Quadro QV3 leaning scooter looks like a better alternative to Yamaha’ Niken

Swiss maker Quadro updates their QV3 leaning three-wheeled scooter, specs and price make it the perfect alternative to the Yamaha Niken

Quadro QV3 leaning scooter looks like a better alternative to Yamaha’ Niken 3

Quadro QV3 leaning scooter looks like a better alternative to Yamaha’ Niken 4

Quadro QV3 leaning scooter looks like a better alternative to Yamaha’ Niken 5

Quadro QV3 leaning scooter looks like a better alternative to Yamaha’ Niken 6

Quadro QV3 leaning scooter looks like a better alternative to Yamaha’ Niken 7

Quadro QV3 leaning scooter looks like a better alternative to Yamaha’ Niken 8

The smallest member of the Quadro family, the QV3 three-wheeled scooter was updated, and, by all means, looks like the perfect excuse to skip spending money on the Yamaha Niken.

QV3 gets an updated dashboard that’s heavily inspired from that on the Quadro4, with dual large dials and a central backlit LCD screen, new, redesigned wheels, a new handlebar and new, adjustable brake levers. The right hand lever actuates the front braking, while the left hand lever and the pedal engages all-wheel braking for a balanced feel.

According to Quadro, the brakes on the new QV3 are more efficient, making riding this three-wheeler a more confident experience, especially for those who don’t feel exactly at home on just two wheels. Speaking about wheels, the Quadro QV3 comes with the biggest rims in the segment, sporting dual 14” wheels in the front and a single 15” in the rear.

Stability is governed by Quadro’s patented HTS hydro-pneumatic system that tilts all three wheels when making a turn, replicating the feel of a traditional motorcycle. Unlike other similar machines, whose front wheels are the only ones that tilt actively, the QV3 has increased stability and grip on any terrain, not only on tarmac.

And when you’re parking, the P lever blocks the tilting mechanism so that your machine stays upright. We’ve seen our fair share of Quadro vehicles parked in insane conditions, yet in perfect stability and balance, one of the maker’s trademark signatures.

Why we say that the QV3 might be a great alternative to Yamaha’s Niken? Well, first it’s the fact that the latter kind of fails to live up to the sport bike pretenses it was marketed with. It’s way heavier than the MT-09 that provides the engine, and the brakes are less efficient. These two aspects make it lazier and a bit more difficult to ride.

Then there’s the price, €15,000 for the Niken, versus €7,000 for the QV3. Sure thing, they belong to two different classes, but, given the lack of a surprising, exhilarating character in the Niken, it tends to be more of a mellow-ish, touring and commuting machine, and a bit on the expensive side compared to other commuters. Compared to the Spyder, Slingshot or T-Rex, the Niken is probably the obvious alternative, but the bang for the buck award goes to QV3.

Quadro QV3 weighs in a total of 220 kg (485 lb) and that’s with a full tank. Its 346cc 4 stroke, 4-valve single cylinder pumps out 29 hp @ 7,000rpm and 32 Nm of torque at 5,500 revs. The CVT transmission uses a V-Belt and a dry centrifugal clutch making riding easy even for those who can’t ride a manual shift motorcycle. Plus, riders with an automobile driving license (Cat. B in Europe) can already hop aboard. Finally, the QV3 also comes with underseat storage that can accommodate two helmets and two smaller compartments in the dash, under the handlebars.

In the end, it’s not necessarily about choosing between the QV3 and the Niken, but knowing how amazing the HTS system is, we’d go for the former. Of course, please feel free to disagree!