Group test: Aprilia Shiver, Honda CBF 600 and Triumph 675 Street Triple R on 28 September

I picked up the Aprilia Shiver on a Monday afternoon, just in time for the rush hour traffic! As I rode it home, I reflected that the name would be appropriate in winter – it’s a naked bike, very naked. Cruising down the highway in-between traffic at around 80 km/h was not a problem, but as soon as I hit open road I had to hang on for dear life. But despite that, I quickly started falling in love with all 750cc of very willing power. I had to be careful when pulling away at stops as its enthusiasm to please could get overwhelming.

The next day I met up with two other riders and bikes and we rode around Magaliesburg taking pictures and after about half an hour, we swopped bikes. I rode the Honda and had to quickly change riding style from the Aprilia. The Honda is far heavier and felt squatter on the ground as well as being lower than both the Aprilia and the Triumph. In addition to that, it was sluggish up until around 5 000rpm but then woke up. I could not imagine commuting with this bike but I could see myself on a longer trip, especially with that big screen.

The Triumph was very similar to the Aprilia, in terms of street fighter enthusiasm. Both the Triumph and Aprilia are short and light – a perfect combination to get you into trouble! When I rode the Triumph, I could clearly feel the difference in engine smoothness. The Aprilia was rougher in the gear changes and it also sounded more “basic”.

For absolute naughty pleasure, I would rate the Triumph, then the Aprilia and then the Honda. For touring, I would certainly not take either naked bikes and would settle for the solidness of the Honda.