Comparo Aprilia Dorsoduro and Shiver 900

Menus

• Character sister
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• In the city
• Motorway and expressways
• Departmental
• Cycle part
• Braking
• Comfort / Duo
• Consumption
• Conclusion
• Accessories

Character sister

Marketed in 2007, the Aprilia Shiver roadster was doubled the following year with a more aggressive, more extreme, super-biker type version: the Dorsoduro 750. If ergonomics and suspensions differ, the machines have the particularity of sharing chassis and engine. : a 750 cc 90 ° V-twin which then develops 95 hp and 8.35 da.Nm of torque. The Shiver was the first motorcycle in the segment to feature a "Ride-By-Wire" electronic throttle control system, replacing the cable control. This device showed youthful problems, but was made more reliable in the following vintages..

In 2010, the Shiver asserts a more sporty character by its aesthetics. Front optics and redesigned tank scoops effectively boost the machine. The Italian sisters both adopted brake discs with petal frets. However, the disappearance of aluminum footrest plates for unattractive tubular supports is less relevant. A GT version, more streamlined, also supports the roadster. On the Dorsoduro side, it’s a 1200 model that explodes the concept. Perfectible, this machine struggled to convince, despite a formidable engine.

If the Shiver had a decent career, the Dorsoduro failed to seduce the public, despite real qualities and a rather fun character. And the pair sometimes suffered from a motorization considered too little demonstrative; the advertised power was greater than the figures of the power banks.

Keen to relaunch the career of its midsizes, Aprilia unveils at EICMA 2016 the 900 cm3 versions of its elegant ballerinas. It is around Trento and the Dolomites, Italy, that we take control of the transalpines, now boosted in dynamics as in part cycle.

Discovery

Powerful and racy, unmistakably refined, such appear the Aprilia sisters. Sharing a large number of their components, the new 900s display very different personalities, especially on this new opus. The Shiver 750 and Dorsoduro 750 did not leave you indifferent. In a segment that is demanding at this level, the originality of the line was one of their strong points..

Now, the Shiver roadster is losing its transgenic personality for a new, more refined aesthetic. It is essentially the front face, devoid of its windshield, which bears the cost of this choice. Dummy air intakes appear on the shoulders of the scoops split into two parts. Behind these openings are the coolant container and the regulator. These short protrusions frame the unchanged 15-liter tank with simple and faceted volumes. It precedes a welcoming monobloc saddle with curved shapes based on a steel structure with uprights hidden by plastic covers. Large passenger handles attach to it, overhanging new exhaust mufflers.

Still placed under the seat, they are now oval and feature new ovoid tips mimicking super-traps that deflect the flow outwards and not backwards. The audio-olfactory comfort of the accompanying person would thus be better.

The style is quite different on the Dorsoduro 900 and fully renews that of its predecessor. Arrogant, the Italian super-roadster seems all the more extroverted with its more discreet elder Shiver. The younger girl plays punk with her crest of light overhanging her front look and looks much more muscular. In fact, perched on raised fork tubes, the front axle imposes more, emphasizing the super-biker side of its raised mudguard. Curved, large scoops expand the build of the Dorso ‘and spins on the flattened tank of only 12 liters. It is supported by an almost flat monobloc saddle typed super-biker, almost in the extension of the top of the bottle. Indeed, the seat rests on a specific tubular steel rear structure and nicely put forward. Its end is sheathed with a fairing framing its profiled and angular exhausts and concluded with a sharp tail light.

From three quarters back, the view is striking, revealing striated metal covers dressing the silencers. The stern seems to shoot towards the heavens, further increasing the aesthetic dynamism of the machine.

The two sisters rest on a main frame in tubular steel trellis, fixed to solid lower aluminum plates. The assembly supports the 896.1 cc V90 twin cylinder, the surfaces of which are given a satin black treatment. We appreciate the red hue adorning the cylinder head guards and reinforcing the sport aspect of the machines. Likewise, on the right side, the casing is ennobled with a milled circle to better forget the water pump and its hose of good section. The twin now develops 95.2 hp (70KW) at 8,750 rpm (against 92 for the 750) and above all a force in net increase of 9 da.Nm at 6500 revolutions and faster available (formerly 8.25 kg .m at 7,000 rpm). Because the Noale firm has favored the engine character rather than releasing significant power. Good news for A2 licenses, the clamping is done by modifying the injection map. To rediscover your motorcycle once the soft knee period is over, you just have to "pack up" and appreciate your machine at its true value ….

