Analyst: Forum says Slingshot can’t be registered in Texas

The following is from a research note provided to Powersports Business today by RBC Capital Markets analyst Joe Spak.

“According to documents posted on the website Slingshot Forums, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles has determined that the new Polaris Slingshot cannot be registered as a motorcycle in the state. The reason provided is that it does not meet the definition of a motorcycle which, under Texas guidelines, is a vehicle with a “saddle” seat positioned between the rider’s legs vs. the current side by side orientation in the Slingshot. The ruling comes as a surprise and is a little curious. First, it does appear that some other vehicles with similar layouts to the Slingshot are already registered in Texas. Further, Polaris had already received approval from Texas over the summer to sell the vehicle. It appears the company is working on multiple fronts to resolve the issue, but for now, this does throw a wrench into a meaningful state as the product is about to launch. Dealers are not required to return customer deposits, but some may choose to do so in order to maintain strong relationships. We will continue to monitor the situation.”