Aprilia->ke1934 has been firing on all pistons to give the world class leading performance motorcycles that make the riding aphrodisiac’s hearts racing. And as with them trying to stay with changing times, they add new updated models every year to their existing lineup to keep things fresh. Although they never made many headways before, it seems like they have now learnt things the hard way and have been busy making bikes that speak for themselves and beam technical prowess.

First seen on the EICMA 2016 stage, Aprilia launched the updated models of its naked streetfighter, Shiver. A 750cc motorcycle first launched in 2007, struggled because of its unearthing looks which were not any more striking than the competition. But now, it seems that Aprilia have given their magic touch to the 2017 edition, and it looks more so ever lively and strong.

It carries a bigger 900 cc engine, a jump of a lethal 150 cc from the earlier models and they sit just below the Italian brand’s flagship models RSV4 RF and Tuono V4 1100 RF. New electronics, refined mechanics and an excellent chassis structure sees this motorcycle take new levels of riding pleasure and we are here to find out how.

2017 Aprilia Shiver 900

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Aprilia Shiver 900
  • Engine/Motor: V2
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

STYLING

ids=719036,719035

no_overlay=true>

2014 Aprilia Shiver 750

2017 Aprilia Shiver 900


For 2017, Aprilia has given the Shiver 900 major improvements with regards to the exteriors with fresh new body kit including a new headlamp unit, tank extensions and body and tail panels. Keeping the best part about the motorcycle intact i.e. easy rideability, the bike has managed to become more seductive than before.

The naked streetfighter from Noale gets fresh new side covers on the fuel tank, side panels, tail fairing and front mudguard that enhances the aesthetics of the muscular silhouette from before. It also manages to retain the “Italian" with its racing red tubular frame, wheel rims, frame, shock absorber spring and cylinder head covers.

Out front, the headlamp unit misses the bikini fairings it carried previously and gets a sharper looking headlamp instead. The strongly tapering tail also incorporates the twin exhaust with circular silencers, a feature which makes the design even more aggressive, while keeping weight distribution highly symmetrical. The adoption of a side shock absorber not only adds a further distinctive feature but also enables a rational and compact exhaust system to be fitted.

The motorcycle gets an all-new modern 4.3” TFT instrument cluster which borrows from the Aprilia RSV4 and Aprilia Tuono 1100 V4 versions. This light sensitive screen gives out clear and highly legible readings and can be wirelessly connected to your smartphone device via the optional AMP kit.

On the whole, the Shiver has been built synonym with Aprilia’s DNA where form and function come together to create an almost perfect object. The design is refined, but at the same time clean-cut, without too many frills for the maximum possible functionality.

Overall Dimension

Make Model

2017 Aprilia Shiver 900

Kawasaki Z900

Ducati Monster 821

Length

89 in

81.5 in

85.4 in

Width

31.8 in

32.3 in

31.5 in

Height

44.6 in

41.88 in

41.5 in

Wheelbase

54.6 in

57 in

58.3 in

Seat height

31.6 in

31.2 in

31 in

Wet weight

419.9 lb

465.1 lb

453 lb

Fuel tank

3. 9 gal

4.49 gal

4.6 gal


POWERTRAIN

While it’s easy to be captivated by the Shiver’s state-of-the-art design, more impressive is what’s inside. The 2017 Shiver 900 gets, as the name suggests, a new 900cc V-twin engine that is capable not just of high performance, but also complete reliability. The 90 degree, liquid cooled, DOHC engine make enough grunt to produce 95.2 bhp power and 66.4 ft-lb of torque, thanks to new Marelli 7SM ECU and increased stroke.

As before, the Shiver continues using the ride-by-wire technology that it was first bestowed back in 2007 itself. It was the first factory fitted motorcycle to get this back then and still makes the scene of giving precise throttle response to the rider with being much lighter than before. Other electronic management bits include electronic accelerator that optimises opening of the throttle bodies to improve performance and fuel consumption.

All the power is transmitted to the rear via a 6-spped gearbox and a multi plate-wet clutch system. Slipper clutch gives a miss here. The under seat stainless steel exhaust unit is one of the characterising aesthetic elements of the Aprilia Shiver. The clean design replaces a triangular one used before, and the exhaust is now directed downwards and to the side to give better pillion comfort.