The cycle parts of the sisters have many differences, starting with the suspension travel, much more generous on the Dorsoduro 900. Split, its straight and angular aluminum swingarm also energizes the super-roadster as its fork with golden sheaths enriches its style . The Shiver 900 continues in the discreet with a front end of black tint. Its aluminum swing arm is also open. But both machines now have an adjustable compression and rebound fork. And if you really want to know everything about the technical part, we invite you to read all the specifics in the technical focus article..

Both machines benefit from the best finish. In addition to a studied style, the fit of the elements, the integration of the cables and the surface appearance of the metal parts are beyond reproach. The engine block is particularly neat, with its red cylinder head guards and brushed steel elements enhancing the contrasts. And a discreet engine spoiler completes the trim of the twin. Rewarding, Aprilia roadsters are all Latin seductresses.Finally, muscle gain (simple increase in the race) and the switch to Euro4 do not seem to influence the weight: 212 kg for the Dorsoduro 900, 218 units for the Shiver 900. It is difficult to have precise figures from the manufacturer…

In the saddle

Welcome to the Shiver 900 and its 810mm seat height. The seat is pleasant, but limits the possible retreat of the greatest, of which I am part. A certain sportiness remains visible on board. Tilting the bust slightly towards the handlebars, the hands come to rest on the handles. Nothing excessive. Noticeably flexed for those over 1.80m, the legs surround the tank rather naturally. However, you feel more "in" the bike, unlike the Dorsoduro 900 "on" which we rely. Obviously, with a saddle that seems to extend the top of the tank, the feeling is very different. The altitude also: 870 mm. Short boots and the like, deploy the high heels. However, the crotch arch is reduced, making it easier to grip. The pressure on the hanger is more pronounced and the legs benefit from less flexion. At the height of the upper edges of the container, the knees find an ideal place, the machine being narrower. The ergonomics are more favorable to me and the general ease too. Comfortable, the flat seat of the Aprilia horse leaves plenty of room to move back. Finally, the crew’s footrests are sheathed on both, the clutch is hydraulically controlled and the levers are adjustable in spacing. One without faults.

In forged aluminum, the steering tees are no frills, just like the stems limiting motophile acne. Few buttons therefore. The left pushbutton is used to scroll and then validate the many information available on the color TFT screen. This continuously displays the tachometer, barograph-type tachometer, but legible, gear indicator engaged, clock, engine temperature and the selected mapping and ATC modes. A menu block lists successively via the above-mentioned command odometer, partial A and B and their following values: travel time, max speed, average and average consumption. The maps are adjusted by pressing the starter. The whole reacts quickly, without disturbing the piloting during the choices. In the game of errors, an eminent colleague notes the presence of the outside temperature display on the Shiver that his sister does not display…. But hand guards are standard on the super-roadster. Large absent on both: the fuel gauge.

In the city

In Noale, we know how to make our divas sing and our 900 singers are good students. With its new exhausts, the Shiver does not go into detail, with almost too much verve. It cracks and crackles in the bass with each gas stroke. Oh, the Dorso ‘is not left out, but delivers more worked trepidations in my opinion. Without excess.

It only took half a turn at start-up to achieve the Shiver 900’s undue turning circle. It was impossible to maneuver in one stroke on a small road. It makes laugh the pilots of the Dorsoduro with appreciable agility. And the following evolutions only underline the superior ease of the super-roadster. Thus, the front axle of the Shiver always seems reluctant at very low speed, heavy, as if braked by a steering damper that is too closed. The very low offset of its tees is the cause. We get used to it, however, but the passage on his sister offers a striking contrast. The Dorso ‘900 is responsive, precise and plays with the traffic and traps of everyday city life more naturally.

Rather pleasant, the gear selection is added to the remarkable flexibility of the Aprilia twin. It is all the more exploitable on the Dorso ‘with its shorter gear ratio. The machines accept almost 50 km / h on the last gear at 2000 rpm! Appreciable flexibility in the city.

