Aprilia Shiver GT (2009-current)

Purchased a 2010 Shiver GT in metallic black with 4500 miles on the clock last month, paid £4295 for it, which is allot of bike for the money. Previously I have owned sports bikes but with this purchase I was looking for a little more comfort for commuting whilst having a little touring capability. So far I have covered 600 miles on the bike, not enough to really comment of reliability yet but the build quality of the bike feels very good. Power delivery is strong, especially in 'SPORT' mode, it pulls well through the rev range. Having ridden 900cc sports bike prior to this it is noticeably slower but that’s to be expected. Don’t get me wrong this is still a quick bike and more than ok for a rider of my ability. Riding position is very comfortable and I don’t expect any cramping issues when I take it to the IOM for the TT in a few weeks time. The review is correct in terms of pillion use, my GF is very small but finds it very uncomfortable on the back. With a pillion its best in 'TOURING' mode as it reduces the harsh engine braking of the 750 V Twin. In wet conditions the bike still feels very planted, 'RAIN' mode cuts so much power I would never use it unless riding in icy or monsoon conditions, which I don’t tend to do anyway. 'TOURING mode is more than ok for wet conditions. As far as touring capabilities go, GIVI make a quick lock pannier rack for the bike, it also supports Givi soft / thermaform bags. You can also get a back box rack, however I have opted for a Givi tail pack with the Shiver Pannier Rack to save lots of messing around fitting racks to the bike. Over all I am more than happy with the bike. So far I have not seen another one on the roads and its nice not be on another ten a penny Japanese bike.

Owned for 8 months, 4500 miles on all roads / conditions. The positives - engine is very strong and eager, revs quickly and pulls like a train. Sounds awesome. Chassis is also good, very taut and firm, handles superbly on smooth roads, very flickable. Relaxed riding position with high seat & lowish pegs. Seat is pretty comfortable for moderate trips. The bike generally is well put together, with good quality components. I've ridden it most days over the winter, including during the snow, and the finish is still good despite only monthly washing. The negatives - fuelling at low revs is terrible. The bike jerks and snatches below 3 thousand revs. Riding at less than 30mph is best avoided, and heavy traffic is hard work as you're off and on the clutch all the time to avoid stalling. The jerkiness of the throttle response makes two up riding uncomfortable for both rider and pillion. The pillion seat is uncomfortable - my girlfriend has a sore a*** after 30 minutes. The firm suspension which gives such good handling on smooth roads is too harsh on bumpy roads, and especially unsuitable for potholed city streets. I disagree with MCN about the fairing - its actually pretty crap and deflects very little wind - none from your lower body and only a small amount from the chest. Speeds above 80mph are hard on the neck (and I'm not overly tall). Aprilia luggage is rubbish, and Hepco & Becker are the only after market supplier who make a rack that will fit it, and they are expensive. My other major complaint has been reliability. The bike has been back to the shop 3 times - once for getting stuck in 2nd gear (gear selector incorrectly assembled by the factory), once for front brake pads (pads sticking & hence wore out in 3000 miles), once for an oil leak from around the oil filter. Availability of parts is variable - you can wait weeks or months. Overall verdict - grunty, good fun bike to ride fast on smooth roads, and without a pillion. Fairly comfortable solo if you stay out of the city, and off the motorway. Oh, and avoid bumpy backroads too. Poor luggage availability so don't take it touring. Get used to travelling by bus, as the bike will be spending a lot of time in the shop...which will suit your girlfriend as she wont want to go on the back. I wouldn't have another one, and am trading mine in next week (at a considerable loss thanks to terrible depreciation). Don't say you weren't warned..

I sold my Triumph Tiger 1050 as I found it a bit too big and a bit too heavy for day to day riding, incl a commute. After reading review after review, numerous test rides and hours of agonising I decided the Shiver GT was the bike for me. It's light and does commute, it does a short to medium tour and you can stretch it's legs due the the excellent chassis. These are all things claimed by Triumph, which though it's truly a magnificent bike it doesn't comfortably achieve. The Shiver has a good riding position for somebody who is 6.2 (which does restrict your options)and comes with standard mirrors that are clear and show you more than your elbows. The engine is a peach, sounds great and is supplemented by the 3 way mapping. The equipment is very good for a bike of this price and it's certainly well made. I've been generous on the reliability but have no reason to complain yet and fingers crossed it will stay that way. The other draw to the bike is that it's a bit different and not just another Jap bike, which rightly or rightly was important to me. Roll on the summer...