Polaris formally launches Slingshot motorcycle line

PHOTO BY RUSS MITCHELL / Slingshot Vice President Mike Jonikas (left), Polaris President and COO Bennett Morgan and Spirit Lake Plant Director Brian Hines (standing) were on hand to celebrate the launch of the Slingshot motorcycle line in Spirit Lake.

Polaris Industries and local public officials gathered today (Thursday, Oct. 9) at the company’s Spirit Lake manufacturing facility to celebrate the launch of its Slingshot motorcycle into full production.

Slingshot has received significant attention since its introduction to the marketplace two months ago, offering an entirely new on-road driving and riding experience.

“We continue to introduce new, innovative products and technologies that create opportunities for growth here and around the world, Bennett Morgan, President and Chief Operating Officer of Polaris said. “Today, we are excited to celebrate the revolutionary three-wheel, Polaris Slingshot into full production here in Spirit Lake.”

PHOTO BY WAYNE DAVIS / The Slingshot production team gathered around Slingshot Vice President Mike Jonikas, Polaris President and COO Bennett Morgan and Spirit Lake Plant Director Brian Hines as Polaris launched its Slingshot line of motorcycles Thursday in Spirit Lake.

The company expects initial Slingshot shipments to go out by the end of the month.

“Polaris is committed to both understanding the desired riding experience of our customers and then working to exceed those expectations,” said Brian Hines, Director of Operations at the Spirit Lake plant. “We could not be happier to produce such a high-quality vehicle at our Spirit Lake manufacturing facility.”

With the production of Slingshot and increased production of other vehicles, Polaris announced in August it will add 300 jobs to its Iowa Great Lakes manufacturing facilities.

This story will be updated.

Polaris formally launches Slingshot motorcycle line