2020 Polaris Slingshot SL MC Commute Review

The Polaris Slingshot offers a UTV-like experience for road-going powersport enthusiasts. For 2020, Polaris has made a number of changes to its three-wheeler for drivers who want to make a statement. Although federally defined as a motorcycle, the Slingshot slots into the autocycle category in California. Driver’s can operate the Slingshot with a standard driver’s license (without M1 motorcycle endorsement), but a DOT-approved motorcycle helmet is mandatory.

Editor’s Note: Legal restrictions and vehicle classification vary from state to state. Be sure to check your state’s local laws before operating this vehicle on public roads.

It takes a bit of body contortions to swing a leg over and into the Slingshot SL. Its low-slung stance and lack of any traditional automobile door make it tougher to mount as compared to a car or motorcycle. Seated inside the cockpit, the Slingshot has traditional automobile controls and a three-point safety harness for driver and passenger. The seat offers a generous amount of fore/aft adjustment and the steering wheel has tilt adjustment. Due to its classification, this vehicle isn’t subject to federal crash testing, and is devoid of safety systems that are required in passenger vehicles. Buyer beware.

Related: MC Commute

The five-speed manual Aisin transmission has been tweaked, adding hydraulic automation that Magneti Marelli developed. This makes the gearbox perform similarly to an automatic transmission. Fans who desire a simplified driving experience will welcome this change, however, we consider it a step back as it decreases vehicle control. It’s worth noting that manual-shifting enthusiasts can continue to purchase a manual gearbox in R-spec configuration.

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At low speeds the low 1,659-pound Slingshot feels very much like a go-kart. Its steering response is sharp and it delivers reasonable grip for a rear one-wheel-drive vehicle. Pro tip: approach inclines/declines at a 45-degree angle to reduce the chance of scraping the front bodywork.

Related: 2020 Vanderhall Motor Works Venice GT Review MC Commute

Polaris’ newly developed inline-four engine is peppy and offers a pleasing growl. However it is a tad loud and will make you further stand out (if its wild bird-like styling doesn’t!). Although this configuration doesn’t employ variable valve timing (as it did on the GM-sourced Ecotec powerplant) the engine runs smooth and has more torque than we remember. This helps pull top gear more efficiently than we remember with the previous iteration. The automated manual-gearbox generally performs well though shifts are tad slow compared to modern automatic transmissions. The engine drinks from a nearly 10-gallon fuel tank that is filled at the left rear side.

On smooth surfaces the Slingshot SL handles well. However over any other surface the chassis delivers a rough ride. The Slingshot also doesn’t do well at speed, with its handling becoming unglued at freeway speeds. At speed wind protection is decent, but we wish the Slingshot offered cabin heat, and/or heated seats like its Utah-made front-wheel-drive foe. Short jaunts around town and over low-speed roads is when the Slingshot is in its element. ABS-equipped triple disc hydraulic disc brakes keep speed in check and are a noticeable improvement over the anchors on previous year Slingshots.

The Slingshot benefits from upgraded switch gear, including keyless ignition, and its excellent and touchscreen 7-inch Ride Command display. The electronics feature easy Bluetooth pairing and turn-by-turn navigation can be added for an upcharge. Although we were perfectly happy navigating with our smartphone. Music pours out of a four-speaker stereo with decent audio quality and volume. Storage-wise the Slingshot has a glove box, with hidden USB and 12-volt charging ports, as well as small compartments behind the seats. All the compartments are key-lockable. Dramatic LED lighting affords an even more menacing appearance after dark, however the headlights aren’t as bright as some of the setups on new motorcycles like the 2020 Honda Africa Twin.

For those who want to make a statement, the $26,499 Slingshot SL does just that. It offers a jaw-dropping stance that turns more heads than vehicles that cost five times the price. With its rich, hair-in-the-breeze sensory experience, the Slingshot is in its element at a slow to medium speed pace. However its rough-around-the-edges build quality and awkward handling at a highway clip make it a dubious choice for riders/drivers who desire a polished powersport experience for their money.

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR

Jacket: Rev’It Tornado 3

Gloves: Rev’It Sand 3

Pant: Rev’It Tornado 3

Boots: TCX X-Cube Evo Air