Funday Monday Part III (Aprilia Shiver SL750)
In 1984 I moved to Wellington. I could attempt to rewrite history and pretend I was making a fresh start after a less-than-glorious attempt at starting a career in Auckland, newly out of university, but I won't.
At my first day at work for my new employer in Wellington, I met a delightful young lady from Ashburton. I was smitten, and fell desperately and incurably in love on the spot. That delightful young lady and I celebrate our 22nd wedding anniversary this February, in case anybody is interested.
"Very moving, Hitcher, but isn't this forum supposed to be about bike and product reviews?"
Indeed it is. Today was a bike test riding day. Earlier I rode the Buell 1125CR and the Can-Am Spyder (refer to the other threads for each of these) before taking TSS Motorcycles' Aprilia Shiver 750 out for a spin.
To say I am smitten would be an understatement. Such is my enthralment with this lovely little Italian, that I am seriously considering selling my beloved Yamaha FJR1300T.
Where does one begin to unravel such besotment?
Firstly, I think it looks like Sex On A Stick(TM). Italians know something (apart from a couple of Ducati models) about making a motorcycle exude sensuality. The build quality is superb, and I particularly like the use of metallic gold to highlight the lattice-frame chassis. The Shiver exudes.
Secondly, it fits me. Perfectly. "Natural riding position" is a fair summary. I could ride a Shiver for ever. All of the controls make sense and are easy to access and use. They're also well made and robust in that sort of Japanese way. The Shiver fits.
Thirdly, that engine. Those who have listened to me prattle over the past few years should have deduced that I have a preference for the liquid-cooled inline four. A brief Boxing Day flirtation with a Moto Guzzi must have recalibrated me more than I had thought. To be honest, before taking the Shiver out, and still with my recent experience with the Buell 1125CR in mind, I wasn't expecting that much from a v-twin 750. How wrong can one be. This Aprilia mill was a complete revelation to me. It lugs, it revs freely, it's smooth, and even through its standard mufflers, sounds just lovely. I had heard odd things about the ride-by-wire throttle, but experienced none of that on my demonstrator. The Shiver revs.
Fourthly, the gearbox. It's six-speed and a perfect match for the willing and responsive engine. The hydraulic clutch is nicely tuned, and has a span-adjustable lever. The Shiver shifts.
Fifthly, the brakes. Radial-mounted Aprilia Racing calipers on the front, braided lines, and a rear brake that works. Lots of stop with lots of feel. The Shiver is obviously not a sportsbike. The Shiver stops.
Sixthly, the suspension. Upside-down front Showa forks and an angled rear Sachs shock similar to that found on the Kawasaki ER6R/Ninja 650. The rebound and damping are easy to access and adjust. I managed a few km with the extremely patient and tolerant Mrs H as a pillion, and no worries at all on that score. The Shiver was unfazed by the addition of a couple of extra kg at the rear, taking the curves, undulations and ululations of the Wainuiomata Coast Road effortlessly in its stride. Indeed one could be completely unoriginal here, dredge up a tired but accurate cliche and say that it handles like it's on rails. It weighs bugger all and runs on "normal" 120/70 and 180/55 17" wheels. The Shiver rides.
Seventh, the display. Analogue tach and digital everything else. Ambient thermometer (yay!), gear position indicator, clock, and a trip computer whose functions are accessed by a conveniently-located "mode" switch on the lefthand grip control. The Shiver informs.
So what don't I like about it? More misgivings, rather than dislikes. The 15 litre tank, for a starter. I have been spoilt by recent bikes with ranges well in excess of 400km. 15 litres probably equates to 280 to 300km, tops. It has a chain. One has been corrupted by The Way Of The Shaft. There's a delay between shifting and the gear position indicator revealing one's choice. How picky is that?
I also don't like the fact that my current love is worth bugger all whilst running perfectly. Few people understand why an FJR1300 is the perfect motorcycle -- described by one shrewd and perceptive commentator as "an armchair R1".
So would I buy one? I think I would be hard pressed not to.
Stu, you are an Evil Man(TM) for forcing me to ride a Shiver. Thank you for your indulgence.
Thanks to TSS Red Baron Motorcycles for a life-changing experience.
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Originally Posted by Hitcher
You simply buy a set of racks, and then alter the mounting points, according to what you have.
I didn't think!!! I experimented!!!
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