A Comprehensive Review of the Aprilia Shiver 900: Unleashing the Power of the Elephants
Welcome to our in-depth review of the Aprilia Shiver 900, a motorcycle that takes the riding experience to a whole new level. In this blog post, we will delve into the mesmerizing features, powerful performance, and cutting-edge technology that make the Shiver 900 a force to be reckoned with. Join us as we explore this beast on two wheels!
Contents
Design and Style
The first thing that catches your eye when you lay eyes on the Aprilia Shiver 900 is its stunning design and style. With its aggressive lines, muscular stance, and sleek bodywork, this motorcycle exudes an aura of power and sophistication. The attention to detail in the design is evident, with every element carefully crafted to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. From the LED headlights and taillights to the sharp lines that define its silhouette, the Shiver 900 is an absolute head-turner.
V-twin power has always had a way of grabbing people’s attention. It’s a highly desirable quality worthy of being placed in any motorcycle, and there’s one country that dominates when it comes to celebrating that special mix of pleasure and thrills. I don’t know what secret power the Italians have when it comes to making V-twins, but they are masters, with Ducati, Moto Guzzi, and Aprilia offering them to a drooling public.
The Shiver is not a new model. It came onto the market in 2007, and at the time, it was cutting edge, being one of the first road bikes to sport a fly-by-wire throttle system.
The 750 version of the Shiver has served Aprilia well, but to avoid this machine getting relegated to history, changes needed to happen. And they have – enter the new 900cc edition of the Shiver.
The naked Shiver 750 was designed as an all-round machine. It was a bike you could ride to work, travel on, or take for a Sunday ride. But while it was good for all those things, it lacked zap, and its powerplant, although having the great undertones of a V-twin, was slightly dull. Thankfully, the new 900 has seen a lot of changes, putting right the zap issues of the 750. And dull is no longer a word to associate with this new incarnation.
The biggest news for this year is the bigger capacity engine. The newly developed V90 is a longitudinal 90° V-twin that’s liquid-cooled and sports a double overhead camshaft with a mixed gear/chain timing system for each individual cylinder. It’s the favored four valves per cylinder that Aprilia has employed going back to its first dabble with big four-stroke machinery in the late 1990s when it created the RSV 1000cc Mille.
The engine is now almost a full 900 at 896cc, and it is Euro 4 compliant. The extra capacity was achieved by increasing the length of the stroke by 11mm, and this was also the key to improving torque in the midrange, one of the main goals for the Aprilia engineers in the design phase.
Cooling and reducing friction was another priority, and various changes were made to keep temperatures down. The pistons were completely redesigned, a special anti-friction coating was added, and the wrist pins were lightened. These changes help the cooling as well as increasing power and economy. The balancing of the crankshaft was also revamped to suit the bigger capacity engine. Finally, a new and more efficient dry crankcase lubrication system was added to improve durability and aid the cooling process, which led to reduced power loss. The new system is deemed to be so efficient that an oil cooler is not necessary, keeping the design simpler.
The electronics have been upgraded thanks to a new Marelli 7SM ECU. It’s the same unit used on Aprilia’s premium RSV4 and Tuono models and is a substantial improvement over the outgoing 750 item. This single electronic brain pulls all the information together from various sensors and keeps everything running sweet. It also controls the built-in safety systems such as ABS, traction control, and the ride-by-wire system. The 750 needed two ECUs to do the same job, so once again, the new bike wins for simplicity and quality.
Higher-spec fuel injectors have been added, and these not only help increase fuel pressure but also give a better fuel/air mixture, improving consumption and emissions. The exhaust has a built-in catalytic converter and is fitted with a double oxygen sensor, which keeps a careful eye on the burnt gases and continually updates the ECU so it can adjust that mixture to keep everything running clean.
The Aprilia Shiver 900 engine is also fitted with an automatic decompressor, which makes it easier to start. This reduces the amount of cranking power needed to get the engine turning over and prevents stressing the starting system.
Rounding out the engine mods is an all-new clutch with lever pressure reduced by 15 percent. At the same time, the primary drive ratio has been changed to optimize the spinning speed of the gearbox to suit the 900’s power delivery.
The frame is unchanged from the 750, but the mixed steel trellis aluminum plate design was the fruits of years of racetrack prowess (and about 54 world titles of experience). It provides the bas
The exhaust has a built-in catalytic converter and is fitted with a double oxygen sensor, which keeps a careful eye on the burnt gasses and continually updates the ECU so it can adjust that mixture to keep everything running clean.
