The Texas Dept of Public Safety has pulled the plug on the Polaris Slingshot, saying it doesn't qualify as a motorcycle and doesn't have the necessary safety equipment to be considered a "car" so it can't be sold and titled in Texas to operate on the public highways.
The issue is that the Texas Dept of Public Safety is stuck on the definition of a motorcycle as having a "saddle" instead of a car style seat, which the Slingshot has.
Polaris notifed their dealer network of the change saying that "despite having received prior approval...customers in..the state of Texas...will not be allowed to register Slingshot vehicles as a street legal motorcycle."
Here's the update.
Polaris Slingshot Texas Dealer Memo
The TPS ruling does not affect the T-Rex as it features a roll bar and other safety equipment and can be registered as a auto.
The Slingshot starts at $20,000, with an SL model up to $24,000 for a fully accessorized version. The three-wheeler is powered by a 173 horsepower 2.4 EcoTec engine hooked up to a five-speed transmission for a "slingshot" driving / riding experience.
What do you think? Should these vehicles be given a motorcycle title?
17 comments
Funny, sidecars don’t have saddles. Yeah, this isn’t an “attached” sidecar. It’s an integrated side car. I don’t think I’m interested in one but it “looks like” an “unconventional” motorcycle to me…..
This is NOT a motorcycle and should not qualify as one. I don’t think Can-Am Spyders qualify either, but at least they are more motorcycle-like.