[faster and faster] - 2017 Aprilia Shiver 900 unveiled at the EICMA

[Ninjette Newsbot]

Yes, the 2017 Aprilia Shiver 900 might be competent, but why would anyone want one?!

Remember the Arilia Shiver 750, which was launched a few years ago and then disappeared into obscurity? No? Well, we didn't, either. But for some reason, it's back for 2017 and has grown from 750 to become a 900. The Shiver's claim to fame is that it was the first production bike fitted with ride-by-wire throttle management, which has now become commonplace. With its new Euro 4-compliant 896cc V-twin, the Shiver now packs 95bhp and 90Nm of torque, which is nice. There's a new 4.3-inch colour TFT display (borrowed from the RSV4 / Tuono V4 1100), 2-channel ABS, smartphone connectivity, an advanced traction control system, redesigned exhaust system, steel-tube trellis frame (with aluminium lateral plates and aluminium swingarm) and, of course, ride-by-wire...

The 2017 Aprilia Shiver 900 also gets a new 41mm Kayaba fork that's adjustable for rebound damping and spring preload, while the rear monoshock is offset to one side, is pivoted directly to the swingarm and is adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping. The bike rides on 3-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels, shod with 120/70 (front) and 180/55 (rear) tyres. With twin 320mm brake discs and radial-mount calipers at front and a single 240mm disc at the back, there's more than enough stopping here too.

A host of touring-oriented accessories are also available for the new Shiver, including a comfort saddle, side panniers and seat bag. The Aprilia Multimedia Platform (AMP) is available as an optional extra and offers Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to share and manage riding data. Which is all good, but we still don't know why this bike is here at all? What does it do particularly well? Who is aimed at? If Aprilia wanted to add a more accessible, affordable naked sportsbike to their line-up, maybe they should have done a Tuono 800 instead of a Shiver 900? No, we just don't get the new Shiver.

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