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2018 Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 Review on Total Motorcycle:

Aprilia Dorsoduro is the fun bike par excellence.

Born out of an ingenious intuition by Aprilia, it was built with the sole objective of providing the most possible road riding fun, drawing from the best characteristics of sport bikes and the best characteristics of supermotards. The result is a bike with advanced technical solutions, agile and with performance at the top of its category. A truly special bike, achieved not only thanks to Aprilia’s skills in packaging particularly efficient chassis architectures combined with high performance powerplants, but also thanks to collaboration with the Aprilia Racing Department, capable of earning a total of 54 world titles in the most difficult and selective competitions where they have participated, 7 of which in the world Supermoto championship.

POWERED BY A TWIN-CYLINDER ENGINE, THE NAKED BIKE FROM NOALE GROWS IN ENGINE CAPACITY TO GUARANTEE MORE TORQUE AND MORE FUN

HIGH PERFORMANCE COMBINED WITH AN ABSOLUTELY TOP SHELF FRAME FOR A RIDEABILITY THAT RAISES THE BAR TO NEW HEIGHTS IN THE NAKED SPORT BIKE SEGMENT

AN INTUITIVE, POWERFUL, AGILE AND TECHNOLOGICAL BIKE IS BORN IN THE BEST APRILIA TRADITION, DEDICATED TO MAXIMUM RIDING PLEASURE

ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE LIMITED 35 KW POWER VERSION FOR RIDERS WITH AN A2 DRIVER’S LICENSE

As always, Aprilia makes refined mechanics and an excellent chassis structure the winning values on its bikes. Aprilia Shiver 900 evolves the original project of a motorcycle that, from its first appearance on the scene in 2007, marked a turning point as the first factory bike fitted with Ride-by-wire technology to manage engine throttle valve electronics. An Aprilia technological first derived directly from the racing world: In fact, Aprilia Cube was the first MotoGP bike to use this technology in 2002 and since then all of the other manufacturers have followed suit.

The Aprilia Shiver 900 increases in performance, thanks to the 900 V-twin engine, capable of increasing, not only the power, but more importantly, the maximum torque delivered at any rpm at top levels for its category. More power and more character that translate into great riding satisfaction without sacrificing the ease and comfort that have always been characteristics of the Aprilia Shiver. It stems from a bike that has made fledgling and expert riders alike fall in love, thanks to its chassis architecture that, in the best Aprilia tradition, draws on the know-how of a manufacturer that has won 54 world titles in its brief history and that currently has bikes in premier competitions like MotoGP and Superbike.

For the first time, the easy to ride, powerful and technologically advanced Aprilia Shiver 900 now has an advanced traction control system that increases safety while taking riding pleasure to maximum levels. From city riding to more flowing routes, from mountain passes to touring itineraries, even long range, Shiver 900 invites you to fasten your helmet and set off in search of the best sensations on two wheels.

2018 Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

The design: a non-conventional sport naked

A non-conformist naked, Aprilia Shiver 900 places even more emphasis on a distinctive design: from the lateral air intake ducts that embrace the front end to the characteristic compact rear end with the exhaust pipes positioned under the saddle, the superstructure – fuel tank side covers, side panels, tail, front mudguard – the aesthetics have been deeply revamped.

The twin cylinder also stands out for its aggressive features that highlight its distinctly sporty character: the frame, the shock absorber spring and the cylinder head covers are now painted red. Adrenaline-charged details that blend with the three available colour schemes – Evolution White, Hi Tech Silver and Unconventional Green – creating an original contrast.

Another characterizing element of Aprilia Shiver, the exhaust, has been redesigned: while maintaining the position under the saddle that contributes to an extremely clean side view of the bike, the terminal part of the silencer is now shorter and aimed upward. The exhaust bottom made up of concentric rings ends in a concave disc is a further bold stylistic element that makes the Shiver immediately recognizable even from the rear, as well as being a practical way to send the exhaust fumes downward, thereby avoiding interference with the passenger and ensuring greater comfort.

