Comfortable and well equipped
The Shiver’s dash displays a full set of information, starting with an easy-to-read analogue rev counter, and with a digital screen that displays speed, mileage covered, engaged gear, operating mode, instant and average fuel consumption, time-of-day, as well as engine and outside temperature. All that’s missing is a fuel gauge, though the screen displays the number of kilometres you can still squeeze out of the tank. Controls buttons let you select what you want to display and the starter button is used to select the engine mode once the engine is running.

Bum off the saddle, weight moved forward - entering a corner at ICAR in Mirabel. The bike feels like it was made just for this! But hey, it is also great on the street. (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

The Shiver’s riding position is on the user-friendly side: not leaning forward too much and with your feet in line with your rear. This allows the rider to enjoy the countryside as well as cornering in a more sporting fashion, and helps when the time comes to onload the saddle to better absord the worst bump on the road. The wide, well-shaped and well-padded saddle is almost cushy, and allows the rider to change positions on the fly. The passenger gets the same great treatment, with a comfortable seat, handgrips and low foot pegs.

Always easy to ride – at any pace
The absence of vibrations is surprising, and the Shiver is very easy to get used to and new riders will feel at home from the get-go. The rather low saddle (800 mm) and the intuitive controls make for easy manoeuvering, while the smooth twin-cylinder allows you to ride at low speeds in second and third gear, with smooth (electronic) throttle response making life easier at these slower speeds.

Though the suspensions ensure decent comfort on smooth surfaces, the rather stiff settings and short rear wheel travel do not manage bumpier surfaces as well as one would wish. When you raise your pace on smooth twisty roads, the Shiver leans into corners and changes direction easily.

The front tire instils confidence as it keeps you well informed about available grip and any slippage. At the other end, aggressive corner exits benefit from the excellent throttle response and rear-wheel traction. More help comes from the shape and position of the saddle and fuel tank, as they help the rider hang off the side as well as move forward and back put weight where traction is required when cornering hard. If you are a bit of a racer, be careful as you close in on the bike's cornering limits, as it naturally cannot match a sophisticated sportbike on the track.

Easy-to-ride and unusually versatile, the Shiver just needs to spice things up in the engine department to become an all-around crowd pleaser. On the other hand, its competitive price and high level of comfort make it worth considering. This is one fun, shapely little Italian number.

Simply perfect, and soooo... Italian! (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com)

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Easy to ride
Comfortable
Improved frame
Versatile

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Engine a bit too tame
The limits of the suspensions are quickly reached on track