Aprilia Shiver 750 - BEST USED BIKES

YEARS SOLD: 2008–present

MSRP NEW: $8,999 ('08) $8,699 ('16)

BLUE BOOK RETAIL VALUE: $4,490 ('08) to $7,260 ('15)

BASIC SPECS: Built around the in-house-designed 750 V-twin, the Shiver is one of the most well-rounded motorcycles in Aprilia's lineup. The DOHC eight-valve engine puts out 77 hp at the wheel and has a nice broad spread of torque. Delivery is easily controlled by one of the first ride-by-wire systems to be used on a production bike and features a choice of three selectable power map modes: Sport, Touring, and Rain.

WHY IT'S DESIRABLE: Aprilia did an impressive job with the Shiver, which was conceived as an entry-priced do-all streetbike. The Brembo brakes front and rear stop the bike well without being overly aggressive. The suspension is a bit softer than that of a full-fledged sportbike, which makes the Shiver much more enjoyable on the street. The hybrid trellis/cast alloy frame worked well in both highway and canyon. Fueling in the earlier models was a bit edgy; thankfully that can be fixed with a simple software update. Be sure to have a dealer go over your Shiver with a diagnostic tool.

THE COMPETITION: There are several middleweight sport-nakeds on the market, including the Suzuki SV650 and GSX-S750, Kawasaki Z800, and Yamaha FZ-07/09. While the Shiver will in general ask a higher price than its Japanese counterparts, for the added cost you get Brembo brakes with steel-braided lines, well-sprung and well-damped suspension, engine modes, and proper sportbike-size wheels. Given that, plus this Aprilia's exclu­sivity of ownership, the Shiver is easily worth the extra cash.