2018 Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Engine: we write torque, you read fun

 The Euro 4 engine grows to 900 cc from the 750 cc on the first version. This increase was achieved thanks to the increased stroke that clearly increases torque in the mid-range, all to the advantage of a better response during acceleration and exiting corners. The 90 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm that are consequently obtained guarantee pure fun in the saddle. This is was one of the main objectives for the Aprilia engineers in designing the twin-cylinder. The power, which increased in any case to over 95 HP, stems from the decision to comply with the legal limits in order to be able to obtain approval for the version with power limited to 35 kW as well, that can be ridden with an A2 class driver’s license. Aprilia Shiver 900 is therefore an easy bike to ride even for new bikers, accompanying them in their personal evolution of experience in the saddle.

The powerplant, that maintains the 90 degree angle between the two cylinders as well as the four-valve timing per cylinder, dual overhead cam and liquid cooling, was the subject of various changes, including an important operation aimed at reducing friction on the pistons, completely redesigned and now characterized by a special anti-friction feature on the mantle, whereas pins have led to a lightening of the alternated parts in motion. The crankshaft also changes, with revamped balancing.

On the other hand, a more efficient semi-dry carter internal lubrication circuit helps to reduce losses of power due to shaking and to keep consumption and temperature of the lubricant to a limit, thereby eliminating the need for an oil radiator. Improved efficiency was also achieved on the combustion front thanks to the introduction of efficient injectors: the increase of fuel pressure allows better fuel/air mixture spray with benefits for consumption and emissions. Contributing to bringing the engine to within the limits established by the Euro 4 pollution standard is also the exhaust system, fitted with a double oxygen sensor. The Aprilia Shiver 900 engine is also fitted with an automatic decompresser which makes it easier to start in low temperature conditions.

The unit fitted on the Aprilia Shiver 900 also gains the Marelli 7SM ECU: a substantial evolution that, on one hand, has allowed a refined traction control system to be introduced and that, on the other hand, has led to a significant simplification of the electrical system; in fact, the engine control and management systems, functions that were previously carried out by two separate electronic control units, are now integrated in a single hardware components, the same one fitted on the V4 models from Noale.

All of the clutch components have been redesigned: The load on the clutch lever has decreased by 15%, whereas the primary drive reduction ratio has been changed to optimize exploitation of the available power.

Even more refined electronics to confirm a first

Shiver 900 receives the full benefits of Aprilia’s extensive experience in electronic control systems and riding support for which the Aprilia RSV4 – the supersport bike that has won seven World SBK titles (three rider and four manufacturer) in its racing version and that is consistently at the top of its category in the street version – is an unrivalled example.

Out of this experience and from this Aprilia technological first, the Shiver 900 features an advanced traction control system that can be set to three different levels or disabled, designed to guarantee maximum safety, but also pure brilliant riding enjoyment thanks to the dual control that acts on both ignition and on the motorized throttle valves, making its intervention smooth and easy to manage. The Aprilia Traction Control system is combined with a Continental two-channel ABS system with developed calibration in order not to take anything away from the sporty ride. The ABS feature can also be disabled.

The fully electronic Ride-by-wire accelerator system that made its début as standard equipment for a factory bike on none other than the first Shiver version, also changes and evolves. Now fully integrated in the throttle grip, the system is lighter thanks to the reduction of more than a half kilo of weight and it allows even more accurate management of the fuel/air mixture and the injection throttle valve opening based on numerous parameters including engine speed, gearbox position, air flow, throttle grip opening (in quantity and speed) and temperature, with great benefits in terms of smooth riding without opening/closing jerks, containment of harmful emissions and fuel consumption.

The sophisticated electronic management also provides the possibility of changing the engine mapping, radically changing the character of how the power it is capable of developing is unloaded onto the ground. The Sport setting provides an immediate and aggressive throttle response; the Touring logic provides a smoother response, ideal for touring and daily use, whereas the Rain map reduces available power to about 70 HP and is therefore ideal in the event of difficult weather conditions or on slippery road surfaces. Mapping can also be changed at any time, even on the fly, by simply pressing the engine start button.

The instrument cluster is made up of an ultra-modern TFT technology display to ensure that the information is perfectly legible. The large, 4.3” screen (the same one used on the Aprilia RSV4 and Aprilia Tuono 1100 V4 versions) allows all the on board information to be clear and highly legible at all times, thanks in part to its capacity of adapting the background and font colours based on the conditions detected by the light sensor. The information displayed includes: rev counter, speedometer, selected gear indicator, coolant temperature, air temperature, selected engine map and clock. Using the practice MODE joystick on the left hand electrical block, you can navigate through the menu and scroll/adjust the following parameters: odometer, traction control level, ABS ON (only when not in movement), MENU (only when not in movement), Trip A, Trip A time, Trip A maximum speed, Trip A average speed, Trip A average consumption, Trip B, Trip B time, Trip B maximum speed, Trip B average speed, Trip B average consumption, instantaneous consumption, Km ridden in reserve.

