Scooter Review Arqin Metro 4 Sometimes it’s less about the pace, and more about the poise.
Words by JEREMY BOWDLER, photography by LOU MARTIN A four-stroke 50? What’s the point?
While it’s true that a four-stroke 50 is going to be slower than a twostroke, they’re both limited to 50km/h by legislation, so the difference is not as great as it might sound. Where you really notice the power is in how quickly (or not) the Metro4 gets off the line, compared with, say, the Yamaha Jog 50 (probably the best accelerating 50 on the market).
Answer the question. What’s the point?
If you want to be faster than the rest of the traffic you wouldn’t buy a 50 in the first place, would you? Fifties are for ease of use, ease of licensing, and, principally, to be easy on the hip pocket. And that’s where four-stroke 50s (and the Metro4) shine. Four-strokes use less fuel than two-strokes and, during our test, the Metro4 sipped just on 3L/100km (or $2.20 for my weekly commute). Bearing in mind that our Metro4 arrived with almost 5km on the clock (so it wasn’t even run in and will loosen up and get better economy), that I weigh 90kg and that I rode the wee beastie flat out and it’d be safe to say that 3L/100km would be the worst economy you’d get.
 But can it keep up with the traffic?
Look, I wouldn’t be taking too many freeways, but in peak hour or 50km/h streets you’ll be fine. Remember, a 50 is just as fast as a Ferrari when you’re grid-locked. Actually, it’s heaps faster because it’s so narrow...
So it’s sort of a shopping trolley?
Yep, it’d make perfect sense for that. There’s enough space under the seat for a shorty helmet, and it’s the only scooter I know of with two bag hooks – one under the front of the seat and one under the instrument binnacle. So it’s cheap to run and cheap to buy.
Why don’t you just say it’s cheap all over?
Because it isn’t. Cheap to run and cheap to buy and, yes, it’s pretty much the standard Chinese scooter, but this one seems to be bolted together pretty well. The panel fit is well above average, as is the painted finish. There is obviously a great range in quality in what comes out of China, even if, superficially, a lot of it looks identical. The Arqin is at the upper end of the quality spectrum, if the test bike is any indicator. As an example, rather than the normal spring-loaded sidestand, the Metro4 50 has a locking stand with an electronic cut-out switch. A small detail maybe, but one which indicates care in manufacture.
So what about handling? Does it cut the mustard?
It’s surprisingly nimble, light and easy – like most 50s – and the ground clearance is excellent. And you can explore it given the levels of grip from the rubber. To be honest, you can only explore the grip in right-handers as the sidestand kisses the tarmac early and hard. Part of that is because of my weight, which lessens clearance anyway, but I learned to take lefthanders with some caution. Removing the sidestand would be the way to go for me, and I’d hardly miss it since using the centrestand is so easy.
Is there anything you don’t like?
I’m no fan of having the fuel cap behind the seat and partially obscured by the rear rack (at least the Metro4 has a rack) because it makes filling up with a topbox fitted almost impossible, but as it stands the lockable cap is simple to use. On the upside, the switchgear is good and modern, and includes a headlight on/off switch, a rarity these days, and the rims have angled valve caps for an easier time at the service station air hose.
Is it a sensible choice for a first timer?
It’s perfect for a new rider who wants a toe in the water, without the added hassle of checking the two-stroke oil instead of just filling up and forgetting. And it’d suit the more experienced rider who knows what he or she needs (and is happy with the performance on offer), but who values economy and reliability.
As published in TW SCOOTER MAGAZINE - 8/11/2007
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