Both accessible and contemporary, the Shiver seems to have everything it takes to conquer the hearts of street fighter aficionados, starting with superb design: striking looks, elegant lines, quality finish. The result is full of personality and pizzazz. What’s more, the bike’s lemme-at-it attitude and 95 ponies let us know that we are dealing with a high performance bike that will require all of your riding skills to get the best out of it.

A stylish and agile naked performer on the track as well as the street. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

Ah, but behind this somewhat aggressive facade lies a friendly, comfortable and easy to ride Italian beauty, a perfect second bike for beginners or a country road-devouring companion that keeps more experienced riders smiling all the way.

Sophisticated engine
The 90-degree V-Twin engine displaces 749 cc, uses 4 valves per cylinder and calmly delivers its impressive 95 hp according to three injection/ignition modes. The “Rain” mode limits power by 35%, “Touring” lets all the ponies loose while dampening responsiveness during acceleration, and “Sport” mode unleashes the full potential the engine’s horsepower, torque and throttle response.

The most recent iteration of the ECU programming has eliminated the jerkiness at low-rpm throttle input, as the improved ride-by-wire system offers the precision needed for slower riding and navigating through traffic.
The six-speed gearbox features a smart mix of ratios for both street and track use, while easy but solid sounding gear changes inspire confidence and give the impression that the ‘box came from a more powerful bike, such as (Perhaps) the older-generation twin-cylinder Aprilia RSV.

Sound chassis and components
The 2010 Shiver has kept its stiff and ultra efficient cast aluminum/tubular trellis frame, with a recalibrated fork designed to increase the progressiveness, and a rear shock with adjustable preload and rebound settings. Thicker, 320-mm front discs and a 5.5-inch rear wheel, a half-inch wider, complete the list of new specs frame-side.

There is still a lack of storage space under the saddle, as the beefy double exhaust that contributes to the Shiver’s striking looks takes up all the room.

Almost an early 80s Superbike flat bar - you know, the comfortable ones - with a simple display cluster. Easy to read and just the right looks. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)