New bike possibilities

[Re-run]

So, I have been looking to add to my stable. My CB is getting a bit tired but still usable. I want to overhaul the top end though. In the meantime, I want a bike to ride!
I have narrowed down the choices to 2 bikes. A Yamaha FZ6 which is a 600cc in-line 4 or an Aprilia Shiver which is a 750cc 90 degree vtwin, so not as lumpy as a 45 v.


These are the colors of the bikes I am looking at.

Yamaha:
Pros: dealers everywhere. Japanese reliability. Lighter weight.
Cons: Still a japanese bike. less torque. not overly unique. 2000 miles

Shiver:
Pros: more torque. Italian sexy. 3 power modes. 33 miles Still has 2 year warranty. no owners.
Cons: nearest dealer 250 miles, not sure of any other authorized shops yet. a bit heavier but still lighter than CB.

Both bikes have about the same hp but more torque on the shiver. There is something about the shiver though that has captured me and even if I get the fz6, I will still probably end up with one. The fz is growing on me though.

The shiver has had some issues, most people have no problems but reliability may not be quite as good though most parts are cheap enough though build quality is supposed to be excellent, on par with japanese.

So what are the votes

[TOOLS1]

Get both.
TOOLS

[sgtslag]

If you can test ride both, do so...  After that, it should be easy to decide, but here are some things to consider, no matter what.  With regards to the FZ6, it is similar to the older, FZR600, nearly the same engine:  smooth, very quick acceleration; nice, comfortable suspension -- quite nice actually; if it is a lean-forward rider position, walk away, unless you plan on short trips only.

My son had a '94(?) FZR600.  Really a very nice bike, aside from the forward-leaning position, which I could only tolerate for less than 30 minutes at a time.  Other than that, it was nice and comfy, but with more acceleration than I needed/wanted.  It ran smoothly, powerfully, and comfortably, but it only had three different tires that would fit it -- PERIOD!  Check on tire availability to make sure you have several makes and models to choose from...  If it's an odd-ball size, walk away.  I like Yamaha bikes, but they're sometimes a little too far afield in some areas.  Check out the rear view mirrors, and how easy(?) it is to look behind you, when gripping the handlebars: my son was speeding, and never saw the LEO's for several miles, they called it in as a high-speed chase, threw him on the ground, cuffed him, and put him in the squad car, in an obvious state of anger towards him.  He never sassed them, he acted very politely, and explained he could not see them in his mirrors.  One of the LEO's sided with him, saying he had one of these bikes before, and that the mirrors were worthless, and looking back was very difficult (the arresting LEO threw a leg over, and was finally convinced).  They finally let him go, with just a ticket.  This bike's mirrors look like they are on long enough stalks, but be sure to check them out carefully.  Cheers!

[shinyribs]

Tough call.Sarge makes some great points.If based on looks alone,I would go with the Yamaha.If we are talking about the two in the pics.I love that deep red.The front fairing on the Yamaha looks nice and sleek where the Aprilla looks unfinished . But the Aprilla is unique and that is worth 100 style points, plus you head it already has ahold of you. No sense buying the Yamaha if the Aprilla has you tore up.

[Re-run]

Both would be mine if I could Tools!

Neither is a crotchrocket, the shiver is probably a bit more upright but the yamaha is not hunched over either.

Hopefully both stick around long enough for the snow to clear to test ride them. There is just enough crap on the roads to preclude doing that right now.

[Piute]

 
                                     Black engine gets are vote,

[shinyribs]

You got snow?!?! The more i look at those two bikes the more i like the Yamaha.But i think it is the paint that has me hooked.Buy the Aprilla and paint it the color of the Yamaha