Slingshot Safety Recommendations

The Polaris Slingshot is a unique and exciting powersport vehicle to own. The look and driving style of the Slingshot is something many motorcycle enthusiasts are drawn to. If you’re the owner of a new Polaris Slingshot, there are a few safety precautions to take into consideration before getting out on the open road. For any vehicle, driving poses dangers, but especially for those with open designs like ATVs, motorcycles, and of course, Slingshots. By taking all the precautionary measures, you’ll be able to keep yourself and those around you safe. Here are our safety recommendations to abide by for a thrilling and secure ride every time.

1. Read the Owner’s Manual: One of the first things to do after purchasing your Slingshot is to sit down with the owner’s manual. Thumb through the pages and familiarize yourself with where the essentials are—gas, brake, clutch, start button, and the controls for turn signals are just a few of the many you’ll need to know. It’s also imperative that you can locate the fluid reservoirs for motor and brake oil, so these can be checked on a regular basis. The manual will also provide accurate information on the correct tire pressure, recommended servicing per mileage, and how to troubleshoot different problems you may encounter.

If you bought your Slingshot from a previous owner and it did not come with a manual, one can be purchased from an authorized Polaris dealer.

2. Enroll in An MSF Course: Whether or not you’ve driven a motorcycle or Slingshot in the past, taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course is a smart move. Laws change as the years go on, so it’s important to stay on top of them to never become outdated on the rules of the road in your state. MSF offers several types of rider education courses, from the basics up to mastery level courses. Find the one that best suits your needs as a driver and see where it’s available in your area. You can also start at the beginner courses and work all the way through to mastery. For more information on MSF and the courses it offers, visit www.MSF-USA.com. Other accredited programs can be used as well if MSF does not have courses available near you. The important thing is that you’re able to get the rider knowledge you need to be an aware and confident rider.

3. Wear the Right Attire: Because the Slingshot has no top, the attire needs are much like that of motorcycles. You’ll need a helmet, preferably a full-face one, to protect your head, eyes, and ears. Most states require DOT (Department of Transportation) certified helmets, so look for the DOT sticker for verification. If you do not have a full-face helmet, you’ll need to wear eye protection to block airborne objects and environmental debris from striking your eyes. Even if it’s quite warm out, Polaris recommends that riders wear protective jackets to deflect airborne objects from harming them. Wear closed-toe shoes while driving the Slingshot. Your feet will get much more traction with tennis shoes or boots rather than flip-flops. Plus, they’ll help protect your feet in the event of an accident. Always be sure to have spare jackets and other attire in the event of poor weather. The last thing you want is to be driving home in the rain with just a t-shirt on.

4. The Necessary Tools: You may have the clothing, training, and Slingshot know-how down, but what about the legal stuff? In order to take your Slingshot out on public roads, it must be insured. Call your insurance agency and discuss your options. You may be able to bundle it with your auto and save a little extra money. The Slingshot also needs to be registered with your state’s DMV and have license plates. Keep your registration and insurance card in a safe place inside the Slingshot and have your driver’s license and motorcycle endorsement in your wallet. Each year, you’ll need to have it inspected to ensure it’s safe to operate. In the event you’re stopped by the police, everything on your Slingshot will be up to date and you’ll have the information they need.

5. Pre-Drive Checks: This may seem tedious, but necessary even if you aren’t driving your Slingshot on a daily basis. Perform a walk-around, checking the tires, engine oil, head and brake lights, and brake function. This will give you a baseline of your Slingshot’s overall health. You may need to fill one or two tires up or top off your engine oil before hitting the road. After making this a routine, things that aren’t normal will become more obvious to you, allowing you to address them quickly.

The Polaris Slingshot is an immensely fun vehicle to drive. These safety measures are all in the name of keeping you and surrounding drivers safe.