From the patent photos we have seen it doesn't look like the Slingshot will have a cage over the driver and passenger. So the question is, will you wear a helmet or not?
I would have to agree BMWDAD, if its the law, its the law. Just cruising and enjoying the day, NO. Aggressive driving or at the track a must in my book. I would hope the belts and the roll bars over the seats would do the job to keep your head intact.
Not necessarily. See Oregon Revised Statute 814.290. It provides an exemption from the helmet requirement if you are within an "enclosed cab". "Enclosed cab" is undefined in oregon law and there are no NHTSA specifications on what defines enclosed cab either. Since you would sit "in" and not "on" the Slingshot, an argument could be made that you would be exempt. It could be considered a cab, though "enclosed" .... well, that's thin. It would be up to the discretion of individual police officers and subsequently the courts if you were issued a citation. If I do end up purchasing a Slingshot, I do intend to test my theory and my argument.
The only protection a helmet is going to provide is from flying debris. If you roll a Slingshot and the hoops fail, you are likely dead.... with or without a helmet. Personally, I think wearing a helmet in one of these defeats much of the purpose of the vehicle. If part of the fun is the open air feeling, the helmet is just going to detract from that. Would be better to have a low slung open top sports car if the open air vibe is what you are after. An open face helmet returns the "open air" feeling for the most part but then exposes you to the greatest risk once again: debris. I'd much rather have a taller rigid-framed polycarbonate windshield and ditch the helmet. Ditching the helmet without a taller windshield (the stock one looks low enough to expose you too much) in something this low to the ground is likely asking for eventually catching a rock to the forehead. That happening at highway speeds would be big trouble. I caught a bumble bee to the forehead at about 75 mph (no helmet faceshield) on a motorcycle once. I almost crashed. I cannot imagine taking a rock at that speed... especially since a rock flung off a tire from a vehicle in front of you is going to have it's own velocity so the speed at which that thing whacks you in the face could potentially be upwards of 100 mph.
I'll be wearing a helmet personally. First because I don't want to catch something in the face. Second because the Army would rip me a new one if I got hurt in any manner while using it without wearing one.
Helmets are mandatory at all times for every person on every bike here in North Carolina. In some areas, the NC Helmet Law is in effect for those who ride Mopeds/Scooters and Bicycles.
The only protection a helmet is going to provide is from flying debris. If you roll a Slingshot and the hoops fail, you are likely dead.... with or without a helmet. Personally, I think wearing a helmet in one of these defeats much of the purpose of the vehicle. If part of the fun is the open air feeling, the helmet is just going to detract from that. Would be better to have a low slung open top sports car if the open air vibe is what you are after. An open face helmet returns the "open air" feeling for the most part but then exposes you to the greatest risk once again: debris. I'd much rather have a taller rigid-framed polycarbonate windshield and ditch the helmet. ...
I would love it if it wasn't required. Do you think there is a chance, even though classified a motorcycle in a State with a helmet law that it wouldn't be required for this? Or maybe not enforced? Perhaps I could get away with a bicycle helmet? Would prefer not to need it but would use it if driving aggressively or in cold weather. I've only worn a helmet once with the RZR and that was in the winter because it was better than freezing my head off. But I don't get real crazy with it either.
Here is my 2020 Slingshot Calendar featuring each month with a Photo Edited Slingshot Project. I change the month photos as I create new projects. I will also post a PDF Link that will show past calendar views.
Link to Calendar
Samowens44 2020 Slingshot Calendar
Links to Calendar PDFs, you...
Now here is something I ordered today. I will install it on the underneath of the Driver and Passengerside Floorboards. I will also add a layer of it to the transmission area. Also another layer on in the engine compartment on the firewall in back of the exhaust muffler. There will be video...
Heading out to Las Vegas for the big reveal tonight of the 2020 Polaris Slingshot. Hopefully we will get to see the new engine, verify an automatic transmission and some of the other changes. I will be taking as many pictures and videos as I can and get them posted up. Let me know if there is...
i just finished talking with California Speed sports in Livermore and the two people working there told me that they will NO longer be a sales or service center for the Polaris Slingshot. Although I talked to Polaris itself and their name is still listed on the website as an authorized dealer I...
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