Quadro Qooder 2018 test: the 4th dimension !
The Quadro Qooder – formerly Quadro4 – has four wheels and a handlebar, but it is not a quad. It tilts in curves and is driven with the B license (car), but it is not really a scooter … Improved for 2018, this funny machine mixes genres for the benefit of astonishing sensations ! Test.
Quadro Qooder 2018 Test – Page 2: details in captioned photos
Mutant. The Qooder enjoys a spectacular silhouette with its tilting four-wheelers: this unique architecture on a "scooter" turns many heads in its path, especially in its bright red color! When will the "8-wheeler" with twin rims? ?! |
The 4-wheel tricycle. The Qooder is considered a motor tricycle of category L5e, accessible with a simple car license (B) and a 7-hour training course if necessary. No cubic capacity or power limit is imposed by this class of vehicles, the weight of which must not, however, exceed 1000 kg. This astonishing regulatory flexibility – which also benefits MP3 and Metropolis scooters, Harley Trikes and Can-Am Spyder – concerns all tricycles with a width between the wheels of the same axle exceeding 46 cm. To have its quadricycle approved as a three-wheeler, Quadro has cleverly tightened its rear wheels to 45 cm so that they are considered as one! The Qooder therefore offers a higher center distance at the front than at the rear.. |
Engine. The single cylinder assembled by Aeon goes from 346 to 398 cc. The base is the same as in 2018 but the cylinder, piston, crankshaft and cylinder head are new. Likewise, the Qooder introduces a new injection, a revised intake and a redesigned air filter housing. Its performance remains modest: 32.5 hp at 7000 rpm and 38.5 Nm at 5000 rpm. A bit tight to effectively propel the 281 kg with the full tank… |
Engine (bis). Unlike a "traditional" scooter, the Qooder’s engine is fixed and in a central position like on a motorcycle. This block of 398.8 cc is installed low enough in a tubular frame, with the advantage of a better distribution of the masses. Only the final double transmission is oscillating. |
Transmission. The transmission is done by means of two notched belts, one per rear wheel, for which Quadro boasts excellent longevity. "An inspection is scheduled every 30,000 km, without necessarily leading to their replacement", assures MNC a Quadro technician before revealing to us that the assembly comes from a TGB brand quad. ! |
HTS (Hydraulic Tilting System). This is the ground link kinematics developed by Quadro for its 3 and 4-wheelers. This system comprises three cylinders: one on each side responsible for the inclination and one in the middle which provides the damping function. When the scooter leans to one side, the air and oil contained in the inner cylinder are transferred to the outer cylinder. This transfer from one chamber to another is at the origin of the phenomenon of steering resistance described by MNC on the previous page. Some will appreciate the reassuring side that it gives on the corner, others will regret this strange feeling of having to fight against the bellhop of a door ! |
You are stubborn ! This oleo-pneumatic device has a mechanical stop at 45 °, quite easily reached as confidence is quickly established. When stationary, the Qooder can be placed – smoothly – on its maximum angle and hold safely on its four-wheelers, as above. Impressive ! |
Not easy to form. The boot is opened from the switch by turning the key to the right. The passenger seat lifts automatically using jacks and frees up an illuminated space in which a 12V socket is placed. Too bad the volume only allows you to place one headset! A carpet covering would also have avoided scratches and contributed to the "Premium" aspect claimed by Quadro.. |
Storage compartment. The apron includes two storage compartments, one of which receives a USB socket (new in 2019). Not very bulky, these spaces are not locked: be careful not to leave your smartphone or other expensive object there! MNC tip: central locking from a remote control transponder would be relevant on this type of vehicle, in addition to appealing to automotive customers. |
Braking. Like all L5e tricycles, the Qooder is equipped with coupled braking which can be activated either by the left lever or by a pedal on the right. In dynamics, the lever is preferred to the foot control, less obvious to dose despite its more natural placement than on MP3. The braking is very powerful – thank you the four discs and the four tires! – and offers a good response to the left lever. The action of the front brake alone, however, is a bit tight, especially as the right lever that operates it is quite soft. Despite its "auto" positioning, the Qooder surprisingly ignores ABS: "It’s planned for 2019", assures us Alain Bourdoncle, CEO of Quadro France. A future asset to avoid possible blockages on wet or gravel roads… |
Braked logic. The parking brake – compulsory on the L5e – is activated by turning the ignition key to the left, then by pulling a lever placed under the saddle on the right. In other words: immobilizing the Qooder requires switching off the engine, even for a very brief stop (at a red light on a slope, for example). Well seen, however: this "hand brake" serves as an anti-theft device because it is based on a lug system which is inserted into the external teeth of the disc. Smart ! |
The full, chef ! Why did you place the filler opening of the 14-liter fuel tank in the boot, that is to say on the pilot’s back? Refueling therefore requires getting out of the vehicle … or calling on the very few gas station attendants still present in French service stations.. |
Heat Marcel. The single-cylinder heats up fairly quickly in traffic jams because of the mass to take off with each fire and the lack of fresh air available due to the enveloping fairing. In addition, one of the two Qooders tested by MNC began to emit a strong smell of hot after a few particularly congested kilometers, before emitting a worrying white smoke…. "These are models that come from Italy where they have been put to the test on gymkhana-type courses for demonstrations, and the transmission has undoubtedly been over-used", replies a technician from the brand when MNC asks him about this concern. The incident did not recur on the other Qooders tested. |
Differential). The transmission includes a differential which allows the power distribution to be adapted according to the speed of rotation of each wheel. This system would explain the absence of traction control: "Traction control is not justified, because there is this double traction", assures Olivier Bazin, in charge of communications for Quadro France. And then with only 32 hp, the Qooder is far from stressing its 110 mm wide rear tires. ! |
Interview. The first service of the Qooder takes place at 1000 km (oil change), then every 5000 km. Every 10,000 km is scheduled a more important overhaul with change of primary belt, engine oil change and axle. The tires would have, according to Quadro, "a lifespan of 10 000 km". |
Electronic assistance. Surprisingly enough, the Qooder ignores any form of assistance: no ABS or traction control like on some MP3s, or trajectory correction or stability control like on the Can-Ams. A weak point for a vehicle supposed to appeal to motorists, used to all these safety nets… |
Disconnected. The dashboard – quite austere – refers to previous generations of cars with its needles for speed, rpm and engine temperature. A monochrome LCD screen provides information on the fuel level, the time, the air temperature and the mileage (two trips and totalizer). It lacks a consumption indicator and especially remote controls on the handlebars. In view of its price (10,990 euros), the Qooder could also provide information on tire pressure, an important parameter since there are four of them! More sophisticated instrumentation, with a Bluetooh connection to a telephone, would also be of interest to the target clientele.. |
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