Connectivity with your smartphone, provided as an accessory with the AMP kit, also provides you with all the data related to incoming/current calls on the screen, as well as information related to the use of an intercom or any audio files that you may be playing.

A chassis architecture worthy of the Aprilia tradition

The performance provided by the engine is perfectly matched to an ultra-fine chassis architecture, easy to ride and intuitive, but at the same time incredibly high performance that, in the best Aprilia tradition, is simply unrivalled in the category. In fact, the mixed steel trellis/aluminium plates frame provides standard-setting stiffness, defines an extremely compact bike and ensures that it is capable of catering to fledgling riders with no problem, as well as enhancing the riding skills of more expert and discerning bikers. This makes flowing routes a favourite playground for the Shiver 900.

The structure of Shiver 900 draws from all the proverbial Aprilia chassis architecture know-how, as well as their experience on tracks all over the world. The trellis upper part in steel tubing is connected to wide spread aluminium lateral plates using special, high-resistance bolts. The combination formed by these elements forms an extremely stiff and lightweight frame, an rational and excellent solution for reining in all the horses of the Aprilia V90.

The contained longitudinal development of the engine has led to obtaining an agile bike, a feature that also benefits from the choice to position the shock absorber laterally. Thanks to this solution, space was created for the exhaust manifolds that have a shape and volume calibrated to perfection in order to get the best performance from the engine. This has allowed for an optimum exhaust manifold layout, without having a significant impact on the length of the bike and without thermally stressing a fundamental riding element like the shock absorber.

The aluminium alloy swingarm with stiffening truss boasts stiffness values at the top of its category and it is sized to withstand the asymmetrical stress due to the lateral positioning of the shock absorber.

Aprilia Shiver 900 adopts a Kayaba fork, with hydraulics adjustable in extension and spring preload, almost a half kilo lighter than the one mounted on the first version, with 41 mm stanchions with chill cast feet to support the radial callipers. The 130 mm travel lets you smoothly tackle urban and mountain routes. The two steering yoke plates are made of forged aluminium.

The rear shock absorber, mounted on the side, is pivoted directly to the swingarm, following the cantilever layout and it is adjustable in spring preload and hydraulic rebound. Rear wheel travel is 130 mm.

The sporty, three-spoked wheel rims are inspired by the standard Aprilia Tuono V4 wheels and contributors to containing the weight, reducing the front by 0.9 kg and the rear by 1.3 kg. This leads to a drastic reduction of the gyroscopic effect and therefore greater agility for the bike, improved suspension functionality thanks to the reduction of unsprung masses and quicker acceleration. The wheel rims are shod with 120/70 tyres on the front and 180/55 on the rear.

The braking system, equipped with two-channel ABS, implements radial callipers to highlight the sportiness of the project and 320 mm discs on the front. On the rear, a 240 mm disc is gripped by a single-piston calliper.

Both the front and rear systems have metal braided brake lines derived from the aeronautic sector, which eliminate the annoying buffering effect of conventional lines and guarantee maximum braking precision.

Original Aprilia accessories range: for sport and touring

 A wide range of accessories dedicated to sport and touring is available for the Shiver 900 as well. The former highlight the sport soul and the unmistakable Aprilia racing character: parts in precious carbon, billet aluminium components, such as brake and clutch fluid reservoir covers, brake and clutch levers and mirrors, as well as the must-have frame guard and fork bumpers. There are also LED turn signal indicators with a bold design. The accessories dedicated to touring increase the comfort of the Shiver 900, such as the comfort saddle, the side panniers and the tank bag. As with the other Aprilia motorcycles, the Aprilia Multimedia Platform is available which, thanks to Bluetooth connectivity and the interface with handlebar controls and the TFT display, allow the rider to manage and share all the trip information, from data on more sporty riding to touring-related information, with indications on consumption, routes and trip speeds, grip conditions and Aprilia service centre locations.

2018 Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $10999 USD

2018 Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $11995 CDN

2018 Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).