Posts by neostar

Quote from OrangeSlingFL

I beg to differ on this. 3 piece and 2 piece forged wheels are generally lighter than cast aluminum wheels. This can be felt almost inmediately after installing them in. On my last project, i went from stock wheels that weighted approximarely 28lbs each wheel to about 20lbs Per wheel by going with a wheel company that offers 3 piece wheels + performance oriented weight shaving packages. The difference is inmediately felt. There is a reason HRE wheels, Strasse, COR, to name a few cost what they cost. They are not just for looks but performance oriented as well. You will rarely see a Porsche or a GTR or a Corvette with cheap, cast aluminum heavy wheels.

I will disagree and call it a placebo effect. Here is a quote below from just one article out there on the topic of light vs heavy wheels. The jist of the article states that tires are a greater factor for performance than wheel weight. Keep in mind there are many articles that support this. I am sure if you look hard enough you might find an article that states otherwise but I have seen many more that proves the performance benefit of lighter wheel weight as a myth.

To me forged vs. cast vs. two-piece are simply marketing practices to differentiate trims (bump up sticker prices) for various sports cars.

"Performance-wise, the differences were not as significant. With the same car, same fuel load, same number of laps and identical-wear tires, the difference between average lap time for the fastest and slowest wheel was a scant half-second. Averaged over all the different wheels, our EVO’s average lap time on the Figure 8 is 25.83 seconds, which means we’re splitting hairs in terms of a noticeable handling difference between the wheels."

http://www.superstreetonline.c…06-performance-wheel-test

I will say this, my heavier old-school crager wheels give me a more satisfying ride on my SS because it cushions the bumps nicely (even at 45 psi for the rear). Also going to a 305mm (SLR spec) from 255 rear tire really does add a little more grip in the turns and just a hair more traction for the rabbit start.

You can make a case that heavier wheels will cost you a fraction of a second in acceleration and braking but for me it's the looks that make the trade-off worth it since I don't plan on doing any drag racing with my SS or track time either.

Ever since I put on my cragars last week I have been getting a lot of horn honks and thumbs up from passerbys. I wasn't getting this level of attention with my stock SS wheels before. Why because the stock SS wheels (all trims) are typical commonplace modern designs you see in a lot of cars nowadays and that's fine if you want to go with the current thin-spoke trending look.

Quote from OrangeSlingFL

This is primarily the main reason i have not gone aftermarket wheels on my SLR until i am sure they are at least 2 piece or 3 piece forged wheels and im not actually adding extra weight and thus reducing performance and handling. I also couldn’t deal with a wheel bigger than 20” in the rear. Many performance vehicles throughout the years and wheel experiences to have learned that bigger is NOT better specially performance wise.

I did extensive research on the topic of forged wheels vs. cast. After going through a couple of white papers, the conclusion was the difference in weight for a given wheel size offers no real tangible difference in performance and handling. The only tangible difference was the forged had better strength and durability in material design.

After doing this research I was more than happy to go with an SL knowing I would be upgrading to custom wheels with a rear wheel that was better in looks than the SLR in my opinion.

Quote from highiso

More follow -up... The noise seems to come and go without any explanation. So I'm thinking it can't possibly be a bearing issue. I have not had my swing arm replaced. Up until this noise, my SS has been flawless, aside from all of the recalls I've had completed. I think I'll try lubing the belt and see how that works.

If it's a clicking noise like from my video posted earlier then as has been recommend, silicone lubricant on the belt did the trick, my belt is whisper quiet now. If it's a cyclic creaking noise then it could be overstressed bearings located on the swing-arm shaft. I played around with adjusting the 30mm pivot nut and 22mm hex shaft and started causing the creaking noise (didn't have it before) then made more adjustments to where I got rid of the creaking noise. Now ( after 30 miles of testing) my SS is super-silent in the rear area. All you hear now are the gearing howls and no clicking or creaking. It took a butload of adjustment testing to figure out what was causing the creaking. And it's not shot bearings else I wouldn't be able to get rid of the creaking sound. After 30 miles I am confident the bearings are fine.

Update: I am beginning to suspect the creaking noise (that sounds like stressed bearings) may indeed be friction on the thread caused by locktite used at the factory. I hope to verify this later this week when I apply a touch of grease to the threads. Right now my belt alignment is off because my adjusted shaft position was the only sweet spot I found that wasn't causing creaking because it was far enough from the ideal position that locktite is not present. Just a theory for now.

Also for you DIY'ers doing belt alignment adjustments pay close attention to the front pulley. The workshop manual doesn't talk about the front pulley but when the belt is in the proper position on the rear pulley (slight inboard left bias) the belt is centered perfectly on the front pulley. When you have the belt kinda centered on the rear pulley it's very obviously off to the right of center on the front pulley. This is huge when adjusting because now you can see what you are truly aiming for.

Here is what I don't understand. When you slap on a 4th wheel how do you get away with continuing to register as an autocycle? Wouldn't local laws prohibit that? And what about car requirements for bumpers etc? Does that only apply to Polaris or are you subject to those laws once you convert the autocyle to by all definitions a car?

