Chooch Rides - 2018 Aprilia Shiver 900

[@akiskal1107]

I own this bike for about a year. I believe it's great for commuting and ideal for twisty roads at the weekends. It's very smooth if you want it that way and very sharp and fast if you change your temper. It depends on the rider's demands and on the choice of the mapping modes. I also like it at the track. I suggest to change the stock tyres, pirelli diablo rosso 2 suits the bike very good, and the suspension set up is pretty much versatile.

[@rippin187]

I own the 900 Shiver and one of it's high-points is the chassis. It is slightly nervous feeling at first but once you get used to it, you appreciate it. Combined with the motor you fall in love with the bike. My previous bike was an FZ-10 so the fuel mapping on the Shiver is a dream compared to the Yamaha. I do wish the Shiver 900 had more power though. Aprilia capped the power to make this bike legal for the A2 licensing category in Europe. If Aprilia didn't care about that I bet the Shiver 900 would make around 115hp and 80 ft-lbs of torque. I wish!

[@nvl2691]

Desert Sky nothing prevents you from re-flashing the ecu!

[@garienri]

Do you have any long term opinions on it? Reliability? Fuel mileage? I'm about to shoot the trigger on one

[@leekelvin00]

I brought 1 home in Jan & m enjoying every min on it. This is a pc of fun machine & comfortable enough for route trips. Put on a pair of panniers & will be off to Golden Triangle in 8 weeks time, going to do 2-up 6000~7000km. Both the front & rear suspension are fully adjustable to suit your weight & riding style. Spend sometimes setting it up & you will love it. Btw this bike kind of reminds me of my old, trustworthy & fun 2002 Yamaha TDM 900.

[@MrJusduit]

Wow I know you can adjust the shock and the handle front clamps where the fork is but not the rear suspension.

[@alexanderkriznic1792]

To obtain best results, ask your Aprilia dealer to set the bike up for your stature and riding style. Aprilia made many components adjustable for that reason. A proper understanding of the mapping would help too as having your first ride in sports mode is nuts. The character of the bike changes radically depending on the mode. If you select sports mode you're in for a twitchy ride - sports mode was designed for trackwork. The Shiver is a excellent bike imho

[@MotoChooch]

It’s too bad we don’t have one here any more :(

[@markmesses9624]

I've tried it and it's really a great bike. Great quality, no vibrations and 95hp are enough for a V2 bike. The only problem is the weight, but with a G.p.r. exhaust or similar you van save almost 8 kilos. And with a good lithium battery you can obviously save more.

[@scotteger6271]

I feel like I agree with other commenters on here...if they're a reputable dealer I would work with them to have the bike setup for me prior to leaving the lot. I know you are just testing and they probably didn't want to bother but suspension settings can make a big difference

[@garmit61]

Great looks, plates full of torque, fast off the line, loads of false neutrals, rigid suspension, razor sharp handling and a heavy clutch. Yep, it's an Aptilia. Forget the street trip, like all triples that middle spot can't dissipate heat very well so it runs to hot for practical summer use other than cafe racing imho.

[@scotteger6271]

I hadn't heard the false neutrals thing about the 900...from the reviews I've seen everyone praised the transmission

[@hillie47]

I don't really understand people who are clearly well away from the "average rider" the factory (dealer?) set it up for, complain about the suspension when they didn't set it up for themselves. I'm a big guy like you and I wouldn't comment on the suspension until I set it up for my weight. When I sat on one at the dealer, I found that I'd really need to adjust the shift lever (which fortunately doesn't seem too difficult) as I had trouble getting my foot under it comfortably. It's not uncomfortable for taller folks I think.

[@m30fek]

Great video. I have the previous 750 model and love it. You’re right, it’s hard to live with everyday but as a weekend blaster it’s fantastic, especially on the twisties. Change mode by pressing the starter button when engine is running by the way - it’s an Italian thing!

[@scotteger6271]

Marco thank you for the info...I'm going to look at one tomorrow so that's good to know. Is there a secret way to change the traction control setting or is it more straightforward?

[@PedoBear1811]

Why would this be hard to live with every day? I have a dorsoduro 750 and use it as a daily, all seasons no problem.

[@ciobanualexandru7357]

I use touring and it fits perfect, smooth when i want powerfull when i need.

[@thombike3742]

It's funny when I see an American on this motorcycle. Aprilia's most underrated model. I have no idea what you mean about it being twichy? Maybe you don't often deal with motorcycles intended mainly for the European market. Maybe it's a matter of rather poor Bridgestone tires installed at the factory or suspension settings that need to be adjusted a bit. However... I've had it for 2 years and I know some important facts. And the fact is that there aren't many bikes here in Europe that can match this bike on some roads that are quite important for us. it is very manoeuvrable, changes direction easily, very stable in fast corners . Due to the price, the Triumph RS was never a competitor of this Aprilia because it, as a new one in Europe, cost as much as the Japanese 700 class nakes. The Triumph was almost 1/3 more expensive, so a different category. And I don't think it would be any better. And i think You'r was on Rain mode which is useless and cuts 30% of power and throtle response is with some lag..

[@stevecorrigan5139]

That engine sounded smooth!

[@janschkeuditz6065]

I was going to ask, as the bike is built with a slightly built Italian in mind. As you are a rather larger Italian gentleman would the suspension be better for you in ' rider plus luggage mode' ? However as you could not get out of sport mode .......the question goes unanswered. A pity , as the different modes give a totally different ride depending on your stature and riding style. Christmas 2020 now so have a happy one .

[@maxwellportlock2119]

You always make me think of Winnie the Pooh. lol

[@MotoChooch]

Oh bother

[@tcbonline]

Interesting bike ... good review.

[@theresonly1truth138]

never test ride anything without going over the different riding modes!!!!

[@fearghusmaccailin2587]

Felt it in my nethers!!!

[@pandawatch100]

It does sound great, but I'd prefer the street triple too

[@ombra306]

its 2k less than comparable, mention that Ciuccio

[@lupotoc1913]

Ciao sono italiano quanto sei alto?

[@Duckyvr5312]

your in sport mode.. maybe try touring mode..

[@simonthomas5367]

Dude, shame you rode in sport. Road would have been perfect for this test environment.

[@Shahar_C]

Correct. But it's called "Touring" and there is a "Rain" mode as well.

[@themza912]

What changes between sport and touring?

[@scotteger6271]

@@themza912 from what I have read it would be the throttle response as you still get full power in both modes, rain mode reduces power

[@stephenhunt6253]

For the price.... get an MT-10. :-D

[@agnwstos1212]

If i may ask, where does the Mt-10 cost the same price as the Shiver 900 ? Unless you are comparing without taking budget under consideration..

[@stephenhunt6253]

@@agnwstos1212 At the time, Aprilias were hard to get in Canada (at least where I live), thus expensive. Lately, the MT-10 is more expensive, but still easier to obtain. Perhaps the MT-09 is a better price comparison in the rest of the world (and a better bike too?). ;)