Aprilia shows off its Mana X concept

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:58:00 EST

Click above for more shots of the Aprilia Mana X concept

Aprilia went out on a limb when it designed its brand-new Mana 850 by equipping the standard-style machine with a CVT shiftless transmission. The rest of the bike isn't quite as revolutionary, but interesting features such as a large storage unit big enough to house a helmet where the gas tank would normally sit and an electronic ride-by-wire system that features multiple throttle maps allow the bike to stand out as an excellent commuter. All of that technology, along with Aprilia's first in-house developed V-Twin engine, was most definitely expensive to develop, and parent-company Piaggio surely wants to recoup that money as quickly as possible.

Variations on the Mana's basic theme are to be expected, and the first one is the Mana X concept bike that comes from the EICMA show Milan. While the same basic chassis underpins the X, everything the rider touches has been tweaked or completely redesigned. It's tough to pigeonhole the X with one particular label, as its design seems influenced by dirt trackers, scramblers and supermotos. Whatever the case, it definitely looks like it would be a blast to ride.

Gallery: Aprilia Mana X concept

[Source: Aprilia, Hell for Leather]

Aprilia shows off its Mana X concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aprilia's 850 Mana - God's gift to motorcyclists?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Motorcycle

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]

Gallery: Aprilia 850 Mana

Aprilia's 850 Mana - God's gift to motorcyclists? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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