2009 Aprilia Shiver vs Ducati Monster 696 - MotoUSA

Follow along as Motorcycle USA puts two of Italy's newest street bikes against each other to find out which one is best for the 2009 Aprilia Shiver vs. Ducati Monster 696 comparison. Read the full report: www.motorcycle-...

[@razorx3113]

I have the 750 Shiver (2009) and it handles like a dream. I have been riding for 40 years. This may not be the fastest bike, but damm this is a confident bike. Don't care what the experts say, this bike has the HP, tourque, and handles. I'll take on a Monster any day!

[@razorx3113]

I've put 8,500 mile's on the Shiver, mostly commute. I bought the bike but did not like it. Maybe it take's time. Now, I love it! The bike has always handled like a dream. I always raced 2 cycled, 4 cycled race bikes. Plus four cylinder sport bike's. This bike is OMG the best fun.

[@n300zx931]

I see this is an old video, but I just bought a 2008 Aprilia for $2k. For the money I’m super happy with the looks, sound, and bike overall.

[@c.jwilliamson8244]

Thank you looking to buy one for 2500 a 2009 ...at 6'3 frame I need a tall enough bike

[@n300zx931]

C.J Williamson very nice. I’m 6’2” fits me great

[@c.jwilliamson8244]

No lie huge help.. I'm talking live with dude about how can I get it hahah

[@therealgaragegirls]

The 696 is one of the best, most flickable bikes with enough power to entertain everybody. Not just for noobs. And the sound, Jerry. My God, the sound.

[@cesar_onada]

Thanks a lot. That's exactly what I was planning to do so your comment helped me!

[@daves66valiant]

08' 695 is my first bike. i love it. super easy to ride and fit me perfect. i'm 5'5" 140lbs. so nimble and is a dream in the turns. the light weight is awesome too. i would recommend it as a first timer bike. just take it easy and take a motorcycle safety course before riding and you'll be fine.

[@steedu46gt]

Did he say he was short at 6ft tall? wtf

[@impact0r]

I wouldn't consider a guy under 6'2" as tall.

[@VEHICROS]

There is NO SUCH THING as an Entry Level or Beginner bike. Every bike is designed exactly as intended. For Example, a Honda Grom 125 is Not meant to be anything more than what it is, and if a person cannot appreciate it they probably cannot appreciate riding any bike as is.

[@Alex-qm5tq]

Cornholio speaks only the truth.

[@VEHICROS]

There is Good, Overpriced, and cheap junk.

[@geneziz44]

Thank you guys for the video. I was considering both of the bikes, but after I listened to your comments it has made my choice a lot easier.

[@Angels2t]

This Video made me Get A Ducati Monster 696. I absolutely love it!!!

[@JACKtheRIPP3R189]

@elamd "reduce wind drag" Yes, from the front, which is why I said "crosswinds". How many other bikes have you ridden?

[@leovinceusa]

Well done MC USA. Thanks for posting. LeoVince sells a lot of exhausts for both the Shiver and the 696. 696 seems more sporty while the Shiver is more versatile.

[@callycat23]

I have a 696 myself and am no beginner. It is a great bike for anyone, you think it through corners with no real effort, which is a blessing and a curse. I've had it out on the track and some serious high speed riding and it does a wonderful job keeping up with the likes of say an 848.

[@LINDSAYWINN]

@cfodk the video was meaning to convey the bike possesses characteristics of more expensive Ducatis, even though it is an entry level model

[@d0gM3at]

When he talk about his height he was referring to how small bikes feel cramp for someone as tall as he is and the Ducati didn't feel cramp to him.

[@c.jwilliamson8244]

Cool looking currently at both bike and the moto guzzi v7 ...monster & the shiver as my first thank you for that video

[@kosmazawada]

My first bike was a Monster Dark 620i and yes it can be a beginners bike , I am still here to write about it.

[@spikeafrica]

The 696 Monster is a good starter bike. It is not as fast as other 600cc bikes at all. If it did a mid 12 sec. 1/4 I would be surprised. Trust me I have one.

