Special Bikes/The Quadro 350D

Quadro 350D

Italy's Quadro is working on bringing a number of 3- and 4-wheeled tilters to the market, but the first to look production ready is the 350D.

A conventionally shaped maxi scooter with an aggressive frontal design, a 350cc motor and two front wheels, the 350D could easily slip unnoticed into a Gilera Fuoco procession. But the front suspension and tilting mechanism looks quite different. Where the Piaggio's tilt mechanism is all managed closer to the headstock, the Quadro system sits quite low to the ground, almost acting as a flexible axle between the two front wheels.

Suspension struts on either side appear to give the front wheels three shock absorbers between them, and a lock-off valve in the middle provides a hydraulic tilt lock. Either way, the system delivers the same claimed 40-degree lean angle as the Piaggio/Gilera platform - which is more than enough for a good time on the road, let alone happy, safe commuting.

The 350D has a cigarette lighter attachment for mobile phone charging, and enough underseat storage for two full faced helmets.

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