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Had an opportunity today and got on a Can Am Spyder. Interesting to say the least, I thought it was quite comfortable and reminiscent of my old Polaris trailboss I had in the early 90's. Sale price was $14900, nicely appointed with goodies but not the touring model. While there I took a gander at the Polaris Slingshot. I know its controversial, to me it isn't a motorcycle, but I'd still wear safety gear and so would the passenger. Chevy 4 cylinder, 175 hp, and I applaud them for thinking outside the box. Fun and fast, $20k price tag, I would want to live in a sunny clime if I had one. It's reminds me of the cars science fiction told me we would have in the New Millennium when I was a kid reading Ray Bradbury and watching Outer Limits. Yes I know these have safety issues but I am hoping they inspire more.
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From what I've seen, safety gear really isn't much of a priority for people who ride those types of three wheelers. But they do seem popular in warmer climates.
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I don't get the can am spyders. They don't go off road like a quad, it takes up a whole lane, leaning and cornering isn't like a motorcycle, Costs a boat load of money and no one will give you respect on the road... Just drive a convert-able.
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There's a short article in this month's Popular Mechanics on the Polaris Slingshot. Lest you get the wrong idea about me, I also subscribe to Teen Beat and Cosmo. I've never seen the Slingshot and the photos they have attached to the article are pretty crazy. It actually LOOKS like it would be a blast to ride (drive?). But it's way too much "look at me!" "look at me!" to ever own one. One thing the author wrote that I found interesting was the occasional "mule kick" from behind if you ride (drive?) over a pothole, the front tires passing on either side. That center rear tire then takes the brunt of the pothole and sends the jolt forward. With the sad condition of many of our roads, I could see that getting very old, very quick. On the other hand, owning one would give me the perfect excuse to dust off my cape and spandex and get back to defending truth, justice and the American way.
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I think it still provides the feel of motorcycle riding while providing an improper sense of safety. I've owned dirt bikes, three wheelers, and quads. Rode them all over the woods and though they are entirely different in riding styles I always got the same basic enjoyment from them. I feel the same way about the can am. The sport model I was looking at was $15k out the door. The Contessa quit riding with me decades ago, has no interest in it today......with the exception that if I bought a Can Am. They are not uncommon around here and she has mentioned on occasion that she wouldn't mind riding with me on one of those. It's not in the cards for us today and may never be, especially since I would like a scrambler next.
the Slingshot just looks like a hoot. I have no intention in buying one but if they were available to rent I might do so.
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The polaris slingshot is more of a poor man's corvette. It's based off chevy's Ecotec 2.2 liter motor, which is a solid platform that they beefed up for the slingshot. Make no mistake, the slingshot is a lot of fun and will excite you in acceleration, but for a 20k pricetag I will pass. I rode a spyder when they first came out. It does not corner well imho, opposite of a snowmobile and feels weird. Still, for the 14k price tag, I'd stick with a CB1100 for that.
To each his own, but I will never own either.
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 MG, Spandex?  Now there's a thought I won't be able to get out of my mind for a while... where's the bang head against wall icon when you need one?!
Saw the Slingshot at the IMS. The front seemed absolutely huge, and for a vehicle that size there's definitely a lack of storage, but overall, I could see myself riding one some day.
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(02-11-2015, 04:13 AM)ClassicVW_imp Wrote: MG, Spandex? Now there's a thought I won't be able to get out of my mind for a while... where's the bang head against wall icon when you need one?!
Saw the Slingshot at the IMS. The front seemed absolutely huge, and for a vehicle that size there's definitely a lack of storage, but overall, I could see myself riding one some day.
C'mon, Classic. As a retired LEO, I'm sure you rocked the spandex unitard with an emblazened "S" on your chest beneath your uniform. It's ok, no one here is judging you.
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Ah, who told you? I want names!
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Classic, there was Bruce and Janice and Herman and Bill. Not to mention Jack and Monty. Actually, the list goes on.
MG, I'm disappointed. As a mere Australian, I have always believed that American superheroes NEVER gave up. Is that wrong? Are you allowed to leave the spandex to gather dust and the cape to attract moths simply because you can't find a vehicle that appeals?
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