[@razorx3113]

I've ha a 2009 Shiver for 1 1/2 yrs. At first it was a love hate thing. the bike appears feels top heavy. It's an illusion, the bike handles like a dream. It is on the heavy side but seems to handle the weight well. The engine takes some getting use too. Pulls up in 1,2, and 3rd gear with the clutch. I love the clutch on this thing. The power band is 7g-10g. 8g-10g happens rather fast after a little more than 10g it flat lines real fast. This a good bike. Use the power band and the clutch.

[@undercovrr]

It shouldn't need explaining but I'll humour you anyways. Not only is the bike extremely light, it also has a good amount of hp. Combine that together, you get a VERY sensitive throttle response. Put that in the hands of a beginner and you have a recipe for disaster. Even if they start off slow as you are probably thinking of suggesting, its much slower to learn on a fast bike than on a slower bike. But then again i shouldn't be explaining this to you since you are an expert on bikes.

[@GenomeSoldier71]

@dkparamore1 I agree completely. Attitude and maturity are the biggest reasons new riders crash. As long as the new rider respects the bike and rides safely, there is no problem.

[@ReassuringSmile]

I want a ducati simply so when people ask me "what you ride?" then I say "I RIDE A DUCATI!"

[@MorrisXMorris]

Hey thanks for your comment. I decided to buy a slower bike for my first bike. i thought about the honda vt600c . 39hp def. enuff for me !

[@benjyboba]

I agree it's the rider but i've rode bikes which inspire a lot of confidence and are extremely stable. Most as you say can't ride them anywhere near the bikes limits but a bike can make a difference.

[@generee]

agreed with cocktail07. i started riding last year and my biggest fear was the me popplin a wheelie or having the bike rocket off by mistake. as long as you control your clutch it's all good, getting the 250 would be a waste of money. the 696 would last longer, and it looks beautiful to boot

[@Iamvalcristvalentine]

@JACKtheRIPP3R189: for a commuting bike (which is what i am using it for) its hard to beat the shiver 750. The only constructive criticism I could make is the stock saddle is rock hard and wide.(that took some getting used to) and the heads up display has no fuel gauge, although it has a "put gas in your bike now light" with a reserve tank. I think being able to see exactly how much gas you have would be an improvement. Other then that, no complaints at all.

[@TheReapersSon]

You should look into the 2009 Ninja 650R. It's a very nice-looking bike, and it's got great, beginner-friendly power; and more than enough to spare when you really want to crank the throttle open. Kawi geared the bike for more city-friendly torque, so it's a great sport commuter, and also a wonderful touring companion. I own an '09 650R, and so far It's my favorite bike, despite first owning a Sabre 750. The reduced weight and enhanced maneuverability was a good trade off for 100 less CC's.

[@xzistpo]

I ride an old Gpz 305. It's my first road motorcycle. I'll probably buy the 696 in about two years. I think It's funny they call it a begginer's bike. My 305 can keep up with a mustang GT on a quarter mile and will smoke it in the twisties. You just have to know how to ride. I think the only begginers bikes are the 125 and less, with everything else it's a matter of taste. I'd kill for a RGV250, and I'm a 28 years old who's into bikes since childhood...

[@Muzinho1]

Which one is better?

[@ksherman51]

is the ducati monster the same motorcycle gal gadot drives in fast five?

[@moto4runner]

@moto4runner haha yeah i went and test rode the 900cc model and it was way to much bike for me. i mean i honestly dont think i could buy one of those kawi 250s. i mean shit i race 450's on the dirt so i feel like id be taking a step down and its not money i want to spend for a bike i dont want. ive also been looking at a buell xb9s, horsepower and torque arent ridiculous on that at all, what are your thoughts on that bike?

[@TheReapersSon]

Plus the fact that even though my Honda Sabre 750 was 100 CC's more, my Ninja 650 nearly matches it in the quarter mile. Good stuff!

[@aninda89]

@Revax30.....LOL dude I loved your comment. I have decided to get the ducati monster as my first bike..thats the 2010 to end one with the 95hp instead of the 85...it will be great if you could tell me some more details of your expirence and how well the bike lasts i.e. is it durable? I am a bit concerned cuz my regular driver is a 2010 corolla and bit concerned if i will end up dead with this bike..?!!

[@Palmar3s]

what is the difference between the ducati monster 696 and the 1098? is one for beginners and the other is for more experienced bikers?

[@ikkeennigij121]

hey i'm 6 feet tall beginner;would the aprilia shiver be good for me?

