Shiver 900
Aprilia’s Shiver and Dorsoduro models have been revamped for 2017 with the old 750cc engine making way for a new 900cc version.
To be precise, the new motor is a 896cc version of the Aprilia V90 unit, revamped to meet Euro4 emissions limits and making more torque in the process. Peak power is around the same as the old 750, at 95bhp, but torque is hiked from 81Nm to 90Nm at 6500rpm.
Shiver 900
The extra capacity comes from an increased stroke, up from 56.4mm to 67.4mm while the bore remains the same at 92mm. The torque curve is flatter than before, remaining higher than the old 750’s throughout the rev range.
Dorsoduro 900
A new lubrication circuit and exhaust system complete the changes for Euro4.The old peak power is unchanged in part because Aprilia wanted to be able to offer A2 licence versions of the Dorsoduro and Shiver, and the rules surrounding those 48bhp machines state that they can’t be derived from models with more than twice that much power. Over 96bhp would therefore make it impossible to use the bikes as the basis of A2 models.
The engine also gets a new ride by wire system that reduces weight and gives improved response. Both bikes also get a new traction control system and a TFT instrument display with a 4.3 inch screen.
Aprilia Dorsoduro 900
Both bikes get new Kayaba forks and Y-spoked wheels that are more than 2kg lighter than the old ones, changes that promise to give a significant handling improvement.
Styling changes on the bikes are minor, with the Shiver gaining new side panels and air intakes as well as a revised tail and new exhausts. The Dorsoduro has fewer visual changes – apart from the new wheels and the 2017 bike’s ‘900’ graphics it’s hard to distinguish from the old 750 version.
