Bike Review - Aprilia Shiver GT
A genuine Italian all-rounder? We tested the Aprilia Shiver GT750 to see how many boxes it ticks...
The problem with some bikes that try and please everyone and do it all is that they can end up doing nothing very well. A machine that can commute, tour and still be a hoot on a sunday blast or track day invariably falls short on one or all of these objectives. Most of us choose a bike that will be built mainly to satisfy one main criteria, trackday fast, comfortable all day tourer or economical commuter.
You only need to see the sections that manufacturers divide their products into; adventure, cruiser, supersports, touring, traditional, to quote Honda’s website...pick your lifestyle. However, the huge advances in motorcycle engineering and electronics have blurred the boundaries so now the choice is easier...or do we mean harder?
The recently introduced Aprilia Shiver and Shiver GT appear to be machines that can tackle most tasks effectively.
The first impression is of a well thought out, quality motorcycle. It looks great from all angles, something that can’t be said of a lot of bikes, with a sharp, Yammy Diversion, appearance to the front. The seat height is 810mm, taller than most of its rivals, but this helps on the ride, giving a commanding riding position. Stacked with quality parts such as Aprilia branded Brembo brakes with braided steel lines, including the clutch, the bike oozes style. Different hand spans? Adjustable clutch and brake levers. Run a satnav all day? Power point on the dash. Space for phone, wallet and keys so you can actually get to them with minimum fuss? Two compartments on the fairing, one lockable. There’s no centre stand option but paddock stand bobbins on the rear wheel.
Other notable features are genuine upside down forks, fully adjustable rear suspension and even replaceable plastic protectors on the sides of the tank in case of minor skirmishes. Ride by wire and a switchable, three mode power selector all add to the package. When the optional extras are included; luggage rack and fitted panniers, ABS, Akraprovic silencers, heated grips, hand guards and paddock stand bobbins, huggers and extenders, the bike seems complete.
So, it looks the business and has a spec that puts it at the top of the class, but how does it perform?
Setting out on a safe Touring mode, the power delivery is smooth and glitch free. There are no dramatic surprises and the 750cc engine, with a claimed output of 96bhp, has plenty in reserve in this mode. The brakes are excellent, two finger stopping is certainly possible on this machine.
The dash is fairly clear and functional, though I am not sure about a rev counter with a graduated grey band instead of a red line. Almost as if it’s saying, “come on, I dare you...”. Speedo, air and engine temperature, riding mode, gear selected and fuel economy are available to view.
OK, enough of this tomfoolery, Sports mode beckons. I wait at the lights, using the starter button, I flick through the modes to Sport. The lights change and I wonder if it’s all a gimmic and if I will notice the difference. I grab a handful and release the clutch...I notice, it’s like someone has planted another bike underneath me while I was daydreaming at the lights. The full power on tap kicks the bike into life and it becomes serious fun. Cutting through traffic, blasting along A roads or spinning around snakelike back roads, the Shiver is up to the job. I am not always a fan of new technology, as much of it seems to be there to justify the price, a bit like software upgrades. This feature is genuinely useful though, and really adds to the bike as a complete package.
Even though it’s a bone dry day, I select the Rain mode, which drops the power to about 60bhp. I must admit I did find this mode a bit sluggish. Although possibly useful in particularly challenging conditions, I would think Touring mode would be adequate for most riders in the wet.
At a cost of £6620, the bike is in Triumph Street Triple territory, but stacked with numerous features that serve a genuine purpose
I would consider this bike very good value for money.
Many thanks to Bowen Moto for the use of the bike
www.bowenmoto.co.uk 01634 81175..
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