[@elamd]

@JACKtheRIPP3R189 Farings reduce wind drag, meaning the wind affects you less, not more. Anyway, I ride for fun, not standards or 'stability'. To each his own. I've never had a problem with a 250 on the highway, ride it every day.

[@cthomann]

Thanks for posting, I dedicate this one to Wickedman6 who rides a Harley. It's the Monster for me.

[@nikfish1]

can sumone explain the purpose of this class of bikes? r they for people who dont really want the aggressive seating position of a super sport bike?

[@ylism]

Did anyone look at the dyno graphs on these bikes, a SV650 is within 2 HP for K6 model with even more TQ; the Shiver 750 makes 75:16 HP & 45:39 FP of TQ, and its very smooth in so doing; now the Duk 696 only made 62:65 HP & 41:00 FP TQ and smooth has nothing to do with it, one of the worst maps I have seen. A Reg K6 SV6550 makes 73:00+ HP & 47+ FP TQ. Yes these bikes bikes here have better suspension & brakes, but that is it when compared to a Suzuki SV650, and that can be fixed to be even better for a 1,000 dollars, and these to bike will be left behind, and its much cheaper to maintain. They should have included a naked SV into the comparison, oh no it would have won, so they can't have that.....Look at the Dyno picture on these bike, it's hard to find, so I will post it it here. " www.motorcycle-usa.com/34401/Motorcycle-Photo-Gallery-Photo/2009-Ducati-Monster-696-Comparison.aspx " the SV650 is easy to find dyno graphs on it but here is a 2004 from the same magazine " images.motorcycle-usa.com/PhotoGallerys/RealityBikesDynoHP.jpg " and TQ " images.motorcycle-usa.com/PhotoGallerys/RealityBikesDynoTorque.jpg " I like the looks of the Shiver the best, but it happens to be the heaviest bike too, but it has the best ergos as well; ) Oh well..lol But to each his own...yl

[@joshuajackson7555]

Yeah but the SV650 is ugly as hell and feels cheap.... The suspension and balance of the 696 is FAR SUPERIOR to the SV650.... Its not all about power and speed.

[@Collenbob]

hey did they mention Ducati Monster 696 cost?

[@heinsworst]

I did - never looked back since. Ducati all the way!!

[@KPKonliner]

so wats da advantage of havin ducati instead of CBR ?

[@Try2020]

Anyone that wanna to start with 250 4stroke. Better take a 2 stroke 125cc. Easy to ride, more light than those underpower or bulky 250cc.. Cheaper price as well. Or else don't get the 250cc just jump to 600 or 650cc budget tourer like Kawa ER6N or the Yamaha XJ6. They more price wise and wont get bored so fast.

[@JACKtheRIPP3R189]

@Iamvalcristvalentine I love ducs, but unless you're a new rider (the monster is more novice-friendly) who wouldn't spring for the shiver? It's got more oomph and has a lot of cool technology crammed in it. I recently sold my smaller bike to get an 1198 for track days and I wish I hadn't since, while an awesome motorcycle, it blows for commuting and in-town use. Thinking about getting a shiver as a more day-to-day bike, knowing the upsides of the bike have you had any downs with it?

[@n8032]

@cforcalvin i will be a newcomer soon but i am budgeted and also have an aggressive riding history with anything that has wheels on it which is why im concerned i will grow out of a "first purchase bike" too quickly and still have no money to go bigger. do you have any suggestions?

[@Kvizy]

do u guys know how much does the aprillia dorsodoro cost? and do you think its a little bit too much? i had 2 bikes my first was a 50cc supermoto second a 125cc supermoto, and i really liked the dorsodoro, but its a v twin supermoto, so what do you guys think is it too much oh and tell me the price, thanks ;]

[@moto4runner]

alright so im looking for my first bike, and ive been really interested in the ducati monsters. ive been looking in the 2001 area for em. just wondering if the 600cc-700cc (cant remember exact displacement) would be a good first bike? i dont wanna kill myself. i mean i have expierience on bikes, ive raced mx since i was 7. but have never really done anything with any kind of street bike. so i want so power, but at the same time i dont wanna kill myself. any advice/help??

[@matoaka21]

@wwfww hey, thanks! yeah, im beginning to like the monster more and more.

