Aprilia has developed a new 900cc V-twin engine for the new Dorsoduro supermotard and the Shiver naked bike (pictured above) with 71kW of power and 90Nm of torque.
The bikes were unveiled this week at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.
So far there is no word from Australian distributors PS Imports on whether they will arrive here. However, we haven’t had a Dorsoduro for a while as the supermotard market here is minimal.
The Aprilia Shiver 750 currently sells for $14,000 rideaway, so expect to pay more for the 900cc version.
This follows the unveiling at the Intermot show in Cologne last month of the new Tuono 125cc, and updated Tuonos, RS124 and RSV4.
Piaggio ownership seems to be helping the Italian brand with research and development into electronics and engines.
New Shiver and Dorsoduro engine
This latest engine is a stroked version of the 750cc 90° V-twin used in both the Shiver and Dorsoduro.
Power is up just 2kW to 71kW (95.2hp) at 8750rpm. Meanwhile torque increases 7Nm from 82Nm at 4500rpm to 90Nm at 6500 revs.
Apart from the increase in capacity, the new output is reached thanks to a new internal lubrication circuit to limit power loss.
It gets a new exhaust system with a double oxygen sensor that ensures Euro 4 pollution compliance.
The new Dorsoduro and Shiver feature ride-by-wire multimap accelerator, traction control, ABS and three engine maps for Sport, Touring and Rain.
They both have new and lighter Kayaba forks, adjustable for rebound damping and spring preload, 2kg-lighter three-split-spoke wheels and 320mm brake discs.
The bikes also come with new colour TFT digital instruments with a 4.3-inch screen.
There is the option of the Aprilia/Moto Guzzi multimedia platform that connects a smartphone to the bike. It allows the rider to view incoming calls and songs being played.
There is also a wide range of accessories dedicated to sport and touring available for the new 900 models.