A "MUST DO" for Polaris Slingshots (Manual Drive) - Secret required maintenance

[@Ben-lu1zc]

I can't thank you enough for your tip on the clutch fluid, I never would have know this without you. Thanks a million, please keep the tips comming.

[@slingryderz7936]

Great to hear!

[@Ben-lu1zc]

I had exactly the same problem with my 2020 R, did exactly as you instructed and had exactly the same performance improvement. I'm not sure what the other folks comments are about, you nailed it with this one!!!!

[@slingryderz7936]

I glad is helped!

[@tmann2184ify]

OG, thank you. I looked at mine, and it was dark brown. Keep coming with the helpful tips

[@slingryderz7936]

Glad I could help

[@tiriangongora9981]

Almost every word you said including being in them streets 20 Slingshots deep and your pedal gets close to the floor and you don’t know what’s happening. I looked at it at the next fuel stop and THIS VIDEO IS EXACTLY WHAT WAS HAPPENING. Doing this immediately. Subscribed instantly appreciate the help

[@slingryderz7936]

much respect and ty bro!

[@dustinhonn]

Thank you very much. New owner & I noticed my clutch was feeling soft the other day. I just checked mine and it looks horrible. I was able to change it after watching your video. Appreciate this and I subscribed for more tips.

[@slingryderz7936]

You got it! Safe Riding

[@douglasbutler7046]

Thanks for the heads up. I have a 21 ss 5 speed with 10,000 on it never had that happen. But I am going to change out my old fluid today👍

[@slingryderz7936]

Glad to help

[@MonteSmith-x6w]

When you said 2-4 weeks I was like come on geeze. I hope they come out maybe with a brand or fix soon!!

[@kccox548]

Thanks for that information

[@slingryderz7936]

My pleasure

[@sposatoas258]

Guess i need to do mine. Its brown at 2k miles. 😮

[@raincloud54]

Meh! Viscosity has nothing to do with compressability. Something is not right with the hydraulics if it gets "mushy" when hot. The same system has been used for decades in autos and bikes without this issue. There is an internal leak somewhere or a defective master or slave cylinder.

[@slingryderz7936]

the system was checked no leaks this information came straight from the Indian/Polaris NA service manager

[@raincloud54]

@@slingryderz7936 Okay. First, some of my credentials. Field engineer for GM [retired]. Graduate degree in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. 52 years in the automotive repair industry. You cannot compress a liquid. Any liquid. The internal leak would not be detectable by inspection. The leak would be a piston bypass leak somewhere in the mechanical side of the hydraulics. It may be induced by heat expanding dissimilar metals/polymers in the system components. May also be a design flaw. No way should you have to replace the fluid that often and no way is it causing an intermittent issue. Dot 4 is the top shelf braking fluid with a really high boiling point so it is not the fluid. Remember this conversation next time it happens and it will. Stay on the service managers butt! This is not normal and a very dangerous safety issue. Good luck!

[@slingryderz7936]

​@@raincloud54 Well said! It seems like the Slingshot community has become accustomed to certain issues being considered normal, such as faults with Chassie lights, brake sensors acting up, and RPM errors that don't trigger error codes. This kind of acceptance might stem from the belief that these quirks are inherent to the vehicle's design or technology. In some cases, niche communities develop a strong sense of camaraderie and familiarity with the idiosyncrasies of their shared interest, leading them to embrace these quirks as part of the experience. However, it's important to remember that just because something is common or widely accepted within a community, it doesn't mean that the issues should be dismissed as insignificant. Addressing and resolving these recurring problems can lead to better overall performance and satisfaction for Slingshot owners. Encouraging open discussions and constructive feedback within the community might also help identify solutions or workarounds for these issues. It's essential to strike a balance between acknowledging the unique characteristics of a vehicle or product and actively seeking improvements for a smoother and more enjoyable experience. By doing so, the Slingshot community can continue to appreciate their shared passion while continuously striving for a better and more reliable product. Regenerate response

[@raincloud54]

@@slingryderz7936 Stay on the manufacturers butt! And make noise on the forums, a lot of noise! Dont take no for an answer from this manager. Hold his feet to the fire. He knows damned good and well that this is NOT normal! Remember that the squeaky wheel gets greased.

[@eugeneponcelet9377]

4 to 5 weeks? That is unacceptable. There is something wrong internally. If I'm having that kind of issue with mine they are getting it back.

[@susynne2124]

where did you get the siphon (link)? Ty for this vid

[@slingryderz7936]

easier to absorb the liquid with a paper cloth

[@ericm7994]

Once a month?

[@slingryderz7936]

yes I do

[@ericm7994]

@slingryderz7936 ill check mine soon. I have a 2016 sl se, its never been done. I also never have had an issue. Thanks for the reply.

[@ericm7994]

​@@slingryderz793630 days is 30 days and all, but how many miles do you put on in that timeline? My machine only has 10,000miles.

[@brianfiedler6927]

I don't think your correct. You got a air bubble in the line or a pinhole, but somethings not right.

[@slingryderz7936]

"No, this information is directly from Polaris, and it's unrelated to air bubbles. Initially, we thought air bubbles might be the issue. We've serviced numerous bikes experiencing this problem and even conducted tests by flushing the lines and reusing the same fluid. Despite that, there was still no pressure. However, when we replaced the fluid with new fluid, everything worked perfectly."

[@suavedotcom]

I was out soon as he said Brake 4 DOT fluid. This after still watching when he said the fluid loses "velocity" 🤦🏾😂😂

[@slingryderz7936]

Bro, sometimes it's best to watch and learn.. The same fluid is used with both the clutch and brakes. AND when shifting hard the clutch/brake fluid becomes hot thus you lose your clutch pressure.. WATCH AND LEARN! The recommended fluid until the reservoir is filled to the MAX fill line. Do not overfill. A 12-ounce bottle of the required fluid, DOT 4 Brake Fluid, is part number 2872189.

[@susynne2124]

it's right there in the manual under "hydraulic clutch fluid": "Use DOT 4 brake fluid in the hydraulic clutch fluid reservoir"

[@susynne2124]

@@slingryderz7936 However, if you look on the bottle of part number 2872189, it doesn't mention the SS as vehicles it is suitable for!