THE APRILIA SHIVER HAS REDEFINED THE SPORTSBIKE CATEGORY ONCE AGAIN WITH A POWERFUL NEW 900cc V-TWIN ENGINE, AGILE CHASSIS ARCHITECTURE AND CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY FOR 2017.

The new Aprilia Shiver 900 raises the bar in the naked sports segment with greater engine capacity and torque than ever before. The original 750cc model was the first production bike fitted with Ride-by-Wire technology to manage throttle valve electronics in 2007. This system was derived directly from the Aprilia Cube's MotoGP development in 2002, and has since been replicated by all other manufacturers. With exceptional performance, and an advanced traction control system, the MY17 Shiver 900 takes riding pleasure to the next level without compromising the ease and comfort that have always been characteristics of this model.

Overhauled engine design for more torque and more fun

The new Euro 4 compliant V-twin engine has been stroked to produce 90Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm and over 70kW of power.

The 90 degree angle between the two cylinders is retained but the four-valve timing per cylinder, dual overhead cam and liquid cooling has been overhauled to coincide with completely redesigned low friction pistons and new, lighter pins. A rebalanced crankshaft and more efficient semi-dry carter internal lubrication circuit helps to reduce friction losses due to oil splash, which keeps consumption and the temperature of the lubricant to a limit, thereby eliminating the need for an oil radiator. Improved combustion efficiency has been achieved with new injectors that provide a better fuel/air mixture spray, and a dual undertail exhaust system with twin oxygen sensors. In addition, the engine is fitted with an automatic decompressor for easier starting in low temperature conditions.

The Marelli 7SM ECU simplifies the electrical system by integrating the engine control and management systems into a single hardware component, and also provides a more refined traction control system. Furthermore, clutch components have been redesigned for a 15% lighter clutch pull, and the primary drive reduction ratio has been modified to optimise the use of the available power.

Refined Electronics

The MY17 Shiver 900 benefits from Aprilia's extensive experience in developing electronic control systems for their Aprilia RSV4 superbike – a winner of seven World SBK titles (three x rider and four x manufacturer). The result is an advanced traction control system (ATC) that can be set to three different levels or disabled. This dual control unit acts on both ignition and on the motorized throttle valves to ensure that intervention is smooth and easy to manage. The ATC is combined with a specially calibrated Continental two-channel ABS that can also be disabled and guarantees maximum safety on the road.

A fully electronic Ride-by-Wire system is now integrated in the throttle grip providing a 0.5kg weight reduction and even more accurate management of the fuel/air mixture and the injection throttle valve opening based on engine speed, gearbox position, air flow, throttle grip opening (in quantity and speed) and temperature. This precision offers added benefits in smoother power delivery and the containment of harmful emissions and fuel consumption. The system also reduces weight by 550 grams compared to that used on the outgoing model, and provides the possibility of changing the engine mapping between three different modes. Sport mode provides an immediate and aggressive throttle response while 'Touring' provides a smoother response that is ideal for touring and daily use. The 'Rain' mode reduces available power to about 52kW and is therefore suited to poor weather conditions or slippery road surfaces. Mapping can also be changed at any time, even on the fly, by simply pressing the engine start button.

A new 4.3 inch colour TFT digital dash is capable of adapting the background and font colours based on ambient light conditions. The information displayed includes: rev counter, speedometer, selected gear indicator, coolant temperature, selected engine map and clock. Using the MODE joystick on the new left hand electrical block, you can navigate through the menu and scroll/adjust the a range of parameters including odometer, traction control levels, ABS and MENU (only when stationary), Trip meters and time including average speed, average consumption, maximum speed, average consumption, instantaneous consumption, and kilometres ridden in reserve.

The AMP installation kit is an optional feature that allows you to connect a smartphone to your vehicle via the Aprilia Multimedia Platform (aMP). The new instrumentation lets you view all the data related to incoming/current calls on the screen, as well as information related to the use of an intercom or any audio files that you may be playing.

A chassis architecture worthy of the name Aprilia

The combination of an upper trellis frame and aluminium lateral plates with special, high-resistance bolts results in an extremely stiff and lightweight frame. The aluminium alloy swingarm with stiffening truss boasts stiffness values at the top of its category, and is sized to withstand the asymmetrical stress generated by a laterally positioned rear shock absorber. The rear shock pivots from the swingarm using a cantilever layout, and is adjustable in spring preload and hydraulic rebound. Rear wheel travel is 130mm.

The Shiver's new Kayaba fork is almost a half kilo lighter than those mounted on the first version and also benefits from hydraulically adjustable extension and spring preload. The 41 mm stanchions have chill cast feet to support the radial callipers and 130mm of travel for both riding in urban and mountainous environments. The two steering yoke plates are made of forged aluminium.

The new sporty, three-spoked wheel rims are inspired by the Aprilia Tuono V41100 wheels, and reduce weight on the front by 0.9kg and the rear by 1.3kg. This leads to a drastic reduction of the gyroscopic effect and therefore greater agility for the bike, as well as improved suspension functionality thanks to the reduction of unsprung mass and quicker acceleration. The new wheel rims are shod with 120/70 tyres on the front and 180/55 on the rear.

The braking system is comprised of twin 320mm discs on the front, clamped by powerful radial callipers with Continental two-channel ABS. On the rear, a 240mm disc is gripped by a single-piston calliper. Both the front and rear systems have metal braided brake lines derived from the aeronautic sector, which eliminate the annoying buffering effect of conventional lines and guarantee maximum braking precision.

Factory Accessories for Sport and Touring

A wide range of dedicated accessories for Sport and Touring is available for the Shiver 900. Parts in precious carbon, and billet aluminium components such as brake and clutch fluid reservoir covers, brake and clutch levers and mirrors highlight the bike's sporty soul and Aprilia's racing pedigree. There are also striking LED turn signal indicators as well as the must-have frame guard and fork protection. Touring accessories include the comfort saddle, the side panniers and the tank bag all of which are perfectly suited to commuting and longer journeys on the open road.