The Aprilia Shiver 900 engine is also fitted with an automatic decompressor, which makes it easier to start. This reduces the amount of cranking power needed to get the engine turning over and prevents stressing the starting system.
Rounding out the engine mods is an all-new clutch with lever pressure reduced by 15 per cent. At the same time the primary drive ratio has been changed to optimise the spinning speed of the gearbox to suit the 900’s power delivery.
The frame is unchanged from the 750 but the mixed steel trellis aluminium plate design was the fruits of years of racetrack prowess (and about 54 world titles of experience). It provides the basis of an extremely compact bike that is also stiff and lightweight.
Agility is one of the Shiver’s key characteristics, and this has been improved by positioning the rear shock laterally on the right-hand side of the motorcycle, allowing a lot more room behind the engine. This in turn made space for better-shaped exhaust manifolds and allowed the engineers to create the short wheelbase that would have been normally unobtainable with a linkage-style vertically mounted shock on a V-twin.
Frame and engine are an integral part of any bike, but the finishing touches on the 900 Shiver are first class. The instrument cluster is completely new and now has a large 4.3-inch TFT display – the same as the one used on the new RSV4 and Tuono 1100 V4.
We have previously tested both of these 1100s (Vol 67 No 03) and fell in love with the dash and its ability to give riders all the information they need to access, clearly and easily. It even has a sensor that reads the ambient light and adjusts the background and font colours accordingly.
It’s always hard to list out all the information available on modern dashes, because there is just so much, but you’ll find nearly everything you would expect here – rev counter, speedometer, gear indicator, coolant temperature, air temperature, selected engine map and clock as a base. Then you can toggle through the menus using the new mode button on the left switchblock and find an odometer, traction control level, ABS level, trip information, and distance to empty. There is a fuel light, but no fuel gauge. I would have liked one.
Smartphone connectivity is also available – just like on the Shiver’s bigger brothers – but it doesn’t come as standard.
Suspension has been revamped with a 41mm Kayaba front fork, which is a lighter unit than on the old 750. There’s also a new rear shock with rebound and preload adjustment.
Rounding out the package are new wheels that are also lighter than before, reducing the Shiver’s gyroscopic effect and making it sharper through tighter terrain.
The exhaust has a built-in catalytic converter and is fitted with a double oxygen sensor, which monitors the exhaust gases and continuously updates the ECU to adjust the mixture for cleaner running.
The Aprilia Shiver 900 engine also features an automatic decompressor, making it easier to start. This reduces the amount of cranking power required and prevents strain on the starting system.
Completing the engine modifications is a new clutch with a 15% reduction in lever pressure. Additionally, the primary drive ratio has been changed to optimize the gearbox’s spinning speed to suit the 900’s power delivery.
The frame remains unchanged from the 750 model, but the mixed steel trellis aluminum plate design is the result of years of racetrack experience (and approximately 54 world titles). It provides the foundation for an extremely compact, stiff, and lightweight bike.
Agility is a key characteristic of the Shiver, and this has been improved by positioning the rear shock laterally on the right-hand side of the motorcycle. This allows for more space behind the engine, enabling better-shaped exhaust manifolds and the creation of a short wheelbase that would not have been achievable with a vertically mounted shock on a V-twin using a linkage-style system.
While the frame and engine are integral components of any bike, the finishing touches on the 900 Shiver are top-notch. The instrument cluster is completely new and now features a large 4.3-inch TFT display, the same as the one used on the new RSV4 and Tuono 1100 V4 models.
We previously tested both of these 1100s (Vol 67 No 03) and were impressed with the dash and its ability to provide riders with all the necessary information in a clear and accessible manner. It even includes a sensor that adjusts the background and font colors based on ambient light.
Listing all the information available on modern instrument clusters is challenging due to the abundance of features, but the 900 Shiver includes almost everything you would expect, such as a rev counter, speedometer, gear indicator, coolant temperature, air temperature, selected engine map, and clock. Additionally, you can toggle through the menus using the new mode button on the left switchblock to access an odometer, traction control level, ABS level, trip information, and distance to empty. However, there is a fuel light but no fuel gauge, which I personally would have liked to see.
Smartphone connectivity is also available, similar to the Shiver’s larger siblings, but it is not included as standard.
