On paper, these nudists could be from the same colony, and rightly so. Both were fathered by Miguel Galluzzi, albeit 15 years apart and from the drawing tables of different factories. Their $9K price tags, 90-degree V-twin engines, trellis frames and full exposure substantiate a shared ancestry and mission. Beyond that, the Shiver 750 and Monster 696 are separated by more than the 100 miles between Aprilia's Noale works and Ducati's in Bologna.
If you think Aprilia is trying to snag sales from Ducati with the Shiver SL 750, you're right. This mix of sharp lines and sculpted angles is every bit as striking as the Ducati's flowing shape, with an equally intoxicating exhaust note. Powered by a liquid-cooled 749cc twin of the firm's own design, the Shiver boasts advanced electronics and an exotic air that exudes unmistakable Italian style.
Meanwhile, the air-cooled Monster is more refined than ever. No unsightly hoses or dangling wires. Nothing looks out of place. Even Euro 3 emissions components are tucked carefully out of sight, leaving nothing but a curvaceous expanse of clean Bologna architecture. Like any European supermodel, the Shiver has a good side, proudly displaying a gold frame, horizontal Sachs shock, trussed swingarm and slick, split-spoke wheels. But beware the left, where unsightly plumbing and electronic paraphernalia radiate from the cylinders to converge on a Costco-sized charcoal canister. Behind that? The rectifier glares back from a rat's nest of multi-colored wires.
 |  Riding at a lively pace can...  Riding at a lively pace can prove tiring on the Shiver. Its robust weight and sluggish steering make it difficult to hustle through corners-unfortunate considering the eagerness of its engine. |  Aggressive looks are paired...  Aggressive looks are paired with an appropriate engine. Aprilia's 749cc twin churns out 75 bhp and offers three power maps. |
Ducati's Monster has earned more than its share of laurels since the first one left the factory in 1993, yet the 696 is the first cautiously comprehensive makeover of the emblematic Italian best-seller. The net effect is a considerably more modern motorcycle. But despite il Mostro's status as the attainable ticket for aspiring Italophiles, another all-new naked is planning a coup.
Toss a leg over the 696 and average-sized humans notice several inches of air between them and a seat hovering 30 inches above the pavement. Outstretched in either direction, average-length arms can palm the headlight and taillight simultaneously. It's small enough that most riders can dominate the bike halfway through their first tank of fuel. Better still, odd ergonomics are a thing of the past. The new seating position is less of a stretch to the bars with more room between seat and pegs, making the 696 comfortable enough to sit through a full 4-gallon fuel tank-usually about 150 miles. The only issue is a steeply slanted seat that butts up against the rounded base of the fuel tank, leading to some potentially painful anatomical contact for male riders.
Out on the road, the 409-pound Monster's low-speed agility is phenomenal with a good bit more steering lock than its predecessors, and stability is rock-solid. Non-adjustable levers sit far enough from the grips to make large hands stretch, conflicting with the Ducati's otherwise compact accommodations. Meanwhile, the Aprilia is a different sort of Italian. A higher 32-inch seat and shorter reach to the handlebar that towers 4.5 inches over the Ducati's enforce an upright riding posture that's more supermoto than standard. Adjustable controls and a comprehensive instrument pod make it clear you're riding a well-thought-out machine. Speed, rpm, gear position, engine temp, air temp and time are discernable at a glance, and you can toggle through more information via the button on the left bar. Mirrors are large, delivering a clear rear view regardless of speed.
 The engine's personality is...  The engine's personality is beautiful. The same can't be said for its appearance, which is much more cluttered than the Ducati. |  Although limited, adjustments...  Although limited, adjustments are easily made on the Shiver's exposed Sachs shock. Rebound damping can be tuned using a coin. |  A mixed analog/digital display...  A mixed analog/digital display with an abundance of usable data may well be the ideal instrument layout. |
The Shiver is great for taking on city traffic, but its tall stance and center of mass make it a bit top-heavy at single-digit speeds. The under-tail exhaust system sounds great, but its proximity to the seat is a recipe for roasted hams. Seat heat disappears on the freeway, but that erect posture can turn into a major pain, unfurling your torso like a sail and straining your wrists and neck. The Monster's sportier riding position is better for highway travel. Its slight forward cant lets you lean into the wind. And back in the city, dual mufflers mounted a comfortable distance from your butt radiate no discernable heat.
Both Aprilia and Ducati spec a 43mm Showa inverted fork followed by a Sachs rear shock. Both send brake fluid through stainless lines to four-piston calipers that bite 320mm rotors. Initial bite and feel are indistinguishable from the cockpit at first, but Ducati's Brembos shed speed faster and more confidently, mainly because the little Monster is a whopping 78 lbs. lighter.
Roll the Shiver's throttle open and you may discern an interesting sensation within the ensuing surge of thrust. Servo-operated throttle butterflies open and close at a variable rate relative to what's happening at the grip, tailoring throttle response to where and how you're riding via Aprilia's Ride-By-Wire system-the first such technology of its kind. Switchable electronics let you choose between three distinct personalities with the push of a button: Sport, Touring and Rain.
Off The Record
Ari Henning
I keep fielding the same question: "Which one wins?" In all honesty, the Monster and the Shiver almost rest evenly on my cerebral scale of judgment. The determining factor for me was confidence. If I'm going to get absorbed in my ride, confidence in handling is paramount, and I just couldn't trust the Shiver to do what I wanted it to do. With the Monster, I was confident in its handling, its appeal and in its ability to make every ride a good one, whether jetting to work or hitting the hills.
Age: 23 Height: 5'10" Weight: 165 lbs Inseam: 33 in.