Make Model

2017 Aprilia Shiver 900

Kawasaki Z900

Ducati Monster 821

Capacity cc

896.1

948

821

Bore/ Stroke mm

92/56.4

73.4/56

88/67.5

Output

95.2 bhp @ 8750 rpm

126 bhp @ 9500 rpm

122 bhp @ 9250 rpm

Torque

66.4 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm

73.7 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm

65.8 lb-ft @ 7750 rpm

Type

Aprilia V90 Longitudinal 90° V-twin engine, 4-stroke, liquid cooled, double overhead camshaft with mixed gear/chain timing system, four valves per cylinder

Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Transverse In-Line 4-Cylinder, DOHC

Testastretta 11° L-Twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, liquid cooled

Clutch type

Wet- Multiplate

APTC slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with control cable

Wet- Multiplate with Assist and Slipper

Transmission

6-speed

6-speed

6-speed


RIDE AND HANDLING

The Shiver was always known to be one of the most rider friendly naked bikes ever to come out of the Noale factory and still manages to hold that title even today. The ultra-fine chassis architecture born out of the WSBK experience helps in giving the rider a clutter-free engagement and riding pleasure.

The mix of steel trellis/aluminium plates frame provides confident riding around the corners, and the stiff setting makes it easy for the rider to flick it from side to side. Thanks to the reduced engine length, the engineers in Aprilia managed to obtain a short, agile bike and ensured that this compact bike could cater to the fledgeling riders with no problem, as well as enhance the riding skills of more expert and discerning bikers.

Optimum definition of the suspension is an obsession for Aprilia designers. Hence, on the mechanical front, the Shiver gets a light and beefy new 41 mm stanchions Kayaba forks that are adjustable in hydraulic rebound damping and spring preload for smoothly tackling both urban and highways. The rear mono shock is pivoted to the side straight onto the aluminium alloy swingarm, and it is adjustable in spring preload and hydraulic rebound.

When it comes to stopping prowess, Aprilia engineers have left no stone unturned. Equipped with two-channel ABS, twin 320 mm discs on the front and a 240mm disc at the rear sport a single-piston radial callipers. Metal braided lines guarantee maximum braking precision. They are clutched onto the lightweight three-spoked wheel rims borrowed from the standard Aprilia Tuono V4 and shod a 120/70 tyres on the front and 180/55 on the rear.

Electronic rider aides like the three-level advanced traction control system adjust throttle position and fuel injectors to provide optimum engine performance and at the same time keeping you safe from skidding away. Then there is the three-level riding modes: Touring, Rain and Sport with which the rider can access the engine management settings to suit the riding conditions.

Chassis Specifications

Make Model

2017 Aprilia Shiver 900

Kawasaki Z900

Ducati Monster 821

Frame type

Modular tubular steel frame fastened to aluminium side plates by high strength bolts. Dismountable rear frame

High tensile steel backbone

Tubular steel Trellis frame attached to the cylinders head

Suspension / Front

Upside-down fork, stanchions 41mm with adjustable hydraulic rebound damping and spring preload. Wheel travel 120 mm

41mm inverted fork with rebound damping and spring preload adjustability

Upside down 43mm forks

Suspension / Rear

Aluminium alloy swingarm with stiffening truss.Hydraulic shock absorber with adjustable extension and spring preload Wheel travel 130 mm

Bottom-link Uni-Trak horizontal mono shock with piggyback reservoir, stepless rebound damping, adjustable spring preload

Progressive linkage with adjustable mono shock. Aluminium double-sided swingarm

Brakes / Front

Dual 320 mm stainless steel floating discs. Radial, four-piston callipers. Continental two-channel ABS system

Dual 300mm petal-type rotors with four-piston callipers, ABS

Twin 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Monobloc Brembo M4-32 callipers, 4-pistons, axial pump with ABS as standard

Brakes / Rear

240 mm stainless steel disc. Single piston calliper. Continental two-channel ABS system

Single 250mm petal-type rotor with single-piston calliper, ABS

245mm disc, 2-piston floating calliper with ABS as standard equipment

Tyres / Front

120/70 ZR 17

120/70 ZR17

120/70 ZR 17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II

Tyres / Rear

180/55 ZR 17

180/55 ZR17

180/60 ZR17 Pirelli Diablo Rosso II


PRICING

Replacing the $8699 Shiver 750, the 900 will make way into the country by late Spring 2017. Although no official announcement on pricing is released, it will, however, cost around $9500-$9900 (MSRP) when launched. It will be available in Silver and Battle Green colour options.

You can as well accessorise the motorcycle with original Aprilia range of accessories dedicated to sport and touring. Levers, mirrors, frame guard, fork bumpers, comfort saddle, panniers, amongst others are made available to Aprilia customers.

Make Model

2017 Aprilia Shiver 900

Kawasaki Z900

Ducati Monster 821

MSRP

$9500 (Est)

$8799

$10995


COMPETITION

With competitions like the Kawasaki Z900, Ducati Monster 821 and the Yamaha MT-09, this Aprilia has a lot of hard work to do to push through such stalwarts in the class, especially when it comes to the power output and pricing.

