APRILIA SHIVER 750

Let me just say this: Previously I was not a proponent of naked motorcycles and gravitated towards their fully-faired brethren for a number of reasons. The keyword in that sentence was “previously” as recently I’ve grown an appreciation for this motorcycle segment and the Shiver (along with other manufacturers) may have this effect on you also. I mean, you can’t help but fall in love with the Shiver’s four stroke longitudinal 90° V twin engine, modular steel trellis frame and HP to weight ratio that would make a hooligan blush (4.38 pounds for each pony to haul around). But I digress. Let’s start with the basics, shall we? Lets…

Sitting on the Shiver it’s hard not to notice the big analog tachometer with built in LCD screen. Like most motorcycles offered today the gauge pod has all of the standard warning lights with a button for the hazard indicators. A pronounced triangular shaped yellow warning light alerts you to signs of a low fuel level. Since the bike only has a 4.22 gallon fuel tank you will probably become accustomed to seeing this light illuminated. When you do see the light on it may not be a good idea to pass by the next gas station; especially when the one after that is 30 miles away. Not that I did that or anything but I’m just saying.

One thing that’s becoming a standard item on a lot of motorcycles is a gear indicator.  It’s true; even I shift into the mysterious 7th gear sometimes so seeing the gear you’re in displayed prominently in the upper left hand corner of the Shiver’s LCD screen as a visual representation is a welcome sight. If you see that you’re in 6th gear when you thought you were in 5th then this simple yet effective indicator has done its job. Now if manufacturers would only combine a gas gauge and a gear indicator within their dashes then life would be grand.

And in this corner of the garage, wearing the “grey fever” color scheme, weighing in at 416.67 lbs.: The Shiv. With a seat height of just under 32 in. and a wheelbase of 56.73 in. the Shiver should fit an average size rider quite comfortably. With a rake of 25.7° and trail set at 4.29 in. the Shiver’s ultra responsive so those that enjoy pulling wheelies in the first few gears will absolutely love this bike.

When you think of Aprilia you think of many things but most notable their engine configuration. Insert and turn the key, press the starter button, pick your performance mode and listen to that V twin come to life. The sound that the 2-1-2 exhaust creates is pure magic (catalytic converter is present under the rear seat). Complimenting the medium sized twin lines perfectly are the triangular exhaust silencers. A low growl appears just off idle and snapping the throttle open lets you hear all 95 ponies roaring to be set free.