The suspension has been revamped with a lighter 41mm Kayaba front fork compared to the old 750 model. Additionally, there is a new rear shock with rebound and preload adjustment.
To complete the package, new wheels have been introduced that are lighter than before. This reduces the Shiver’s gyroscopic effect, making it more responsive in tight terrain.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Aprilia Shiver 900 lies a mighty 896cc V-twin engine that delivers an impressive amount of power. With a maximum power output of 95 horsepower and 66 lb-ft of torque, this motorcycle has the capability to provide an exhilarating riding experience. The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed transmission that allows for seamless gear changes, ensuring optimal performance in any riding situation. Whether you’re cruising on the highway or carving through twisty mountain roads, the Shiver 900 delivers a thrilling ride every time.
Handling and Ride Quality
One of the standout features of the Aprilia Shiver 900 is its exceptional handling and ride quality. The combination of a lightweight chassis, advanced suspension system, and precise steering geometry results in a motorcycle that feels incredibly agile and responsive. Whether you’re navigating tight corners or cruising at high speeds, the Shiver 900 instills confidence in the rider, making every ride an enjoyable and engaging experience. The suspension setup is adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune the bike’s performance to their liking, whether they prefer a more sporty or comfortable ride.
Technology and Electronics
Aprilia is renowned for its cutting-edge technology, and the Shiver 900 is no exception. The motorcycle comes equipped with a host of advanced electronics that enhance both safety and convenience. The ride-by-wire throttle system ensures precise and immediate throttle response, while the three riding modes (Sport, Touring, and Rain) allow riders to tailor the bike’s performance to suit their preferences and riding conditions. The Shiver 900 also features a comprehensive TFT display that provides all the necessary information at a glance, including speed, gear position, fuel level, and more.
Braking System
Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to motorcycles, and the Aprilia Shiver 900 doesn’t disappoint in this regard. The bike is equipped with a top-of-the-line braking system that provides impressive stopping power and control. The front end features dual 320mm discs with four-piston calipers, while the rear boasts a 240mm disc with a single-piston caliper. The combination of these high-performance brakes and advanced ABS ensures that the Shiver 900 can come to a halt quickly and safely, even in emergency situations.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Long rides can be tiring, but the Aprilia Shiver 900 is designed with rider comfort in mind. The ergonomics of the motorcycle are well thought out, with a comfortable seat and a riding position that strikes the perfect balance between sportiness and comfort. The handlebars are positioned in a way that allows for easy maneuverability and minimal strain on the wrists, while the footpegs are positioned in a manner that ensures a relaxed riding posture. Whether you’re embarking on a short city commute or a long-distance adventure, the Shiver 900 will keep you comfortable throughout the journey.
Fuel Efficiency
With rising fuel prices, fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for many riders. The Aprilia Shiver 900 strikes a good balance between performance and fuel economy. The efficient engine, combined with clever engineering and aerodynamics, results in a motorcycle that offers respectable fuel efficiency. While exact figures may vary depending on riding style and conditions, riders can expect a reasonably economical ride from the Shiver 900, allowing them to enjoy extended journeys without frequent fuel stops.
Maintenance and Reliability
Owning a motorcycle is not just about the initial purchase; it’s also about the long-term ownership experience. When it comes to maintenance and reliability, the Aprilia Shiver 900 shines. Aprilia is known for its meticulous attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship, ensuring that their motorcycles are built to last. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and routine inspections, will help keep the Shiver 900 in top shape for years to come. Additionally, Aprilia has a wide network of authorized service centers, making it convenient for owners to get their bikes serviced and maintained.
Price and Value for Money
The Aprilia Shiver 900 is positioned as a premium motorcycle, and the price reflects its high-end status. While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, the Shiver 900 offers excellent value for money. With its powerful engine, advanced technology, and superior build quality, this motorcycle competes with some of the best in its class. For riders seeking a thrilling and refined riding experience, the Shiver 900 is worth every penny.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Aprilia Shiver 900 is a masterful blend of power, performance, and sophistication. From its eye-catching design and powerful engine to its advanced technology and exceptional handling, this motorcycle leaves no stone unturned in delivering an unforgettable riding experience. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a novice, the Shiver 900 has something to offer everyone. If you’re in the market for a motorcycle that combines style, performance, and reliability, look no further than the Aprilia Shiver 900 – a true powerhouse on two wheels.
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