At the Intermot show in Germany last month, Aprilia announced updated versions of its RSV4 sportbike and Tuono V4 1100 streetfighter models for 2017. Now, at the EICMA show in Italy, Aprilia has announced updated versions of its Dorsoduro and Shiver models.
(Editor’s Note: Although announced for 2017 when this story was published in November 2016, the Dorsoduro 900 and Shiver 900 came to the U.S. in the fall of 2017 as 2018 models.)
Read our 2017 Aprilia RSV4 and Tuono V4 1100 first look review
Read our 2016 Aprilia Shiver 750 review
Though the supermoto-style Dorsoduro 900 and sport standard Shiver 900 differ in styling and mission, they share much in common. Both are powered by a larger, 896cc (up from 750cc) liquid-cooled, 90-degree V-twin with DOHC and 4 valves per cylinder, which has a longer stroke (67.4mm, up from 56.4mm) but maintains the same 92mm bore as the 750. Claimed output has increased to 95.2 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 66.4 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm, with a broad, flat spread of torque. A new internal lubrication circuit limits power loss due to churning and oil consumption, and the exhaust system, fitted with a double oxygen sensor, meets Euro 4 standards. Power is sent to the rear wheel through a 6-speed transmission, a hydraulically actuated wet, multiplate clutch and chain final drive.
A new, more powerful Marelli 7SM ECU communicates with an updated, 1.2-pounds-lighter throttle-by-wire system, which offers Sport, Touring and Rain engine maps. Also new are 3-level traction control, Continental two-channel switchable ABS and full-color TFT instrumentation.
The chassis consists of an upper tubular-steel trellis section and lower aluminum lateral plates. A new Kayaba upside-down fork, which is one pound lighter than its predecessor and is adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping, connects to the frame via forged aluminum steering yoke plates. The rear shock is adjustable for spring preload only. Front/rear suspension travel is 6.3 inches on the Dorsoduro and 4.6/4.2 inches on the Shiver. Slowing both bikes are a pair of radial 4-piston front calipers squeezing 320mm discs and a single-piston rear caliper squeezing a 240mm disc. New three-split-spoke, cast aluminum wheels are 4.4 pounds lighter than the previous wheels.
Befitting its supermoto mission, the Dorsoduro has a tall, 34.2-inch seat height and a small, 3.17-gallon fuel tank. Wheelbase is 59 inches, and the steering geometry combines 26 degrees of rake with 4.2 inches of trail. No word on curb weight, but we expect it to be lighter than the Dorsoduro 750, which weighed 454 pounds.
As a sport standard, the Shiver has a lower, 31.9-inch seat height and a larger, 3.96-gallon fuel tank. It also has a shorter 56.7-inch wheelbase, but similar steering geometry (25.9 degrees of rake, 4.3 inches of trail). As with the Dorsoduro, claimed curb weight is not yet available, but it should be lighter than the 2016 model, which weighed 490 pounds.
U.S. pricing for the 2018 Aprilia Dorsoduro 900 is $10,999 and for the 2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 is $9,399.