Kawasaki Z900

Replacing the outgoing Z800 in the ‘Z’ class of Kawasaki’s naked bike is the Z900. Carrying the trademark Sugomi-inspired styling, this naked 900 describes the intense aura or energy given off by a person or an object of greatness felt by the person viewing it. The elegant bodywork has sharp lines flowing from head to tail and is minimalistic to the core. The slim and close fitting bodywork gives its representation as a light and agile image.

Designed from the bottom, the new Euro IV complaint liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, 948cc inline four-cylinder engine offers impressive power and strong torque. A purposeful choice to provide riders with a crisp and smooth response with an exhilarating acceleration. Four 36mm throttle bodies and sub-throttles provide better mid and low power bands and the engine belts an impressive 126 bhp, 12 more than the Z800 and torque peaks at 73.5 Nm lb-ft at 7700 rpm.

Suspension forces are worked by the 41mm inverted front fork featuring stepless rebound damping and spring preload adjustability. An adjustable Horizontal Back-link Rear Suspension that is positioned above the lightweight swingarm contributing mass centralization. Standard ABS works brilliantly on the dual 300mm front petal discs and 250mm rear petal disc that are clamped by dual opposed piston callipers with resin brake pads to deliver ample braking power.

A ’17 Z900 with ABS will set you back $8799, while the non-ABS model rolls for $8399. No matter which brake package you go with, the choice in paint remains the same: Pearl Mystic Gray/Metallic Flat Spark Black or Metallic Flat Spark Black/Metallic Spark Black.

Ducati Monster 821 Stripe

There is a thing with Ducati and its naked streetfighters. While someone will reckon Ducati for giving us some exciting and legendary faired superbikes like the 999, 1098 and Panigale, it is the range of its streetfighters which have been the easily accessible fun tools for most of the Ducati fans across the world. In the past, the Monster range and Streetfighter sold like hot cakes and played a major role in the expansion of the Ducati family. Ducati refurbished its Monster range by launching an all-new middleweight variant of the motorcycle in the face of Monster 797.

Ducati perfectly showcased that how the classic silhouette of the Monster could have been evolved without tinkering its familiar appeal too much. With the Monster 821, Ducati has just managed to make the Monster platform more eye pleasing and visually bigger.

The Monster 821 is powered by the Testastretta 11° 821 cc engine, with air injection system that generates power equal to 110 bhp at 9250 rpm and 65.9 lb-ft of torque at 7750 rpm. The transmission features an oil bath clutch with "slipper" function and a lever that is very light to the touch. The three Riding Modes (URBAN, TOURING, SPORT) combine the leading technologies in the product class, such as Ride-by-Wire (RbW), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), and 9MP ABS with multiple settings.

The racing-inspired chassis geometry is matched with 43 mm fully adjustable upside-down forks, while the rear suspension is entrusted to a Sachs mono shock with adjustable compression and extension, mounted on one side vertically on the cylinder head and, on the other, on a sturdy Ducati double-sided swingarm. The front brakes of the Monster 821 have high-performance, pump-activated Brembo Monobloc M4-32 radial callipers, equipped with high-calibration multiple 9MP ABS as standard. The four-piston front callipers, fitted radially, act on 320 mm discs, while the Brembo two-piston rear calliper is fitted on a 240 mm disc.

All this can be yours for $10995 for the blacked-out Monster 821 Dark, and the regular 821 (red, with red frame and black wheels, or white with a red frame and matte-red wheels) lists at $11495 (all MSRP).

VERDICT

With the new Shiver 900, Aprilia has once again shown us that their attractive design language has still some juice left in them and with this motorcycle being equipped with state of the art technologies, it makes itself heard at the least. With it certainly being not an easy matter to take the lead in a class as fiercely competitive as the medium powered naked class, we feel the folks at Noale could have upped the ante with more tech and features like the Ducati’s 821.

Nonetheless, Aprilia has picked up the mantle and shown belief in their product to deliver. To a company that has to date acclaimed more than 250 world championship victories, this Shiver 900 motorcycle is their way of satisfying the disparate needs of those wanting a tool for everyday use, to a trip along mountain passes, or to use on the racetrack. The Aprilia Shiver behaves completely at home in any situation, guaranteeing pure riding pleasure at all times.

Only if it had a bit more pieces like the slipper clutch and a little more top end grunt like the Kawa’s or the Ducati’s, the price expected for this motorcycle would have been a bargain no doubt. At the end of the day, all that matters is how much it could make you smile when you throw a leg around, and this, it knows best.