[@Odysseus547]

Compare Ducati with Aprilia that often you want...Ducati Monster 696 is already a legend. The Aprilia Shiver has no emotion, perhaps his engine is bigger but skill goes before power. I would take the Ducati Monster, you have better tuning options then the Aprilia ;-)

[@xmechman93x]

he isnt trying to help them crash...hes just stating the gears that it has alot of power in.

[@ikkeennigij121]

@knberger ok thanks for your info. Btw I heard aprilia was alot of maintenance..is this true?

[@Angels2t]

Just one question, Where is this music from??? I would love to have it

[@APBGrrl]

I cannot wait to get one!

[@TheNinjaCowboys]

@worlddxb it could have been the light reflections?

[@turbo311]

There's bikes I'd rather have than the Shiver, but I could get a new 2009 (old inventory) for less than $6000 OTD. I think I might go for it and see just how good this bike can be. Plus, cool factor, don't see many people riding Aprilia, and if you do it's usually a scooter or an RSV. To me it's like a much sexier SV650.

[@TayTaylorJames]

my Shiver FTW btw this was my first bike straight after my direct access course. iv never crashed...... mind u i am a driving god.....

[@worlddxb]

why is the speedo and rpm of the monster not working? and there is a red light lit up. thats not good

[@JACKtheRIPP3R189]

To be honest riding on a highway is easy its generally a fast straight line with extremely gentle curves. theres a lot more clutch use shifting in turns, lights and other crap in town roads.

[@DR1ZERO]

@kaisunks Where in hell do you get them for that price? And most inportant than that how old are the ladies and in what average condition and milage??

[@LARGO125]

Just took a look at the Ducati web site as well as a site for one of my local dealers, the 696 msrp's at 8900 Canadian. Guess that would be around 8000 American.

[@samstocker08]

I know, im still enjoying my 83 Honda FT500 and 1990 Kawasaki EX500

[@cforcalvin]

@n8032 if you're skilled with stick shift, then find a honda f2 or yamaha fzr. Predictable low end, but can push to high speeds easily. If youre new to manual shifting or not well versed i cant recommend anything above a 500cc. You could try a suzuki 500 but i have to suggest 250 until you are fluent with throttle control, downshifting, and weight shifting to corner. Safety first especially if you are hot blooded.

[@Servatis17]

besides, it looks like this video was made to promote these bikes rather then give his own personal opinion anyways.

[@l3chevalier]

I Agree with Biezestreet55, they say it like they were someone kida Valentino Rossi! But anyway, these italian V-Twin bikes are better to learn better than the four-in-line japanese bikes because the italian V-Twin are not stupid and violent when you don't know how to drive a sport bike, but in the sametime the italian one are more "crue bike" you need to feel it to drive, the japaneses are much more soft than italians... Hugs!

[@BigKal3]

i went with the 796 it has a nicer feel and has good looks

[@Cannedsheep]

yeah it is

[@zanos123]

On almost any 600CC bike I dont understand why you would need any more really. I am getting the Ducati Streetfighter because i think its a beast and i want it. BUT as a current owner of a Kawasaki Ninja zx6r its more than enough to get me off any line at speed. i can go 0-100 in no time.

[@knberger]

@ikkeennigij121 I just checked one out at a dealer. I am 6 foot and it is an appropriate size. The seat was actually a bit higher than the others I checked out, like the FZ8, which is in the same class. It was a little bit of a reach to the ground, but not bad at all. The FZ8 seemed a bit more comfortable though, but it looks cheap as hell compared to the Shiver, which I think makes the Shiver worth the extra money.

[@CBRboy1717]

Would be a much better comparison now with the M796 and the Ape. Would be interesting to see if that changes anything in the outcome. BTW, I understand the entry level Ducati thing, but saying the 696 is an ideal beginners bike is nuts. I'd be dead or the bike would be totaled if my 696 were my first bike....

[@n8032]

@cforcalvin all i drive is stick. thank you for the advice brother. all great points.

[@cbr600rrtugaboy]

i love that aprilia.must be fun ride that bike

[@knberger]

@ikkeennigij121 I am not sure. Hadn't heard anything to that effect.

