Shiver test drive

[hurtin]

So I test drove a Shiver today.

It is a nice naked bike, good looking and easy to drive, the leg room is plentiful and has a upright position.

It uses a ride by wire system, so the throttle computer controlled, this results in a very smooth power delivery.  My previous bike a Ducati ST4s, was significantly more twitchy, and much more powerful.  It has several mapped power settings, Rain, Touring, Sport, and one other.  They basically act as a governor on the throttle.  It would probably make a very good beginner bike, since you could start with one of the lower power settings and move up as you get experience.

From a practical point of view, it makes a lot of sense for me.  It would be a good commuter, and be reasonably good for weekend trips and day jaunts.  It probably would not be a great option for a long journey, there is not much wind protection, it also did not grab a hold of my lizard brain and say "you must have this!!!".  It is probably the bike I should buy, unless my lizard self wins.  He wanted 7k for a 2009 with 1300 miles.

[Rincewind]

Thanks for your review.  If there was an Aprilia dealer nearer to me, I could see myself on a Shiver.  It looks like a great roadster to me, 750cc liquid cooled, and light weight.

[BCinMD]

Thanks for the write-up.

I dig the Shriver, and it may very well be my next bike.  Leftover 2008s are still showing up on eBay...selling in the mid 6k range, which is a great deal on a 'new' bike that had a 9k msrp.

I almost bid on one (it was a no reserve auction), but am reluctant to buy a bike I haven't at least test-sat.

[scottzilla]

Test ride a Verseys?

[hurtin]

No I haven't.  Most cycle dealers arround here won't allow test drives.  The exceptions seem to be the carriers of european bikes, ducati, bmw etc.  The dealers of Japanese bikes won't budge on test drives.

[chornbe]

Thanks for your review.  If there was an Aprilia dealer nearer to me, I could see myself on a Shiver.  It looks like a great roadster to me, 750cc liquid cooled, and light weight.

I test rode one at Martin's a couple of years back. They still do Aprilia?

The only thing that really prevented my buying one at the time was because it was a 1st year product then. There's been darn little chatter about it, good or bad, so when it's time for me to buy, I'll likely give it another serious look. I like the naked bikes and I think that bike, in particular, is not only a good package, but I think it's beautiful.

/subjective $.02

[kendenton]

I demo'd one at Martin's last year as well.  

I loved it, comfy ergo's, looks great, and a WONDERFUL exhaust note.  It would be my naked bike of choice if I was shopping.  Especially in the orange, which they don't make anymore.

[Rincewind]

I test rode one at Martin's a couple of years back. They still do Aprilia?

The only thing that really prevented my buying one at the time was because it was a 1st year product then. There's been darn little chatter about it, good or bad, so when it's time for me to buy, I'll likely give it another serious look. I like the naked bikes and I think that bike, in particular, is not only a good package, but I think it's beautiful.

/subjective $.02

Technically, no.  The Martin Eurosports's in Coopersburg is now split from Martin's in Boyertown, and it's just called "Eurosports," with no more Martin's affiliation -  but I know where you mean.  That is about 1hr 20m from me, which is almost double the distance versus Triumph...  in other words, I would probably end up on a Street Triple before a Shiver, if I were buying a little roadster.  

[chornbe]

Cool. Gotcha.  

[kendenton]

The 2010 Red/Black is kinda cool



But I really liked that orange from the launch year