Shiver Gran Turismo

Add a stylish half fairing, semi-rigid panniers and ABS brakes to the standard Aprilia Shiver 750 motorcycle and you've got the new GT edition. A small motorcycle, the Aprilia GT's seat is comfortable, but the ergonomics are slightly on the sporty side, with a small half-fairing making it better prepared for long journeys than the naked Shiver--so far so good.

The 2009 Aprilia Shiver 750 GT's strongest side is its handling capabilities. A beautiful steel trellis frame and an aluminum swingarm grace the Shiver, along with the very good Angel ST Sport touring tires from Pirelli, so handling and grip are taken care of. It's very easy to control the Shiver GT, and it steers very well. The 43mm upside down fork is sensitive enough, and there's good feel through the handlebar. The laterally offset rear monoshock is good enough for the job, but no Öhlins in terms of feel and feedback.

As I also encountered a proper hailstorm followed by heavy rain, I appreciated the Shiver's ABS brakes. Riding downhill in the wet, the ABS kicked in straight away meaning that without it the rear would just slide.

The Aprilia Shiver 750 GT also features the 3-way drive mode selector allowing for a sport, touring and rain mode. These choices make a significant difference in the delivery of the 750cc V-twin's 95 horsepower.

The soft panniers don't have the same finish as on the more purposeful Aprilia Mana 850 GT, and they're not as roomy either. The Aprilia Shiver 750 GT is more of a sport-touring package. Despite the fact that the Aprilia 750's engine is more powerful than the powerplant found on the automatic Aprilia Mana 850, I'd choose the Mana for carrying a pillion.

A nice Aprilia Shiver 750 GT touch is the extra glove box space on the half-fairing that is handy for keys, mobile phone and change for toll roads. Of the two glove compartments one can be locked and there's also a handy 12-volt power socket for charging your mobile phone or plugging in a GPS.

The 2009 Aprilia Shiver 750 GT ABS suits the sporty rider first and foremost because there's lots of riding to be done to get the best out of the package. If you want to ride a lot with pillion and want a more powerful midrange, then look elsewhere. But, for touring aggressively solo for shorter distances, the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT is well-suited.

Photos by Milagro