Quadro 350S 2014 – Road test

We had already had the opportunity to discover his talents inprint preview last September. Now we were able to test it in more depth, substantially confirming our opinion. It represents an evolution, but perhaps more of a different solution, even more particular than the competition, with many advantages and some defects. If on the one hand it is even safer and more stable than other three-wheelers, on the other it loses some of the agility of a “normal” two-wheeled scooter, and also intuitiveness for those who are already motorcyclists. His HTS system, an exclusive patent, an acronym for Hydraulic Tilting System, is the object of the dilemma. When stationary you just need to hold the front brake to keep it in balance, but to "get it down" in the lean you need to accompany it, physical or technical, and it still ends up being less intuitive and more tiring. Even the most savvy will appreciate it the funniest aspect, in a simple and it is possible to maintain lean angles worthy of a motorcycling champion in complete safety, in addition to being able to navigate the treacherous city streets, whether wet or bumpy, “playing” thanks to the impossibility of losing the front end. A roundabout or a curve on the cobblestone becomes an opportunity for a gas crossing, without jeopardizing anyone's safety.

Aesthetics and finishes:

rating:  

Successful look and good finishes, but could be improved

Appearance is always subjective, everyone has their own tastes and can think differently. Objectively though the Quadro 350S presents itself well, thanks to a refined look and the aggressive split front headlight, appears the most sporty and balanced of the three, making a comparison with the main competitors, the Piaggio MP3 and the Peugeot Metropolis. A fourth is arriving, the first three-wheeler from a Japanese company, the Yamaha Tricity, but initially only the small 125 will be available. The Quadro 350S represents an evolution of the 350D, from which it derives and from which it differs in 21 new features, the most important of which is certainly the new engine. However, in our opinion, the refinement work has not reached the end of the line. If the lines, as we have said, are pleasant, including the appearance of the front suspension system, which appears even more particular than the double fork (MP3 style so to speak) and a source of curiosity in those who stop to observe it, some details are just not convincing. We mention, among the worst, theabsence of the safety button on the right block to turn it off in the event of a fall (perhaps a deliberate choice given the difficulty of falling with the 350S?), but there is the now obsolete button for the lights, which have become mandatory by law for years. We didn't even like them the two digital thermometers for water and ambient temperatures do not appear integrated into the look of the dashboard at all, but they seem to be applied after market. Apart from these details, which, if they don't convince us, might please others, for the rest the appearance is well cared for and the look is pleasant. Even the quality of the paint and the combinations of the plastics are worthy of the most renowned and traditional brands. The under-seat compartment is excellent, capable of accommodating two good-sized helmets without any problems. Other storage compartments, one of which is equipped with a 12V socket, are also well arranged and convenient to use. The door placed in front of the pilot's legs appears a little cheap, but still functional and practical. The saddle is also new, better padded and therefore more comfortable, as well as better finished and with higher quality stitching. However, upon a more careful analysis, especially in the eyes of an expert, it appears clear that, if the ownership of the Quadro is Swiss and the project Italian, the construction and assembly take place in Taiwan. We anticipated it, a clear step forward has been made compared to the old model, but finishes like those of engine crankcase on the right side, with the bolts visible above the water pump, are not at the level of the best competition, and that's a shame.

Engine and performance:

rating:  

All new, a "full" 350 with 27 HP and a 4-valve head

The engine is all new, horizontal single cylinder it's a euro 3, 346 cc and now with 4 valves per cylinder, with a new injection system, capable of superior performance, but reduced consumption. The power of 27 horses (at 7.000 rpm) is aligned with that of an SH300, the torque is 29 Nm and is expressed at 5.550 rpm. The transmission is calibrated to keep the engine particularly lively. With the throttle wide open it remains constantly between 7 and 8 thousand rpm, practically always exploiting all the power of the engine. If on the one hand this is positive, because the performances are in line with some competitors with larger displacements, also in light of the particularly low weight of the Quadro 350S, which remains in the order of 200kg, on the other hand some doubts arise regarding the durability of some mechanical components, which end up being particularly stressed, such as the belt and the variator rollers. The performance is also excellent as full speed, which is of 130 km / h effective, 140 indicated. Curious is the fact that it could probably go further, but at 8.000 rpm the limiter intervenes.

