Aprilia's 850 Mana - God's gift to motorcyclists?
Considering the mix of comments that we received when we covered Honda's new DN-01, we decided to show our readers that Honda is not the only manufacturer bringing the automatic transmission to the motorcycle. Aprilia debuted its 850 Mana last year, and the bike has since gone into production. Hopefully, the Mana will make it across the pond and into American dealers too, because there are a lot of reasons to like the new Aprilia.
The most obvious innovation is the automatic transmission, which uses a CVT design similar to what is available on Aprilia's own line of scooters, and even a few cars. Continuously variable transmissions have pulleys inside that can change diameter and thereby change the ratio. All of this happens automatically, unless the rider uses the buttons on the handlebars or the foot operated gearchange lever in its normal location off the left footpeg. Although Aprilia is known for making sportbikes featuring V-Twin engines, the 90-degree twin inside the Mana's steel trellis frame is the first streetbike engine designed in-house by Aprilia itself. Expect more bikes from Aprilia using variations of this engine. The fuel tank has also been moved under the seat, leaving a storage container where the tank would normally sit. That storage area is large enough for a helmet, making this an excellent commuter bike.
So, is the Mana just the gift from heaven that you were waiting for? Let us know what you think in the comments!
[Source: Aprilia]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Roc 7:32PM (3/07/2008)
I picked up a QLINK Sapero CVT about a year ago from these guys http://www.cbxmanmotorcycles.com/QLINK-Sport-Motorcycles-And-Street-Bikes.aspx. it's a solid bike, dealer is a great as well, a fun bunch to talk too... I'm planning a trip up the turnpike to see them this summer
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Nick 11:12AM (7/04/2008)
I bought a CF Moto V5 auto trans. last year. I paid about 3200 bucks, it gets 75 mpg, and I have gotten it to 72 MPH. It has good pickup from a stop, has a low seat height, and large comfortable foot pedals. I researched a lot before buying it, and if you are interested in a comfortable, easy to manuever cycle at a good price, check it out.
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Harry Tran 10:11PM (7/23/2008)
I know this is an old topic but I think an Automatic Motorcycle might get more people to start driving motorcycles, especially now that the gas prices are over $4, at the time of this posting I'm sure gas was only $3 a gallon.
http://www.tranharry.com/
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Joseph Armillas 4:31AM (10/21/2008)
Are you kidding? This thing is great!. When can I buy one! I live in LA and this bike would be a god send. What's the price gonna be on this beauty? I'm ready.
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Gaelstorm 10:09PM (12/03/2008)
Check with Dave, the owner of Thousand Oaks Vespa/Piaggio/Aprilia. A great dealer who I bought two Aprilia Fly 150's from. He has (had last week) two Mana 850's in stock. I bought mine at Sherman Oaks but they seldom have much inventory.
Gaelstorm 10:05PM (12/03/2008)
The Mana 850 is a tremendous bike. I have owned many motorcycles (currently have a BMW R1150%, 3 Harleys, 2 Piaggio scooters and the Mana) and, all around, this is the most versatile and fun street bike I have ever ridden. A great design, well executed in every regard.
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blueorleans 9:37PM (1/18/2009)
I bought a used Mana four weeks ago and love it. LOVE IT!
In many ways I’m the target demographic:
* Middle-aged, but a newbie rider (one year, 4,800 miles);
* Upgrading from a 250cc scooter, where I found myself bumping up against its limits for highway riding and touring, one-up or two-up;
* Automatic car driver, although I did drive a stick-shift for 20 years.
What’s great about the Mana is that it combines the best of both worlds. As a regular motorcycle, it lets me tour with abandon, one-up or two-up, on any highway situation, yet with the continuing ease of my scooter. There are some additional weight issues at slow speeds (the slightly tall 31.5” seat height is identical to my scooter, but here I wish Aprilia offered an optional lower seat, so I could flat-foot it.) Yet once on the highway, it’s been a breeze. There’s been almost no learning curve, just bigger wheels, a better suspension, and more power, power, power. Twist the throttle and let ‘er rip!
I’m sold on automatics, whether for city or country riding. I know shifting would soon become second nature for me, like it did with my car. But I like being able to focus wholly on the ride and the scenery. It’s more relaxing. I also like never stalling out at slower speeds, plus having one less worry should I encounter emergency situations (none yet, thank heaven.) One post mentioned having a lot to concentrate on during your first year of riding. I concur, especially at middle age. There’s no muscle-memory to draw from, each limb is doing something different on a regular motorcycle, and the consequences of screwing up can be high…all the way to fatal.
