All Tests – Quadro 350S test: the necessary evolution – Improved comfort and performance

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Quadro 350S test: the necessary evolution

All Tests - Quadro 350S test: the necessary evolution - Improved comfort and performance

Launched at the end of 2011, the Quadro 350D 3-wheel scooter has sold more than 1000 units in France, an honorable performance against the hegemony of the Piaggio MP3. Threatened by Peugeot – and soon Yamaha -, Quadro ramps up with the more successful 350S model.

Improved comfort and performance

Still as imposing in size, the Quadro 350S visually differs little from its predecessor and retains its more dynamic appearance than that of the Piaggio. It keeps a saddle height identical to that of an MP3 (780 mm), but its riding position remains more natural due to less raised knees..

Its wider central tunnel, especially in its rear part, on the other hand induces a position of the legs more apart, therefore less sheltered from the wind and projections than on an MP3.

Compared to its predecessor, only a trained eye will notice the few distinctive signs of this new version: the Quadro S logo affixed to the sidewalls, the new exhaust silencer trim, the new saddle and the longer luggage carrier, on which a 50 liter top box can be attached (368 euros per kit with support and backsplash).

Always a bit obsolete, the dashboard is optimized by the addition of exterior temperature and water temperature indicators, placed on either side of the previous elements. Apart from the stylized plate, we find the same analog tachometer, tachometer, odometer, clock and fuel level gauge with digital display.

The new saddle loses a little in style with the disappearance of its red stitching and the coating previously used, but it gains in softness thanks to the use of gel inserts at the level of the pilot and passenger seats. The rider backrest is also lowered to leave more room for the passenger, who benefits from wider grab handles terminated by the long luggage carrier.

The retractable passenger footrests are judiciously retained, while the fuse box is moved under the seat for better accessibility.

The new Quadro retains its two small storage spaces, one of which has a 12-volt outlet. The opening of the seat and the fuel tank cap, located on the central tunnel, is conventionally carried out from the switch.

Like its rival MP3, the Quado can accommodate in its (illuminated) trunk a full face helmet and a half-jet. The automatic lighting of the lights is not yet in place and we still do not have an electric steering lock system like "Roll Lock" Piaggio. This function remains entrusted to the manual parking brake lever, which also freezes the inclination of the vehicle..

If the sound of the Taiwanese Aeon engine remains as rocky as before, the gain in power and increased ease of use at low revs are however immediately noticeable..

The Quadro takes off smoothly and effortlessly on a trickle of gas, taking advantage of an increased torque of 5.2 Nm (now 28.8 Nm at 5500 rpm) to respond frankly to the slightest demand on the accelerator. The relaunches are much more energetic than before, with a maximum power of 27 horses at 7000 rpm.

This is all the more clear when compared to its main competitors, especially as the Quadro 350S (200 kg dry according to the manufacturer) is nearly 30 kg less than an MP3 LT 300 (227 kg dry) and about 50 less than a Metropolis 400 (256 kg dry).

In the game of stopped starts and resumes at mid-speed, the Quadro 350S now supports the comparison with its main opponents and even takes the lead over the MP3 LT 300, now much less powerful (22.5 hp).

The new Quadro is however left behind in top speed by the Metropolis 400 (37.2 hp), despite a very honorable 125 km / h chrono (135 km / h counter) in maximum speed. Note that at this speed, the engine vibrations are now better filtered thanks to the use of new silent-blocks.

Typically, the massive front of the Quadro benefits from a pretty headlight with double optics with lenticular element surmounted by a tinted bubble of medium size which does not entirely protect the bust of the pilot. A high and transparent model is optional at a price of 129 euros.

The consumption of this new engine remains relatively high, with an average of 5.5 l / 100 km measured during our test, i.e. a range of around 240 km including reserve..

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