On a different note, I would love to see what the 0 to 60 numbers are with the turbo and 4 wheel kit.

Quote from Doc&Ruby

I regularly clean with dish soap in hot water using an old, long-handled vegetable brush. I also take off the belt guard to make this easier and clean the belt sprocket, too.

After all is dry, I lube with Liquid Wrench silicone lube. Consider it part of your monthly maintenance - every 1000 miles, anyway. Little problem with noise after that.

I am so tempted to do this but when I asked around locally the consensus was not to lubricate the belt. Why is this? Belt slippage? Dirt attraction? I would love to use a silicone lubricant but I am hesitant since most people you ask say it's a no no for drive belts. A polaris dealership mechanic when asked recommended dabbing some grease on the pulley contacts. Common sense tells me it will attract dirt over time.

Quote from EricRedSL

Mine sounds nothing like yours it's not a ticking it's like a grinding. Got it on the lift. I'm going to go check it out later on see if I can figure something out.

I know, just putting mine out there for reference. In my opinion yours sounds bearing-related based on the video provided.

Quote from Bigdog

Sounds like when we put baseball cards with clothes pins on our bicycle spokes to make that noise...

That's what I was thinking when I first heard it, I assumed it was plastic piece rubbing against the belt underside. Nope.

For reference (on possible noise causes) in this discussion, here is my video below highlighting a rear-wheel noise. You will note that the belt is not lined up closer to the wheel like is should be. I was hoping that was the cause of the noise but once I got the belt back to the proper alignment no change in noise generation. Second I checked the belt tension (@cold (overnight), warm (couple hours after ride) and hot (a few minutes after ride). Belt tension is near spec (.4 inches @ warm). When cold, belt tension is definitely looser but since hot belt indicates a really tight belt I have no desire to tighten it so belt tension is good. By the way, rolling out the SS (engine off) first thing in the morning (cold belt) noise is present and also present after long rides (hot belt) so I can definitely rule out improper belt tension.

I had the rear wheel lifted and freely moving (same noise level and frequency produced) and after spending at least 3 minutes with my ear literally 3 inches from the rear pulley assembly I came to the conclusion it's not bearing related.

Here is why, the noise frequency matches the teeth spacing of the belt perfectly. From what I can tell, the noise is generated when the belt's teeth contact with the pulley's teeth. Finally when I carefully pour water on the belt away from the pulleys and rear-wheel assembly, the noise goes away completely only to return once the belt is dry again. Since the noise is consistent with either vehicle full weight load, 0 weight load (rear jacked up) and no wheel resistance when freely moving, it can't be bearing related.

I have thoroughly cleaned the belt as per manual instructions BTW and after a few minutes of driving noise comes back.

Just putting it out there for reference. I have no idea why I am not seeing this issue with any local SS owners I have talked to. I suspect it's possible sand debris worn into the pulley's teeth spacing, this noise started 500 miles ago right about the time I first drove along residential streets near the beach.

In any case, it's a minor nuisance since I only hear it engine off or coasting at idle near walls/cars etc. Otherwise all indications are normal. So glad I was able to get my belt alignment corrected.

***Another important heads-up*** I figured out why my belt alignment was so out of whack after 2000 miles (new 2019 SL). I had this stupid habit of backing into parking spaces and bumping my rear tire against the curb to know when to park. This was so stupid because it was slowly but surely knocking the swing-arm and belt out of alignment. DON'T do this! You are asking for trouble.

For your reference here is what 5 spoke old-school chrome (cragar) looks like.

Quote from Br4hm4

I must look at wheels a lot...cause they are night and day differences to me.

It's all in the eye of the beholder. For me, you need to focus on the wheels for a few seconds before you can appreciate the difference with this kind of style but the new ones are nicer and fresher looking. I decided that if I was going to change the wheels, they needed to pop compared to the old ones, so I am getting these put on later this week It will help me reach my 60's batmobile inspiration nicely.

Quote from SlingLow

I'm sure I'm not the only one here who's had an oh-shit moment on a bike when 1 more mile per hour takes you from 'Top Gun' to 'I'm gonna die!' (121 mph on my '85 GPz750 - I know, they make newer ones). I'm wondering what that number is for you hard-chargers in the Slingshot. Once you've felt that, you tend to set your own limitations on top speed. Obviously you're not there yet and I hope you prioritize your own safety over the friendly competition. It looks like Kyle D is properly outfitted with helmet (of course), fire suit (?), gloves, and likely proper footwear. I hope all the contenders follow suit. And I hope everyone appreciates what it's going to take to move the bar higher. Every mph will come with a cost and I'm really enjoying the show from the comfort of my easy chair (another oh-shit moment - I'm an old guy now!).

ROCK ON!!!

Yup, for me it was a 98 YZF 600 going at 115mph, got the handlebar deathshake eased up very carefully and never went over 90 mph on anything I owned after that. My work vehicle (at the time) on the other hand, I was taking it up to 180mph before the wheels left the ground (standard practice)

Quote from Bigdog

...