However, the Mana bridges the very intuitive operation of my scooter with that of a regular motorcycle in all ways but a clutch. I’m now getting used to the Mana's right-foot rear brake vs. the (preferred) twin brake levers of my scooter. And over time I’ll work in gear-shifting via push button, and then via the left-foot shifter. No rush, though, as I’m perfectly content staying purely automatic in the Mana’s Touring mode.
Honestly, what’s not to love? The bike looks sexy, sounds sexy, and could be fully outfitted with OEM hard luggage and windshield. The storage compartment where the gas tank would ordinarily sit is convenience personified, kind of like a built-in tank bag. (I do wish I could open it without the ignition key turned on, like I could on my scooter.) With its gas tank under the seat and the CVT transmission down low, the Mana’s not as top-heavy as the few sports bikes I’ve been on. I miss the centerstand of my scooter, but I suspect that option will be coming eventually. We’ll see how much maintenance is involved with a chain final drive, hopefully not too much.
For me, the Mana is beyond cool. I call it the world’s most powerful production scooter, although the beauty of it is, I don’t have to call it anything – it fits in wherever it goes. Check out Jay Leno’s video assessment of the Mana: http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/video_player.shtml?vid=738141.
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karen 6:09PM (9/09/2009)
I do not know what you are all on about. The Mana is not just a commuter bike! I,ve just rode over 3000 miles around Europe on my new Mana. Some days I rode between 3 and 5 pass,s some over 3000 meters high. Switch the Mana in to Sports Drive and the bike is awesome. Hairpins and twistys are a toddle. The bike just wants to play. On the odd day when I had to motorway it between countries I stuck it into touring and noticed how fuel stops were greatly reduced, some of the sports bikes were having to stop some 30 miles before me. I had no problem keeping up with my biking companions whilst enjoying a bike that is so flickable and easy to ride that at the end of a 300 mile day I still felt refreshed and ready for more. Not bad for someone who has ridden a Hornet, CBR and R1 and a girlie to boot. So don,t knock the Mana, its Innovative, fun and so very very different. It makes me want to sneak out early from work and go for a spin.
Karen Davison
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RZ 6:14PM (10/08/2007)
This is the commuter bike I've been looking for... basically a moped that doesn't look goofy.
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wbeck 7:21PM (10/08/2007)
Yes, a moped that has an engine 17 times larger than a normal moped.
As for it being a commuter bike? It's only gonna get 40mpg or so. Has storage for a helmet, but not much more.
Has Aprilla released matinence intervals yet?
Jay 3:31PM (11/16/2007)
Great job...I am sure that I am one of many who will finally have a chance to ride a motorcycle...who cares if it's automatic or manual...it's a freakin' machine on 2 wheels...All that matters is if you look cool in it.
Viggo 6:44PM (10/08/2007)
CVT is the future.
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Solo Racer 9:13PM (10/08/2007)
Ever driven one? The one in the Lancer is utter shit.
John hender 7:13PM (10/08/2007)
i had an automatic motor when i was a teenager the thing was great
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Basem 7:25PM (10/08/2007)
Kinda resembles the MV Agusta Brutale, no?
http://images.google.com/images?q=brutale+910&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi
Basem
http://motorcycles.about.com/
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RWD fan 7:24PM (10/08/2007)
I am so happy to see you guys really showing alot of love to the 2-wheelers recently, although I'd still love to see a more cycle-centric blog, or one more powertoy related....
Anyways, I don't know if I'd call this anything close to a religious gift for m/cyclists. I think it's more of a godsend for those scooterists who want to step up into a real M/C. I'd also go so far as to call this a great initiative towards a more gender neutral 2-wheel community. It sure would be nice to have other women at the AMA, MotoGP and WSBK events other than just the umbrella girls. It's gettin' to be quite a pickle party...
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wbeck 7:34PM (10/08/2007)
Because we all know, women don't know how to shift...
alex 7:53PM (10/08/2007)
put cowlings on it, at least do something to make it look faster.
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Jeremy Korzeniewski 10:03PM (10/08/2007)
Alex, this is a naked bike, meaning it has no bodywork besides the necessary pieces. Aprilia hasn't said if they'll use the drivetrain in other bikes yet, I would imagine it would depend on how well this one sells.
Billy 7:39PM (10/08/2007)
Anything that gets more people onto two wheels, improves their awareness, and maybe they won't drive so badly in their SUVs.
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