Low vibration, clear, wide-field mirrors, and a low-pressure clutch make these machines docile mounts. But the Latin character is not far away and the heart of the machines testifies to an energy that only asks to be expressed..

Motorway and expressways

Rumbling, the Aprilia escape from crowded inter-walls to trace vigorously towards the horizon. The legal is quickly reached and also quickly forgotten, leaving the sisters familiar with the double hecto-kilometer / hour. Without being overwhelming, the flights are energetic. There is then a certain lack of extension of the V90. If it cuts at 9,000 revolutions, the red zone is displayed from 8,000. Heading is healthy but the return to 130 allows the lack of protection to be tolerated more calmly, especially on the Shiver 900. The larger front face of its younger child deflects the flow a little better..

When cruising on the last gear, we are moving at 5,000 revolutions / minute on the roadster, about 300 revolutions higher on the Dorso ‘. The latter also resumes faster thanks to its shorter gear ratio. Conversely, the top speed will be a bit better on the other.

ATC level and mapping type adjust quickly and easily while driving. An excellent point compared to the competition which is sometimes much more complex, slow, or painful. Thus, the selected traction control level is retained the next time you start up. Safety requires, the ABS is reactivated if it had been stopped.

Surrounded by mountains and roads with endless laces, we leave the rectilinear languor to visit the country from an adequate angle…

Departmental

With such a playground, it’s impossible to get bored riding the sassy transalpines. Especially with their reviewed and bodybuilt V90. The Aprilia block has a very pleasant character. Fat, ample, the couple of the twin is its major argument. Available from 4,000 rpm, especially on the shorter pulling Dorso, it is furious at 5,000 rpm and tows hard up to 8,500 rpm. In addition, always refined in operation, the ride by wire throttle grip is now perfectly precise and provides very good feeling and control to the right wrist. Sport mode gives more responsiveness, but also slight jerks. You might as well stay in Touring, just as efficient and more pleasant. If the driving force is undeniable, the more athletic may regret the absence of a handful of additional horses..

The machines react instantly and passing the pins over a stream of gas is as natural as plunging the Dorsoduro 900 with its sharper geometry into it. On his handlebars, we follow the curves with enthusiasm, especially as we move more easily. In addition, its fork is better braked in basic setting. When the brakes are applied, the front axle does not dive excessively and works more efficiently on its upper travel. Braked in rebound and preload with key and screwdriver, the Dorsoduro 900 only optimizes its behavior at higher speed. The machine then appreciably reduces its inertia on the changes of angle and passes from one edge to the other without delay. Its tooth less on the gearbox output pinion also contributes to the greater approval of the large Aprilia horse, which comes out of curves more efficiently. Under the control of an efficient ATC, the rubber of the Dunlop collects more or less this force. The electronics then sometimes regulate the mechanical excess in total transparency..

The flexible fork of the Shiver 900 requires adjustment to be more precise when entering a turn. Be careful not to brake the preload too much, as the machine then loses progress. Less obvious than its sister, the machine still delivers a lot of pleasure. But we knit more of the selector on the roadster which raises less strongly at the pin exit. Likewise, we sometimes hesitate more between two reports. Finally, the freer hydraulics make you feel a little more sluggish in rapid changes of direction. A tire fitting with a sportier profile should optimize the responsiveness of Aprilia.

Our Italians prefer in any case a coiled-fast piloting than the wild attack or they are less pleasant. Taken at a good flow rate, the Aprilia put forward their ease and an appreciable stability on the angle. Their adjustable suspension, of good quality compared to the segment, delivers an excellent performance / comfort ratio..
On the angle, we should avoid taking the brakes too hard on the Shiver 900, because the bike tends to straighten up or freeze its direction. The effect is less marked on the Dorsoduro 900, but so is the attack on the brakes, due to its long legs..

Finally, what would these evolutions be without the music to accompany them? Allegro on the Dorso ‘900 or Forte on the Shiver 900, the soundtrack is a constant rapture. And when downshifting, gas returns are not uncommon, spicing up the piloting. An identical character in tourist piloting, where we appreciate the roundness of the twin and its dynamic availability.

