2015 Polaris Slingshot SL Owners Manual - Page 41

OPERATION SLINGSHOT Vehicles vs. Other On-Road Vehicles In the United States, the 3-wheel SLINGSHOT vehicle is an on-road vehicle in the motorcycle class. The SLINGSHOT vehicle handles differently than 2-wheel motorcycles, other 3-wheel vehicles and 4-wheel vehicles. The following information will help you understand the features and characteristics that make operation and handling of the SLINGSHOT vehicle different from the operation and handling of other on-road vehicles. How does a SLINGSHOT differ from a 2-wheel motorcycle? • Low center of gravity • Steering wheel • Foot controls (brake, clutch, accelerator) • Front suspension and steering • Side-by-side operator and passenger seats • Seat belts for both riders • Lighting • One rear drive wheel and two front wheels The unique handling characteristics of the SLINGSHOT include: • More stability in turns • Vehicle stability at rest • Flat cornering • Turns in direction of wheel • Quick response to steering changes • Like all on-road vehicles, the SLINGSHOT can hydroplane (lose traction) when encountering a layer of water on the driving surface. Every vehicle has a unique hydroplane speed and response, driven by vehicle weight, tire configuration and tire condition. The SLINGSHOT may hydroplane at lower speeds and react differently to hydroplaning than most motorcycles and cars. 39