Later, A guy on a harley was behind me ....I’m first to get into the left turning lane at the red light. He didn’t want to acknowledge me....embarrassed, jealous, hate....whatever he pulled up in the fast lane....but way in front of me so he didn’t have to look at me...

I have a next door neighbor like that. He owns a harley and the day I bought the thing and was showing it to other cool neighbors he comes over and makes the remark to his buddy next to him, that he would never buy one cause they are too unstable and would tip over. Yeah, I called it, before I bought the damn thing I told another sling owner, just watch when I get my new sling to my house I will have a neighbor who will proclaim it's unsafe and have nothing good to say about it.

The icing on the cake for me is I know that this neighbor will never get one now even though I know he would have loved to have owned one.

The best are the soccer moms in the SUVs at the stoplight who after letting you know you have a cool car, want to take pictures to show their kids that they saw a "batmobile" on the road. The best was when I was at a strip mall parking lot once talking to someone and seeing a mom slow down to a stop then seeing 3 little heads poke up and peek from the back of the SUV, priceless.

Quote from Kyle D

Here is a video recap of SpeedFest.

I can get some more raw video tomorrow.

Sent from my iPhone using Polaris Slingshot Info

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Wow just wow!! You sir are my hero! Going that fast on three wheels in a vehicle clearly not designed to go that fast blows me away!

I am now proud to say when asked about top speed that the slingshot is capable of 147+ mph (with the right tune and in the right hands) bravo! Going to be sharing your video with the local sling community here in the Norfolk area.

Sadly I have to admit I don't have the guts to do this myself and I'm a retired fighter pilot for pete's sake

Quote from wokka

I think the mods are half the fun, it's so easy to do most mods, the ease of access to most of the areas and simplicity of the setup makes it fun and mostly easy.

Yeah changing out the headlights to LEDs was super easy. The problem is I am going to town with the not so easy pricey mods I have Cragar muscle wheels inbound (bigger rear wheel with 305 rear tire) and custom batmobile-inspired vinyl striping later this month. Later in the year I am getting a dual exhaust installed and SLR race seats. Another sling buddy who helped me order the wheels says he can't wait to see the final look. He wants me to hide my baby until a big gathering in August to impress the local sling group.

Quote from bjk81

I took my sling out for its first ride in about a month. My hip has been giving me trouble getting in and out of it so I haven’t been riding it at all. Also been real busy with work. My point is man I love the slingshot I got it out of my buddy’s garage and took it about 100 miles and smiled every mile! Sometimes I forget how great this little machine is!

My sling is driving me nuts! Not only can I not stop driving it every day but I can't stop modding it with new pretty things. Not to mention my gas bill is through the roof!

Here's one...I pulled up to an intersection heading south waiting at a red. Car going west to east starts to make a u-turn and as he is in the middle of the u-turn sees me in front of him and is clearly focused on the sling and slows down his u-turn meanwhile oncoming traffic towards his way starts blowing the horn and has to slow down while this guy gets his mind focused back on the road and speeds up the u-turn...True story. To say this thing turns heads would be an understatement.

I had some genuinely nice comments from the 20-something car mod crowds at stoplights. There they are driving around their heavily modded civics and other small cars and they flash me a big smile and thumbs up. Very classy.

FWIW A pc car racing sim (project cars 2) showcasing the KTM Xbow couldn't simulate it past 135mph down a straightaway. That bad boy is priced at $100k with a 300hp turbo-charged motor.

Quote from BKL

RPM or RPMs? ATM machine? Attorneys General or Attorney Generals (and how do you even abbreviate Attorneys General, anyway)? Yes, one version is technically correct, but folks still understand what's being said. I have my own triggers that sometimes set me off when I see them, but Life's too short to constantly be blowing a fuse over what essentially are relatively small things.

You forgot daylight saving vs. daylight savings and EMP pulse. If I had a nickel for every chance I could correct someone for such trivial matters I would have a lot of nickles. Notice how the spell checker allowed me to use two versions of nickle? Irregardless of whether you want to annoy people by correcting them such as using a word that doesn't exists (hint: It started this sentence) I have to agree with you life is just too damn short.

Quote from LargeCar

read the whole damn thread, point of house keeping....... IT IS RPM....... NOT RPMS. The measurement is revolutions per minute, NOT revolution per minutes. Kind of kin to a hot water heater or a front windshield or breaks instead of brakes. Just pisses me off.

Had my wine and drugs, going to bed.........

LC

Wow, really you are bitching because I am off with my use of RPM vs. RPMs. You didn't even bother to bless me with your incredible knowledge of all things proper and educate me on whether such a mod would wear out the clutch faster and yes I did read the whole damn thread hence the question to begin with. Did I use the proper term for clutch and wear correctly???

The fact that so many liked your response makes me question the maturity level of your fans.

And here I was thinking that this forum of slingshot owners would be happy to answer questions such as clutch wear for such a mod etc only to instead decide to have hangups on use of vernacular. At least answer the question posed before ridiculing the poster.