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I just purchased my 25^th motorcycle. On this silver anniversary, even I’m a bit surprised by that number. I’ve been riding now for 30 years and my taste has remained fairly predictable: sportbikes and standards. I’ve owned many different brands from several countries but have also shied away from a few others. When I started down this path, I don’t think I ever imagined reaching this point. 

I finally got to take my latest purchase for a spin after several days of delay related to other conflicting plans both personal and professional. And after about 50 miles, all I can say is Wow!

2008 Aprilia Shiver SL 750

So what do I think of the bike? It’s beautiful, comfortable and inspiring. It’s a very well balanced package; all systems working in harmony with none overwhelming another. There is nothing particular stand-out on the roster but I’d give 4 stars out of 5 to every system on the bike. I specifically like the riding position, the torque, the smooth transmission and quick and precise steering.

Some things which could use improvement are wind protection and weight?

One very entertaining moment in this process occurred when I received the following photo from some moto-buddies who were kind enough to accept my shipment during my work-related absence. 

An interesting place to park a new motorcycle

My initial interest in the Shiver came after reading several magazine reviews, which were unanimously positive. The photos of the bike intrigued me as it looked basic, aggressive and stylish and the code orange color scheme threw the last switch (I’m a sucker for a bold and unusual color scheme, the bright gold frame on the silver model kinda makes me throw-up in my mouth a little).

I’d read enough to make me want to see the bike in-person. Fortunately, we have an Aprilia/Guzzi dealer about 40 miles from Salt Lake City in the town of Orem. So I found myself there on a Saturday back in January sitting astride a used version, and enjoying what I consider the perfect riding position (bolt upright with lots of room, the term I like to use is “rangy”, the SV650 I recently sold was just a tad too compact for my 6’1”/230 lb frame). When the salesman started the bike, I fell instantly for the great sound emanating from the 750cc/90 degree V-twin engine and totally stylin’ and sculpted underseat exhaust. At that moment my course was set, it was only a matter of determining the deal that would make one mine.

But this is where things get interesting. I thought the $9000 price tag was a bit high for this kind of motorcycle. Nakeds bikes like this one don’t sell well in the cruiser happy States. Also, Aprilias’ have notoriously low resale value, mostly likely a lack of brand recognition with a general distrust of the unusual. The fact that it was a first year model, over a year old and with the newer units on the boat, had me discount hopeful. These factors combined with our struggling economy had me hoping for a substantial price reduction.

The local dealer was only willing to knock a few hundred off retail for the pre-owned model I had my butt parked on, so I went to Plan B. I called every dealer within a days drive my home and even a few back on the East Coast, where the bulk of my family resides, thinking I could turn a purchase into a fine vacation/tour back to the Rockies.

The vast majority of the dealers quoted me out-the-door prices close enough to retail that it wasn’t worth making any travel plans. But a dealer in Evergreen State knocked off over a grand and was willing to throw in a first-service and factory shop manual to sweeten the deal. I was just about ready to pounce (even looking for a February weather window within which to make the 600 miles journey), when a dealer in Maryland made a comparable offer and was willing to ship  to my doorstep. After calculating the difference in cost between the two, factoring in the cost and inconvenience of the two different methods to put the bike in my garage, it turned out to be basically a wash. Time to play coy and see if anyone REALLY wanted my business?

About 2 weeks later the dealer in the Mid-Atlantic dropped the price to an astounding $6999! Back to the calculator and my decision was final. The fact that the salesman on the phone was willing to work with me on shipping arrangements and gave straight-up answers my many detailed questions sealed the deal.

So all in all I’m quite satisfied with number 25. Here to getting to 50!

Rhino