[@survive.canada]

Ducati street bikes are name more than anything else.. Always last in the reviews and the monster is everything but a monster. They should change its name

[@jobro724]

"The Monster is a great beginner bike" WTF are you talking about. My Ninja 250r IS a REAL BEGINNER BIKE. But still, my next bike will be the shiver 750, this bike is just awesome.

[@BrakeHorsePower92]

Cuz that's everything that's important.

[@NAKAKATAKOTAKO]

the same music in vmax motousa review. nice!

[@carrysmith2008]

those r 2 great bikes aslong as u live in italy,buy 1 on america & wait till it breaks, u will be fusterated with the lack of dealers,parts,service & what will really kick ur ass, the price u will be stiffed with on parts/service/labor,,,

[@AsilAdnan]

This is the best video if you are a naked ride maniac...

[@mirrorplex]

@elamd Id recommend everyone start on a 250. they should learn how to shift/ use the clutch lever on a dirt bike even before that.... people think its an easy thing to do untill they freeze up. its not smart getting on a bike you can power wheelie on for your first time. My first bike was a ninja 250 and I wouldnt change that if I could. people bash them alot but it was faster than my car was at the time haha fun bike

[@nikonxxx]

@htedrom its not that bad i got mine for 8 grand and its my second bike, my first was 230 cc

[@Bloodsteri667]

how much is the Ducati?

[@matoaka21]

monster 696 vs 2010 triumph bonneville??

[@jesuriah]

It's a stunt, don't know the name, I think it's dumb because it puts bald spots on your rear tire, but some people think it looks cool. Notice the way he leaned and turned though. He knew what he was doing.

[@CryoGuy]

250s are fun in trails and tracks though :) i have a 250 enduro

[@MorrisXMorris]

explain that please. why not ?

[@Dalrock1]

417 lbs, fully 'wet' weight, full tank gas etc. My 1100EVO is the same., except its an 1100 :)

[@cheezgrated]

Your friend should complete the MSF course or riding school first. The Monster is a great step up from the parking lot bikes if they're skilled and confident enough (not for everyone) to go beyond 250 cc after finishing the course. It's not a bike you buy, without some saddle time under your belt, to attempt learning on your own in a parking lot, but there are far worse choices like an 848 Evo or other supersport. The Monster 696 is a fine bike with ABS.

[@knotwrite]

Whoa, a Ducati 696 as a starter bike? Are you insane?

[@Beau1K]

APRILIA is such a superior bike it's not even fair!!!

[@leonoff89]

i don't like air-cooled too much of an old skool design the shiver is def better

[@sdeary1]

i know its easy and safer than country roads here in the uk but its still pretty fast and one mistake at those speeds could cause a serious accident

[@jesuriah]

No, most modern 600cc bikes are more powerful than the superbikes of the early to mid 80's.

[@Smoke1987jdalej]

@dgmphotography I would be appalled at at anyone recommending an 80hp motorcycle for a first-time-learner. It shouldn't be happening. There are bikes out there that will keep up with this bike in the twisties and have half the engine power.

[@mirrorplex]

in city traffic you would stay in 1,2,3,4th gear thats not much shifting. shifting is different on motorcycles than a car and you would be doing the same amount of shifting on a 600cc as 250cc in the city. thats not the main point though. Its the throttle response and power to new people is too much to handle on bigger bikes.

[@WolfRunen]

@thomaslejon ...Does'nt exist an 800 S4R...There's an S2R 800...S4R is 996 "TestaLarga" and S4Rs is 998"Testastretta"...I own both of them....

[@NithinMohan1]

No dude, people don't buy ducati for style only bcoz its exotic and and only wealthy and a few privileged ones could afford it. Otherwise there are bikes out there which could perform better than a ducati and have more style factor.

[@604G1K]

yes

[@DarrenChen]

good review guys!

[@blakenewton7972]

The Aprilia Shiver is not suitable for beginners. I don't actually think that Ducati 696 is the best choice.. The power pulses on the Shiver is somewhat challenging. Add in a tall saddle and the power is probably closer to the 796. It's a 95 horsepower bike

[@AeonBlueApocalypse]

Yea you guys talk about the triumph or the aprilia having a little more oomph....But the 696 is HELLA more Good looking. Cmon...and light? im sure its a blast to ride....especially with a lady onboard