Texas Reportedly Says No Polaris Slingshots

The_Veg · Jan 6, 2015

To give this thread some BMW-relevance, the issue really goes back to the early 2000's when a guy I used to know in Dallas became the US importer for the GG Quad:

It was built in Switzerland using the draivetrain and many other bits from a BMW R1150. To get it sold in USA, the guy in Dallas had to convince several states that what defined a motorcycle wasn't the number of wheels, but having 'motorcycle-like characteristics.'

None of this was a big deal to that manufacturer back in Switzerland. To get them sold in Switzerland they were equipped with trailer-hitches (available as an option in USA) so that they could be loop-holed as 'farm vehicles.'

henzilla · Jan 6, 2015

I think we saw a version with a K -Wedge engine in West Bend...It looked fun. There were licensing issues I recall from the rep at the rally.

classicvw · Jan 7, 2015

I read somewhere where they only sold 29 of the GG Quads in the entire U.S.
No wonder, it was $70K for basically a R1150 with two extra wheels thrown in. :eek

They do look pretty though.

lmo1131 · Jan 7, 2015

I think we saw a version with a K -Wedge engine in West Bend...

That was the "Quadster" vs. the "GG Quad".

Since neither of those seemed to make it, GG's trying again with the Taurus; same K engine but this time with only three wheels. I guess they got tired of trying to convince The States that motorcycles have four wheels. But that was last April, 2014. Still no current information about pricing.

henzilla · Jan 7, 2015

That's still a lot of motor in either configuration. ...ZOOM

virginiapi · Jan 9, 2015

osbornk said:
I think Texas is right. It's a car in every way except the number of wheels and should have to meet car standards.

Virginia has just declared the Slingshot to be an autocycle and as such a bike license is not required but a helmet is. A couple of years ago the law changed in VA and everyone with an M endorsement is grandfathered in but new licensee's will be either M2 or M3 depending on whether they tested on a 2 wheel or 3 wheel bike. If you test on both you get the coveted M.

greenwald · Jan 9, 2015

virginiapi said:
Virginia has just declared the Slingshot to be an autocycle and as such a bike license is not required but a helmet is. A couple of years ago the law changed in VA and everyone with an M endorsement is grandfathered in but new licensee's will be either M2 or M3 depending on whether they tested on a 2 wheel or 3 wheel bike. If you test on both you get the coveted M.

"Autocycle" .... that's a new one for me.

Not to hijack your post, but how you do business in VA versus WI is an example of how different cycle laws can be from state to state.

In Wisconsin, if you earn your motorcycle endorsement on two wheels, you do not need any separate endorsement to go out and buy a trike.

But earn your motorcycle endorsement on a trike, and you're restricted to three wheels, unless you take another road test on two - then can operate a conventional motorcycle.

Take your Basic Rider Course on a scooter, and you earn a motorcycle endorsement and can go out and buy a Gold Wing the next day.

Like I've said before - every state can be different, especially when it comes to the Slingshot. Likely to be no problem if just passing thru any state, but take up residency while possessing one of those, and you may fall under new rules or even find it prohibited from public roadways.

Thanks for sharing your VA specifics. :wave

classicvw · Jan 9, 2015

Just like with the Elio company, I bet Polaris is already lobbying legislators in those states that the motor vehicle laws aren't friendly to their vehicle with an eye toward modifying those laws.

lmo1131 · Jan 9, 2015

"Autocycle" .... that's a new one for me.

then try "cycle cars", really popular back in the late 30s, and re-emerging today.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/lets-talk-cyclecars.226791/

henzilla · Jan 9, 2015

WOW! Brooklands is sweet! What a nice job...AND a boxer.

REDC650GT · Jan 9, 2015

How about a Steampunk From Capt. Kirk

Any interest in one of these?

http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-news/william-shatner-planning-cross-country-trip-with-the-rivet-one-trike-ar166994.html

osbornk · Jan 10, 2015

virginiapi said:
Virginia has just declared the Slingshot to be an autocycle and as such a bike license is not required but a helmet is. A couple of years ago the law changed in VA and everyone with an M endorsement is grandfathered in but new licensee's will be either M2 or M3 depending on whether they tested on a 2 wheel or 3 wheel bike. If you test on both you get the coveted M.

Virginia did not "invent" autocycle for Slingshot but for a Virginia manufacturer for Tanom Invader in Culpeper, VA. (http://www.dailyprogress.com/starex...cle_494d7932-752c-11e3-bff4-0019bb30f31a.html)

The definition per Virginia Code is "Autocycle means a three-wheeled motor vehicle that has a steering wheel and seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride and is manufactured to comply with federal safety requirements for motorcycles. Except as otherwise provided, an autocycle shall not be deemed to be a motorcycle."

They added helmets here: "Every person operating a motorcycle or autocycle shall wear a face shield, safety glasses or goggles, or have his motorcycle or autocycle equipped with safety glass or a windshield at all times while operating the vehicle, and operators and any passengers thereon shall wear protective helmets."

KenDittrick · Jan 19, 2015

MOTORCYCLIST Mag Reports Slingshot Stop Sales/Stop Ride

Interesting to note that Motorcyclist Magazine is reporting #POLARIS issues STOP SALE/STOP RIDE alert to #SLINGSHOT dealers. Read more on their site: http://mtrcycl.st/x7BHrk

REDC650GT · Mar 16, 2015

Don't know if this is good or bad news for this class of ride.

Feds proposing legislation on these types of vehicles. Autocycles

http://www.autoblog.com/2015/03/16/federal-regulation-three-wheeled-autocycles-report/

jamesevans · Mar 17, 2015

All very well, but how about the king of three-wheelers, the mighty Reliant Robin? :hungover

markaz · Mar 25, 2015

A Slingshot passed me today on my way home from Payson. It was hauling pretty good...I was doing 75...so I didn't get a good look at it but it's sure weird looking...kinda ugly IMO. And low to the ground...I towered above it on my RT. First one I've seen in real life.

henzilla · Aug 31, 2015

There was one at the Austin Convention Center this past weekend as part of a display at the home show selling something.
As wide as a Miata and no way a motorcycle, though a cool track car no doubt.

Still not approved for street use in TX .

greenwald · Aug 31, 2015

Saw a few at Deal's Gap while riding the Dragon this past Thursday.

Not impressed. :dunno

I view it basically as a Dodo bird with a transmission (or at best, eventually a limited-production toy for the 'rich and famous' crowd).

sagerat · Sep 3, 2015

I've seen two in the wild and was unimpressed both times.

It's a car, not a motorcycle. When I ride my Ural, I sit astride the bike and grab a pair of handlebars. It's a three-wheeled motorcycle.

Go Lone Star State DMV! (And how often, if ever, that sentence been typed?)

greenwald · Sep 3, 2015

sagerat said:
I've seen two in the wild and was unimpressed both times.

It's a car, not a motorcycle. When I ride my Ural, I sit astride the bike and grab a pair of handlebars. It's a three-wheeled motorcycle.

Go Lone Star State DMV! (And how often, if ever, that sentence been typed?)

That's got to be a FIRST! :deal

And that 'hack' of yours is a great motorcycle!

Texas Reportedly Says No Polaris Slingshots

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