Auto Expo 2014: Piaggio to launch Aprilia Shiver 750, open more big bike showrooms

Piaggio might not possess a mainstream motorcycle portfolio in India yet (it is still doing a feasibility study on what models and segments might make sense), but it is busy expanding its big bike portfolio. Besides the motorcycles displayed at the Auto Expo 2014 from both Aprilia and Moto Guzzi, Piaggio will also launch the Aprilia Shiver 750 this year. The motorcycle, even though under 800cc, will come via the CBU route like the rest of the range.

Piaggio will also expand its big bike dealership network with a new showroom opening in Hyderabad soon. Currently, the number of showrooms selling Aprilia and Moto Guzzi brands in India stand at three  with a showroom each in Bengaluru, Pune and Chandigarh. Going forward, Piaggio will open two more exclusive big bike showrooms and then open up the sales of its high capacity motorcycles to its existing dealerships. However, Piaggio is clear this privilege will only be extended to its big and well performing dealers across the country.

The Aprilia Shiver 750 meanwhile is a 750cc, V-twin motorcycle that makes a max power of 95PS and a torque rating that peaks at 81 Nm. The engine also comes with three riding modes – Sport, Touring and Rain - and is mated to six speed gearbox. It uses a tubular frame suspended on 43mm USDs upfront and a smart looking, side-mounted rear monoshock. 17 inch aluminium wheels wearing 120 and 180 section rubber front and rear respectively, and wave discs at both ends make up the rest of the cycle parts. The Shiver 750 is expected to cost Rs 8-9 lakh when it goes on sale here making it almost twice as expensive as the Kawasaki Ninja 650 which is of the same genre. Piaggio is also keen on assembling its line of big bikes in India to make the pricing more affordable. However, it hasn’t put a timeline on it just yet.