Ride and handling:

rating:  

Fun and safe, it just lacks a pinch of handling

Evolution in the direction of greater stability, especially when compared to the Piaggio MP3, has pros and cons. On his side he certainly has an advantage in terms of safety and the possibility of carrying out maneuvers at the limits of physics even in extreme conditions, as wet, and on surfaces with very low grip. On the other hand, the suspensions make it a little less manageable in city traffic, where it ends up becoming more tiring to drive, at least if you want to exploit it in all its agility. In terms of size, Contrary to what you might think, it is 800 mm wide, as much as a normal scooter. The only difference for city use is the width of the front on the ground, you need to keep an eye out to avoid pavements and potholes during tight maneuvers at low speed. In reality the suspension system also allows you to proceed with one wheel on a step and the other down, but it is something to try and not to do habitually. However, it is particularly long (2,27 meters), they are over 15 centimeters more than an SH300, for example, and about as much as a Burgman 400. If the dimensions of your box are limited it could be a problem. The cycling is characterized by front parallelogram, with the two 14" wheels interconnected. The difference is clear, just look at them from the front, with the other three-wheelers on the market, that instead they use two independent forks. At the rear the wheel is 15", but still leaves plenty of space for the under-seat compartment, which it can contain a laptop bag and a jet helmet, or a full-face helmet and a jet. Another solution that distinguishes the 350S, and which allows it to be driven with a B license, is the presence of the third brake control, a pedal. The two levers basically control thefront (with two 240 mm discs) and the rear (one 256 mm disc) as on any scooter, but the three controls end up acting on both brakes, as there is a hydraulic braking distributor. The flaw, if you want to find the nitpick, is the annoying sensation of not having total control over the distribution between the front and rear brakes, but only during the most decisive braking. In the first part of the excursion of the two levers, the action occurs in a classic and separate way. The pedal, at least in our opinion, is an aid for a matter of approval, but it can easily be done without it in normal use. THE'absence of ABS (not even as an option) It's not a big limit, given the surprising stability of the 350S, you can brake sharply even when the vehicle is very inclined, without risking hitting the ground.. However, it must be said that in particular and extreme conditions, in which only one of the two front wheels loses grip, the unpleasant effect is that the scooter "pulls" violently to one side, and it is necessary to promptly manage the sudden reaction, acting on the brakes and checking with force the handlebars. From 2016, anti-lock braking systems will be mandatory for displacements above 125 cc, so we are certain that it will soon be introduced on the Quadro 350S too, perhaps not initially as standard. You park without a stand, which is available and usable, but made superfluous by the system controlled by the red lever in front of the legs. The Parking Brake acts both as a handbrake and as a block of the hydraulic suspension system, even in a slightly inclined position. The central stand can essentially be used for periods when the vehicle is not used for a long time, in which it is advisable to avoid leaving the handbrake engaged. The safety feature that prevents the lever from being operated with the steering lock engaged is very intelligent. It avoids both finding the vehicle free to fall with the steering locked and turned, but above all it protects against third parties who, for fun or maliciously, try to disengage it when the vehicle is parked on the street.

Price and consumption:

rating:  

Around 7.000 euros, but it is the only one in the category that can be driven without an A licence

Let's start with a "legal" note: thanks to the pedal brake solution, the Quadro 350S it is not subject, despite the engine capacity being more than 125, to the obligation to drive with an A licence. Anyone with a B, therefore the license with which you drive a car, can use the 350S of the Swiss company. This trick was only pursued by Quadro, whose three-wheeler is therefore the only one over 125 to benefit from this possibility. Compared to a normal scooter of the same level, but with only two wheels, the outlay is certainly higher, the 2014 price list is in fact 7.190 of euros. The 350S is available in four colours, in addition to white you can in fact choose black, gray or blue. Among the accessories, in addition to the additional mudflaps for the front wheels, you can purchase a larger windshield, a leg cover and a top box of 50 litres. The generous 13 liter tank, combined with a fairly low consumption, guarantees considerable autonomy, ranging between a minimum of 200 km and a maximum of over 300, depending on the type of use.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Stable and safe for the less experienced, fun for the more savvy. Successful look, low weight and lots of space under the saddle.

We do not like it:
Some finishes to review, limited handling, no off button and ABS

Quadro 350S 2014: the Motorionline Report Card

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Handling:
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Test clothing:
Jacket: Spidi Street Tex jacket
Gloves: Spidi Jab RR
Shoes: Xpd X-ZERO H2OUT
Helmet: Givi 20.6 Fiber-J2