The long awaited Aprilia Shiver has finally gone on show for the first time at the Milan Motorbike Show this week. The stunning naked middleweight machine which has originally been built and developed by parent Piaggio's engine division and tuned by Aprilia has really blown the crowds away with its rugged looks.
This brand new sexy naked 750cc 90° V twin puts out an impressive 95hp @9,000rpm and 60lbft of torque at 8,000rpm using DOHC or dual-overhead-cam and four valves per cylinder and a dry sump. Like the new WSB race engine, which was announced recently, this is complete first for a bike this particular category, the Shiver V-twin has a fly-by-wire system, which is used in MotoGP, with the throttle bodies being controlled by the Magneti Marelli ECU. This is done by using not just the position of the throttle grip in the rider's hand, but by using other factors such the speed of the engine and selected gear. This is designed to help predominantly with smooth running at low engine speeds and at initial start-up. A CAN system (controlled area network) is used for the electrics and a digital wiring harness which consists of just a couple of wires, rather than a whole wiring loom, which in turn saves weight and easier diagnosis.
The Shiver’s chassis has also had a big advantaged being taken from the success of the Supermoto SXV race bike. By using Aprilia’s steel trellis for the upper section of the frame, this had been bolted to large aluminium side plates for a maximum blend of lightness and stiffness. Complete with radial brakes, steel braided lines, 320mm discs and 43mm front forks.
To allow for an optimal exhaust manifold design and to keep the bike neat and compact, the rear shock has been fixed to the side of the swing-arm, this also keeps the shock away from the heat of the exhaust. The complete exhaust system has been made from stainless steel. The dry weight is an estimated 189kg.
The availability of the Shiver will be May 2007, with an estimated price of just under £6,000. If development goes well, also expect to see a faired sports Aprilia RSV750 in the later part of 2008.
Related Linkswww.aprilia.comwww.eicma.it
Related News
