2017 Polaris Slingshot Preview
Two years ago this month, we introduced the radical new offering from Polaris Industries – the same folks who have deftly revived the classic Indian Motorcycle brand and developed the Victory Motorcycles brand – when we previewed the Slingshot.
Recently announced sales figures from Polaris’s quarterly financials state that sales in the company’s motorcycle segment increased 23 percent in the second quarter of 2016. While the report did not indicate which product among its three lines, Victory, Indian and Slingshot contributed most to that increase, the Slingshot having its first full calendar year of sales in 2015 may well have been an important factor. The report did say that all three lines saw sales increase.
The new 2017 Slingshot SLR is added at the top of the model line. The SLR features forged aluminum wheels, 18” up front, 20” at the rear, a 305MM-wide rear tire (40 mm wider than the standard tire on the basic Slingshot and SL models), Sparco touchpoints such as an aluminum shift knob, pedal covers and steering wheel in the cockpit and a two-tone paint scheme with full-body graphics.
The SLR is offered in two colors, Orange Madness and Turbo Silver. Other SLR features include an open air intake, composite brake rotors and an interior LED lighting kit. The new SLR manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $28,499 and will be available in dealerships this August.
The Slingshot SL lineup for 2017 brings on two new colors– Sunset Red and Black Pearl – as well as upgraded features and vehicle enhancements. In addition to the currently available standard SL features, the 2017 Slingshot SL adds a clear Ripper Series wind deflector, new accent hood graphics, cut-and-sew seats and a premium Rockford Fosgate speaker system. The standard 2017 Slingshot has an MSRP of $21,999, while the Slingshot SL carries a $25,499 suggested retail price.
Customization options have been expanded with 31 new Slingshot Engineered Accessories, including the new Slingshade. The Slingshade is designed to flow with the lines of the Slingshot and features removable T-top panels. The panels include tinted windows that retain overhead views and help illuminate the open cockpit. The Slingshade is lightweight and compact enough to be easily removable and stowable.
Other Slingshot Engineered Accessories include styling enhancements, tech and audio components, storage options, wind deflectors, riding gear, helmets, driving jackets and street wear. Most of the vehicle accessories are offered in a variety of factory color-matched options.
All the Slingshot models are constructed on a high-strength steel spaceframe and are powered by a 173-hp 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that drives the rear wheel via a five-speed manual transmission. All Slingshot models utilize a double-wishbone front suspension and electronic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. All models also feature an electronic stability control system and disc brakes with ABS.
For more information about Slingshot visit PolarisSlingshot.com.
