Filed under: Euro, Motorcycles
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)
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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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...
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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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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RWD fan 7:41PM (10/08/2007)
Whoa wbeck, troll much?
Obviously not, as your sense of wit is about as sharp as a cotton ball. Come on back when you've thought of some real "zingerz", mkay?
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Torqued 8:59AM (10/09/2007)
You stated: "I'd also go so far as to call this a great initiative towards a more gender neutral 2-wheel community."
What about this bike is "gender nuetral" other than the fact it's automatic? Oh, and wbeck's comment was clearly sarcastic. That's the only conclusion I could draw from your comment too.
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.
jamesc 9:31PM (10/08/2007)
Italians make all sorts of sweet stuff.
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vchengap 11:40PM (10/08/2007)
Autoblog, please keep the motorcycle coverage coming! You guys rock.
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Blake 11:44PM (10/08/2007)
Yes. God designed, engineered, and built this. Or maybe not.
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Dave B 12:02AM (10/09/2007)
the only thing that's very useful is the helmet storage. As a comutter bike I'd rather get the yamaha r125 when it comes to canada, looks sweet, should be around 70mpg and hopefully no more then $3500
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andy 3:12AM (10/09/2007)
keep those moto posts comin.
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Blacknimbus 8:16AM (10/09/2007)
It's a good looking scooter. I wonder what the price point is going to be?
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