The Aprilia Shiver has long been regarded as an exciting yet underrated middleweight naked bike, offering a perfect balance of performance, design, and versatility. After being discontinued in 2020, many assumed that the Shiver had seen its last days. However, in a surprising turn of events, Aprilia has revived the model for 2025—but there’s a catch. The new Aprilia Shiver 900 is exclusive to the Chinese market, the result of a collaboration between Piaggio, Aprilia’s parent company, and Chinese motorcycle manufacturer Zonsen.

While this announcement has sparked excitement and speculation among motorcycle enthusiasts, it also raises several questions about the future of the Shiver lineup and Aprilia’s global strategy.

The Legacy of the Aprilia Shiver: A Brief History

The Aprilia Shiver first debuted in 2007 as a 750cc naked bike, marking Aprilia’s entry into the middleweight roadster segment. The bike gained recognition for its sharp Italian styling, innovative ride-by-wire throttle system, and balanced chassis.

In 2017, Aprilia introduced the Shiver 900, an updated version with a larger 896cc V-twin engine, improved electronics, and refined styling. While the bike was praised for its smooth power delivery and comfortable ergonomics, it struggled to gain the same popularity as some of its rivals, such as the Yamaha MT-09, Kawasaki Z900, and Ducati Monster 821.

By 2020, stricter Euro 5 emissions regulations and market shifts led Aprilia to discontinue the Shiver 900, focusing instead on its more competitive RS660 and Tuono 660 models. The bike faded into the background—until now.

A China-Exclusive Revival: Aprilia and Zonsen’s Partnership

In early 2022, Piaggio and Chinese manufacturer Zonsen announced a strategic partnership aimed at developing a new 900cc twin-cylinder motorcycle for the Chinese market. This connection the way for the rebirth of the Aprilia Shiver 900, utilizing the existing platform with modern updates to appeal to the growing demand for premium motorcycles in China.

While Aprilia remains a high-end Italian brand, the partnership allows Piaggio to expand its presence in China while keeping manufacturing costs lower. This move is part of a larger trend where European manufacturers, including KTM, BMW, and Ducati, have partnered with Chinese brands to penetrate Asia’s growing motorcycle market.

What’s New in the 2025 Aprilia Shiver 900?

While the 2025 Shiver 900 retains the core identity of its predecessor, it has been updated with several modern features to keep it competitive in the evolving market.

Advanced Electronics & Rider Aids

The new Shiver 900 comes equipped with a suite of electronic rider aids, enhancing safety and performance. These include:

• Bosch ABS for improved braking control

• Traction control for better grip and stability

• Three selectable riding modes to tailor power delivery to different conditions

• Keyless ignition, adding convenience for riders

These updates align the Shiver with modern expectations in the middleweight naked segment.

LED Lighting and Updated Aesthetics

A new LED headlight replaces the old halogen unit, improving visibility and giving the bike a fresher, more aggressive look. Other styling tweaks maintain the Shiver’s signature sharp lines, but subtle refinements make the 2025 model feel more in line with Aprilia’s current design language.

Engine and Performance: Familiar but Capable

The 2025 Shiver 900 continues to use the 896cc 90-degree V-twin engine, producing around 95 horsepower and 66 lb-ft of torque. While this performance level remains solid, it does not significantly surpass its predecessor or competitors like the Yamaha MT-09, which boasts nearly 115 horsepower.

Chassis & Suspension: Unchanged but Proven

The bike retains the same tubular steel frame and aluminum side plates, ensuring stability and agility on the road. The suspension setup remains largely unchanged, with 41mm inverted front forks and a rear monoshock, offering a familiar riding experience to fans of the previous model.

Why Is the 2025 Shiver 900 Exclusive to China?

Despite the excitement surrounding its return, the new Shiver 900 will not be available in Europe or other Western markets. There are a few key reasons for this:

Emissions Regulations

One of the biggest hurdles is Euro 5 compliance. While the Chinese version of the Shiver 900 meets China’s emissions standards, it does not currently meet Euro 5 regulations, which are stricter.

Bringing the Shiver back to Europe or North America would require engine modifications, which might not be financially viable given the competition in the middleweight naked segment.

Market Competition

Since the Shiver was discontinued, the middleweight naked category has evolved. Today’s market is dominated by more powerful and advanced models like the:

• Yamaha MT-09 (115 hp, advanced electronics)

• KTM 890 Duke R (121 hp, lightweight chassis)

• Ducati Monster 937 (111 hp, premium features)

In comparison, the Shiver 900’s 95 horsepower and heavier weight make it less competitive in Europe, where riders expect cutting-edge performance.

Piaggio’s Focus on Other Markets

Piaggio has shifted its European strategy toward:

• The Aprilia RS660 and Tuono 660 – More advanced, Euro 5-compliant sport and naked bikes

• The Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello – A premium touring alternative

• Scooters and Electric Vehicles – Growing segments in urban commuting

Thus, the decision to focus the Shiver’s revival in China makes sense from a business standpoint.

Pricing & Availability: A Premium Choice in China

The 2025 Aprilia Shiver 900 is priced at approximately $9,500 USD in China. Given the brand’s premium positioning in the market, the price is reasonable for an imported European-designed motorcycle.

Chinese riders looking for an Italian-styled, performance-oriented naked bike will find the Shiver 900 an appealing option, especially in a market where larger displacement motorcycles are gaining popularity.

A Nostalgic Revival with Limited Reach

The return of the Aprilia Shiver 900 is a bittersweet moment for motorcycle enthusiasts. On one hand, it’s exciting to see a classic nameplate return, proving that Aprilia’s legacy models still hold appeal. On the other hand, its exclusivity to China means that riders in Europe and North America won’t have access to it.

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