All Tests – Quadro 350S test: the necessary evolution – Always more stable than agile

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Quadro 350S test: the necessary evolution

All Tests - Quadro 350S test: the necessary evolution - Always more stable than agile

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.

Always more stable than agile

More comfortable than its predecessor, the Quadro 350S retains some of its peculiarities, such as its front axle approximately 10 cm wider than the competitors, associated with larger wheels: 14 inches at the front and 15 at the rear..

Its turning radius is in fact less good than that of the competitors, forcing it to be repeated several times to make a U-turn in a narrow street. In dynamics, this translates into less agility when entering a curve and in rapid angle changes..

As before, the system therefore imposes greater involvement of the driver on the handlebars, especially during low-speed maneuvers: it is necessary to counter-steer frankly to put the Quadro on its trajectory, which requires a little adaptation time on the part of the driver. ‘user.

Although improved, the behavior of the Quadro 350S contrasts with the relative liveliness of an MP3 front end, equipped with thinner and smaller wheels (12/13 inches depending on the model), less apart and associated with a different tilting system.

However, you quickly get used to this relative lack of agility of the Quadro, which clearly compensates for its unparalleled stability: even angled to its maximum (40 ° tilt), the 350S remains imperturbably riveted to its trajectory..

The new shock absorbers effectively contribute to this state of grace, calmly accepting the constraints without disturbing the course. The Duro brand "Racing" tires are effective in the dry … To be confirmed in the wet, especially as the Quadro does not have ABS (like the MP3 and Metropolis).

If the direction seems to have slightly gained in precision and fluidity of movement, the corrections of trajectories always require a significant effort on the handlebars, especially in "dynamic" driving. Arriving too quickly on a roundabout or a turn closing quickly, it is always possible to be surprised by the tilt limit of 40 ° and the intervention of the stop which prevents taking more angle…

In this case, it suffices to brake in the middle of the curve to adapt the speed of passage, full braking with the left lever or the pedal – necessary for the L5E type tricycle approval, vehicles accessible to A licenses! – not locking the steering too much.

The front / rear distribution is correctly managed, so that it minimizes mass transfer during braking and allows hard braking without too much apprehension. However, full braking at the pedal remains more difficult to adjust than the left lever.

Offered at € 7,290 (i.e. 1,200 euros more than a Yourban LT 300, 100 euros more than the MP3 LT 300 and 1,600 euros less than the Peugeot Metropolis), the Quadro is certainly progressing in terms of ease of use and power.

Less agile than its rivals, this "350S" benefits from a better weight / power ratio than previously to ensure excellent urban and peri-urban service, with increased comfort, unparalleled stability and improved manufacturing quality. In short, a serious alternative to current tripods !

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