Cycle part

Taken from those of the 750, the frame and swingarm provide good rigidity to the 900 models. Precise, the machines need to be adjusted in suspension to give the best of themselves to dynamic pilots. We regret the reduction in the diameter of the fork affecting the progressiveness of the damping, especially on the Shiver.

Braking

With a superlative equipment on the front axle, the new ones brake hard and provide an excellent feeling of the lever. Progressive and powerful, the whole allows you to adopt a high rhythm without being afraid.

Comfort / Duo

If the Shiver 900 is the most welcoming in sitting, the Dorsoduro 900 leaves more comfort in terms of leg flexion and recoil for the pilot, especially tall. The accompanying person will however prefer the roadster with handles.

Consumption

With 6.2 liters per 100 km on average for a good pace, the twin is quite sober and should allow stages of 220 km on the Shiver and 180 km on the Dorsoduro. Its 12-liter tank is a delicate point but not prohibitive in view of the mastered thirst of the twin.

Conclusion

Singing, dancing, the Aprilia 900 cm3 version are attractive machines with multiple qualities. The first of them being their V-twin with a strong character. It is eaten on the couple and is not reluctant to go to the red zone. Voluptuous, this mechanism will appeal to lovers of rumbling force coupled with a quality cycle part. It remains to be seen in what style. Rather elegant roadster, the sleek Shiver 900 asks for € 8,399. Rather stylish and sporty, the Dorsoduro 900 is priced at € 9,399. Its rotomolded tank, rear loop and fork are more expensive to produce. But definitely worth the extra cost. Very studied prices therefore. (As a reminder, in 2007 a Shiver 750 cost 8,160 €, its price excluding promotion is currently 7,499 €)

Enough to thrill the competition with 3 or 4 cylinders: Susuki GSX-S 750, Kawasaki Z 900 and Yamaha MT-09 are at the identical price of at 8,999 €. The Triumph Street Triple S claims 8,900 €. Much more powerful, these machines are in opposition to the rational charm of Aprilia.

Charming, easy, well equipped, rewarding and healthy, the Shiver 900 is an excellent evolution. Qualities shared with his sister who, in my opinion, pushes seduction a step further. I like to be surprised during a test and the Dorsoduro 900 is my outsider of the day; I’m the first to be surprised, because I don’t usually like the super-word type. But the racy lines of the Aprilia, its seductive lines coupled with an intoxicating agility and mechanical personality convinced me. Will Noale’s stallion be your new master?

Dorsoduro strengths

• Outstanding style
• Motor character
• Agility
• Ergonomics
• Finishes
• Electronic assistance (ABS, traction control)
• Suspensions

Weak points Dorsoduro

• Passenger seat

Shiver strengths

• Motor character
• Finishes
• Electronic assistance (ABS, traction control)
• Passenger seat

Weak points Shiver

• Less assertive style
• Front axle too flexible and heavy when maneuvering
• Turning radius

Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 technical sheet

Aprilia Shiver 900 technical sheet

Accessories

Shiver 900 :

• Tank bag
• Tank protection
• Shiver center stand kit
• Racing pilot footrest kit
• Racing passenger footrest kit
• Shiver / dors protection pad kit 1200
• Kickstand support
• Coming soon – carbon front fender
• Golden chain kit 108
• Forged aluminum rear rim
• Forged aluminum front rim
• Approved led turn signals
• Left aluminum mirror
• Right alu mirror
• Brake fluid reservoir cover
• Clutch fluid reservoir cover
• Daisy brake disc
• Coming soon – Aprilia multimedia platform v4 2.0

Dorsoduro 900 :

• Comfort saddle
• Coming soon – golden chain kit
• Kit crown anodized ergal z = 46
• Anodized ergal crown kit z = 47
• Kit crown ergal anodized z = 48
• Footrest rubber kit
• Racing footrest kit
• Brake lever
• Clutch lever
• Semi rigid suitcases
• Suitcase support kit
• Tank cover
• Coming soon – tank bag
• Side tank bags
• Protective cover
• Passenger handles
• Approved led turn signals
• Left aluminum mirror
• Right alu mirror
• Brake fluid reservoir cover
• Clutch fluid reservoir cover

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