The
low-down
radial-mount calipers gripping 320mm discs
upfrontanda240mmreardiscwithasingle-
piston caliper. Braided lines are standard while
some models offer ABS.
Youimmediatelyfeeltotallyathomeona
Shiver750andverymuchincontrolthanksto
the upright riding posture, wide ’bars and the
bike’s quick and predictable responses to all
of your inputs.
Amoregenerousamountofsteering-lock
anglewouldbehandyforwalking-pace,feet-up
manoeuvres though.
Thetaut,somewhatsportyrideandstiff
chassis translate into surprisingly competent
corneringability,despiteitsrelativelybasic
suspension set-up. Provided the road surface
staysreasonablysmooth,aShiver750willkeep
sportsbikes honest on any spirited dash through
the twisties.
Therider’sseatiscomfortable–thepillion
lessso,butit’sfarfromtheworstinitsclass.
The 810mm seat height accommodates riders
across a wide height range.
Final gearing is high enough to keep engine
speedtoarelaxed4300rpmintopgearat
100km/handlowenoughtoendowthebike
withstrongaccelerationandtheabilitytoeasily
loftthefrontwheelwhenrequired.
TheShiver750wasanearlyadopterofmulti-mode engine management. ‘T’ mode (Touring),
which softens throttle response, is good in
trafficandwithapassenger.‘R’mode(Rain)
makesitfeellikea350.‘S’mode(Sport)delivers
theurgent‘hotchilli’experience.
Somewillbeirritatedbysomewhatropey
fuellinginsomemodelsinthe2500-4000rpm
rangeatsmallthrottleopenings.Thisslightly
jerkyresponse,whichdisappearsassoonasyou
stokethefireabit,willbeseenasanagreeable
touchofmongrelbyothers.
TheShiver750hasevolvedovertheyears
withsubtlestylingchanges,alongwithupdated
ride-by-wire and minor ergonomic changes:
From 2010 the rider of the Sport version sits
inaslightlysportiercrouch;andaGTtouring
version featuring a half-fairing with cubby
holes for storing small items and a 12-volt power
outletranfrom2010-2012.
Despite the bike’s reasonable thirst, its
15-litre (16-litre for GT) tank limits its safe
touring range to about 230km.
TheShiver750isaveryclassy-looking
and well-built Italian middleweight that is
arealpleasuretoride.It’sascompetentand
capableofprovidingahappylaid-backriding
experience as it is exploring the ragged edge on
a dash through the hills.
Forza Aprilia!WHAT TO
LOOK FOR
The Shiver 750 has an
enviable reputation as a
trouble-free motorcycle.
Starter switch problems
in early examples were
sorted long ago. No
pattern of other issues
shows up.
As always, check
for signs of neglect or
damage. Then it’s down
to allowing for any
consumables that will
soon need replacing –
tyres, brake pads, chain
and sprockets, steering
head bearings and brake
rotors.
The best prospect
will be a low-medium-
kilometre example with
good service records.
On a reasonably smooth road, a
Shiver 750 will keep sportsbikes
honest through the twisties
2006 – Aprilia’s R X V/SX V 4.5/5.5
off-roaders are released, confirming
the factory’s in-house V-twin engine
expertise, setting the stage for
in-house manufacture of the Shiver
750 powerplant.Building Bricks
2003 – Kawasaki Z1000 sets new
standards for the big-bore naked
category, drawing on the factory’s
rich high-performance four-stroke
heritageharkingbackto1972with
the Z1.2003 –Tuono1000isAprilia’s
big-bore response to Kawasaki’s
initiative. The Italian factory also
commences development of a
sporty middleweight naked that
will become the Shiver 750.New Price
$14,990 (2007)
$12,790 (2017)Second-Hand
$6600-$11,450PRICE GUIDEBorn from Piaggio’s deep pockets for V-twin development, here’s how the Shiver evolved...SERVICE
HISTORY
The naked styling of
the Shiver 750 offers
reasonably easy access
to major components,
allowing DIY owners to
carry out routine oil and
filter changes.
I would do oil and
filter changes at 5000-
6000km intervals rather
than the factory’s over-
generous 20,000km
recommendation.
This is fine for majors,
though, including valve
clearances, but they are
best left to experienced
technicians.