By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Naked Bike
Aprilia Shiver 900 (MY2017) vs Shiver 750 (MY2007)
Aprilia Shiver 900 vs Shiver 750: which one to buy, and what actually separates them.
Tip the Aprilia Shiver 900 into a bend and its fork holds a steady line while telling you what the front tire's doing. The Aprilia Shiver 750's soft fork sinks and doesn't fuss.
So which one do you buy?
The Shiver 900 has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Small edge: Shiver 900
The Shiver 900 is a touch more fun when the road starts bending. Credit better suspension.
Which one's the smarter buy
No clear winner on value
Neither bike is the clear better buy at these used prices. The Shiver 750 costs less, but that doesn't make it the smarter spend.
What makes each one tick
Shiver 900
Low in the rev range, the Shiver 900's V-twin already tugs hard, and it doesn't turn wild as the tach needle climbs. There's rarely a reason to downshift. A mid-corner bump gets swallowed by the shock while the chassis stays on its arc. The trellis frame shrugs off a quick left-right flick.
Shiver 750
At a stoplight, the Shiver 750's 31.9 in (810 mm) seat doesn't leave your boots hunting for the asphalt. The low seat height stacks on top of the smooth throttle behavior to create a bike that adjusts to the rider rather than demanding the reverse. A clumsy snap of the throttle won't upset it, because the ride-by-wire smooths out the stutter a V-twin usually throws. The engine never fights back.
Nils rode the Shiver 750 in 2007 (NastyNils Testride).
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Shiver 750 has the lower wet weight: 450 lb (204 kg) vs 470 lb (213 kg).
- The Shiver 900 makes more peak torque: 66 lb-ft (90 Nm) vs 58 lb-ft (79 Nm).
- The Shiver 900 has the larger engine: 896 cc vs 750 cc.
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither one fits
Long days aren't what these two do best. Plan shorter legs and plenty of stops.
Traveling with luggage
Not built for this
Multi-day trips with luggage aren't their thing. Travel light, or travel on something else.
Nothing splits them on commuting and a first bike. Ride both back to back and the decision usually makes itself.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Shiver 900
What owners say
Strengths
- Comprehensive electronics package
- Smooth, torquey 90° V-twin
- Premium chassis and adjustable suspension
- Distinctive Italian styling and quality finish
Shiver 750
From Nils' own saddle time
Strengths
- Smooth ride-by-wire throttle
- Low seat fits almost anyone
- Soft suspension, real lean angle
- Fun on track, pass, or city
- Surprising touring range
Trade-offs
- Not the sharpest front end
- No wind protection stock
- Coolant T-piece gets brittle
- Sensors dislike water
Known problems to check before you buy
Shiver 900
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
Shiver 750
- Rear wheel lock-up potential (2014-2015 models) Recall 15V007000 A manufacturing defect on the gearbox output shaft could cause the sprocket fastener to loosen, potentially locking the rear wheel. Subject to NHTSA recall 15V-007.
- Coolant T-connection breakage The plastic T-piece in the cooling system can become brittle and crack over time, leading to coolant loss and potential overheating.
- Faulty MAP/speed sensors after exposure to water The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor and/or speed sensor can fail when exposed to heavy rain or pressure washing, causing poor running or erratic speedometer readings.
What they cost used
These prices compare an 8-year-old Shiver 900 with an 8-year-old Shiver 750.
- Shiver 900
- about $6,200
- Shiver 750
- about $5,600
At eight years old, the Aprilia Shiver 900 sits around $6,200 while the Aprilia Shiver 750 lands near $5,600. That's a $600 gap in the Shiver 750's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Seat height
- 31.9 in (810 mm)
- Engine
- 90° V-twin
- Cooling
- Liquid-cooled
- Power
- 95 hp (70 kW)
- Fuel capacity
- 4.0 US gal (15 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front brake
- 320 mm
- Front tire
- 120/70-17
- Rear tire
- 180/55-17
Where the spec sheets split
| Shiver 900 | Shiver 750 | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 470 lb (213 kg) | 450 lb (204 kg) |
| Shiver 900 | Shiver 750 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 896 cc | 750 cc |
| Torque | 66 lb-ft (90 Nm) | 58 lb-ft (79 Nm) |
| Shiver 900 | Shiver 750 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 44 mpg (US) / 5.31 L/100 km | 33 mpg (US) / 7.06 L/100 km |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Shiver 900 | Shiver 750 | |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Option |
| Manually Adjustable Front Suspension | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
