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Reviews/ Polaris/ Slingshot Sl
WATCH REVIEW
7.0/10 Cruiser

Polaris Slingshot Sl Review

"A genuinely fun weekend toy, but buy with eyes wide open."

Car enthusiasts wanting an open-air thrill machine $15,000-$28,000 used 2015-2023
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dashboard

Key Specs

speed
Top Speed
201 km/h (125 mph โ€” estimated, Polaris does not officially publish a top speed)
bolt
Power
173 hp
@ 8,500 rpm (2.0L GM Ecotec engine, 2020+ models; earlier models ~173 hp varies by year)
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Torque
202 Nm
@ 6,000 rpm
local_gas_station
Fuel Economy
10.6 km/L
25 mpg ยท 9.4 L/100km (approximately 10.6 km/L) โ€” estimated real-world average
timer
0โ€“100 km/h
4.9 sec
build
Service Every
8,000 km
scale
Weight
794 kg
(curb weight โ€” note: significantly heavier than a traditional motorcycle due to its three-wheeled autocycle chassis)
settings
Engine
2.0L inline-4 (Autocar/Prostar)
height
Seat Height
635 mm
cog
Transmission
5-speed manual or AutoDrive single-speed automatic
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Used Buyer Review

Let's get this out of the way first โ€” the Slingshot is not a motorcycle. Polaris calls it an autocycle, and that matters when you're buying used because licensing requirements, insurance, and registration vary wildly by state. That said, it's an absolute riot to drive. The 2.4-liter Ecotec engine pulls hard, the open-air experience is genuinely thrilling, and heads will turn everywhere you go. For the right buyer, it's an experience nothing else quite replicates. On used examples, check the clutch carefully on manual models โ€” they get abused by riders who've never driven stick. The 2020+ refresh with the ProStar 2.0 engine is noticeably better than earlier Ecotec-powered units, so prioritize those. Body panels crack easily and they're expensive to replace, so inspect every panel closely. Electronics can be finicky โ€” test every screen and feature before signing anything. Maintenance costs are higher than most expect, parts availability can be spotty, and resale holds surprisingly well โ€” meaning sellers rarely give these away cheap.

Pros

+Jaw-dropping attention everywhere
+ProStar engine pulls hard
+Genuinely unique driving experience
+Decent weather protection
+Strong resale value

Cons

-Not actually a motorcycle
-Body panels crack expensively
-Parts availability inconsistent
-Manual clutch gets hammered
warning
Avoid if

You want pure two-wheeled motorcycle experience

description View full specs, facts & rivals for Polaris Slingshot Sl โ†’

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