low to the ground. The front fenders flare out rather widely and the rear bodywork comes up over the level of your head. Out of the car and looking at it from the rear, the tail lights are every bit as plentiful and high above the ground as most road-going sedans.
You sit in a tight cockpit, out in the open with the Slingshot. There are no doors and minimal wind shielding. The shift stick is right there to your right. Overall, the car reminds me of a sporty and new version of an old MG TD.
The front plastic hood and fenders tilt forward to reveal the surprisingly-large-to-me 173HP GM Ecotec 2400CC four-cylinder engine mounted fore and aft mated to a 5-speed tranny.
My question is whether that sort of power wouldn't easily break-loose that single (albeit automotive) rear tire under acceleration. Apparently, that is easily done except when you have the Traction Control feature turned on.
I didn't try it but the rig looks like it would be a hoot to ride, err, I mean drive. I bet it handles like a go-kart on twisty roads and would be great fun.
Price-wise, the Slingshot is cheaper than many motorcycles. The plain-Jane version is about $20k and the full-zoot version is priced at about $24K. In further fairness, you can get a new Miata for about the same money.
http://www.polaris.com/en-us/slingshot
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With the Miata you get heat and A/C, a lockable boot, top, quieter interior - pretty much the full monty. At a good price. With what appears to be very good resale value.
I'm a wee bit biased, but for three wheelers, I'll take the Morgan but if I'm going from two wheels to more; something like the Miata makes more sense.
But hey, you have choices!
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How long before the Aged Pirate People start to rally around this thing? I agree, it is a 3 wheeled automobile or trike.
Motorcycle=2 wheels and an engine
Sidecar=semi enclosed conveyance attached to a motorcycle for motive power.
Trike=A vehicle with two wheels at the front or rear with a third wheel at the opposite end.
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The Slingshot has an automotive-like cockpit with 2 side-by-side automotive-type seats and a steering wheel. The shifter is an automotive-type stick located right where it would be on a car. There is also a pretty substantial "hood" in front of you and an automotive-like windshield. You also have what looks like automotive-type bumper up front.
At least with the Can-Am Syder you sit on a motorcycle-like saddle and hold handlebars.
I'm not knocking it at all but I think it's a huge step away from being anything "motorcycle."
The dealer said they had sold several and have a waiting list.
I may be wrong but, if the profile of purchasers is anything similar to that of sports cars and motorcycles, I expect to see a lot of grayhairs with disposable income interested. I wonder how long that will last when they have the experience of fitting themselves into and out of that tight seating hole of the Slingshot.
I like it, though. Go look at them. Sit in it.
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If I was drawn to this sort of thing, I'd like to have one of the new versions of the classic Morgan 3-wheeler that is now being made by Morgan with the S&S Wedge motor. I know it's a lot more money. I sat in one and looked it over at Daytona last year.
http://www.morgan3wheeler.co.uk/desktopindex.html
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I would go with a Caterham Super Seven if I was looking in that direction.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i130/LannisSelz/header_10201_zps3ebd017a.jpg) (http://s71.photobucket.com/user/LannisSelz/media/header_10201_zps3ebd017a.jpg.html)
Not sure I'd want something with all the disadvantages of a car and none of the advantages of a motorcycle. And vice versa!
Lannis
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my first car in 24 years is a Miata.. I didn't know I could like a car so much.. first time in those 24 years that I only have one motorcycle.. (not counting the family heirloom Trail 90's)
sadly, both are parked for the winter.
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my first car in 24 years is a Miata.. I didn't know I could like a car so much.. first time in those 24 years that I only have one motorcycle.. (not counting the family heirloom Trail 90's)
sadly, both are parked for the winter.
I miss my 1991 Miata every day! Though lacking some power, it was great fun!
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I miss my 1991 Miata every day! Though lacking some power, it was great fun!
Sure low grunt but... Get 'em on the cam and emasculation be damned! They're rockin' fun.
Well, fer a chick's car. ~;
Todd.
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Rode in a guzzi powered morgan and I loved it. Total fun.