The Aprilia Mana 850, ABS & Mana GT Motorcycle Page Motorbike Crazy brings you all the latest details, reviews and specifications on this super bike!!

Aprilia have revolutionised the motorbiking world by introducing the electronic gearbox used in the Mana 850.

Mana GT 850 and Mana 850 share the same innovative engine developed by the Aprilia Research & Development team to make the most of the revolutionary qualities of the Sportgear® electronically controlled transmission. This radical innovation replaces the conventional gearbox and offers the rider a choice between Sequential shift mode and Autodrive mode, which offers three maps to suit different riding styles and engine needs.
You can select between these two modes with the simple click of a button, with sequential mode making it feel like you are driving an F1 car, and autodrive providing maximum torque at all times for speedier acceleration.



MATRIX INSTRUMENT PANEL
The handlebar button as shown above puts the multiple functions of the analogue-digital instrument panel at your fingertip. The sporty instrument panel also has its own dedicated self-diagnostic memory. The LED backlighting -
white for the analogue area and red for the digital display - has three different brightness settings to ensure the data can be read at all times.

The Mana in Sequential Mode
This option gives you total control over the gearbox, letting you select between 7 speeds with incredible speed and precision: bend after bend, traffic light after traffic light In Semi-Sequential mode, if the rider does not manually change gear, the transmission downshifts automatically to prevent engine speed from falling below the predetermined minimum threshold.

The Mana in Autodrive
The Mana has a 839.3cc V-twin engine has a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that produces 76BHP and a top speed of 120mph. When in autodrive the electronic transmission system handles everything producing maximum torque and acceleration at all times. On top of the automatic system there are three mapping systems so you really can get the most out of you Mana.

Touring: Ideal for making your long distance journey more relaxed.
Sport: For tackling the tarmac with a vengeance and provide one hell of a ride.
Rain: Provide a safe journey even in slippery conditions.

The 90° V architecture engineensures class beating performance: 839.3cc produces 76.1 bhp at the crankshaft, with 7.45 kgm of torque available at incredibly low engine speeds (just 5,000 rpm). The 4 valve per cylinder timing layout with a single overhead camshaft is exceptionally effective and also simplifies maintenance. The injection system is also managed by a sophisticated electronic system to optimise performance and reduce emissions. The stainless steel exhaust system with catalytic converter and lambda probe (Euro 3) also contributes to the environmental credentials of the engine.

Mana Technology
On The Aprilia Mana Motorcycle even the brake system features a degree of technological sophistication worthy of a much more expensive bike. The front brake has four-piston radial callipers stopping a pair of floating discs with full 320 mm diameter and controlled by a hydraulic pump with integrated reservoir. A 260-mm rear disc brake completes the system.

The Mana is also available in the ABS version. The sophisticated dual channel ABS further enhances the active and passive safety of the bike. This system lets the rider make full use of the power of the oversized brake system, even in unforeseen situations and in difficult or treacherous conditions. This impressive feature is fitted as standard on the GT!

Obsessive attention to detail can even be found in the suspension. The upside down fork with 43-mm stanchions offers superbly effective and progressive damping action. The adjustable side-mounted shock absorber, linked directly to the monolithic aluminium swingarm, has made a shorter wheelbase possible, therefore providing greater manoeuvrability. Wheel travel is 120 mm at the front and 125 mm at the rear: the ideal values for tackling the whole spectrum of road conditions, from cobbled city streets to mountain switchbacks. On the Mana GT 850, the rear shock absorber is equipped with an adjustment dial as standard, for finding the perfect setup to cater for the additional weight of a passenger or luggage for longer journeys even more quickly and easily.

The frame of the Mana GT 850 and Mana 850 was developed in parallel with the engine for total symbiosis between the chassis and the powerplant. Its tubular steel trellis structure ensures benchmark levels of rigidity to suit the characteristics of the transmission and engine performance, resulting in remarkable precision in the bends.

Mana Styling

This stunning Aprilia machine really does stand out from the crowd in every way, from the perfect architecture and visual effect of the exposed frame to the aggressive and elegant round headlight. On the GT version, this unique character gains additional protectiveness and aerodynamic efficiency with the ability to adjust the windscreen to suit you personal preference.

The saddle has been located under the seat, this is a race derived solution that ensures the bikes centre of gravity remains balanced in all conditions.

The Mana also boasts a spacious front compartment which is large enough for a flip-up helmet. The compartment features internal lighting and is lined with a slip-proof, scratch-resistant surface. The compartment also includes a mobile phone pocket and a 12-V power socket: everything you need conveniently within reach.

Mana Specs

Engine:	Aprilia 90° longitudinal V twin four stroke. Liquid cooled. Single overhead cam with chain drive, four valves per cylinder. Euro 3.
Fuel:	Unleaded petrol
Bore x Stroke:	88 x 69mm
Total displacement:	839.9cc
Maximum power at crank:	56 kW (76.1 HP) at 8,000 rpm.
Maximum torque at crank:	7.45 kgm (73 Nm) at 5,000 rpm.
Fuel System:	Integrated engine management system.
Ignition:	Digital electronic ignition, with two spark plugs per cylinder, integrated with fuel injection system.
Starting:	Electric
Exhaust:	Two in one system in 100% stainless steel with three-way catalytic converter and Lambda probe.
Clutch:	Automatic
Front suspension:	43 mm upside-down fork. Wheel travel: 120 mm.
Rear suspension:	Aluminium alloy single-piece swingarm. Hydraulic shock absorber adjustable in spring preload and rebound damping.
Wheel travel:	125mm
Front Brakes:	Double stainless steel floating disc (Ø 320 mm). Radial calipers with four pistons.
Rear Brakes:	Stainless steel disc (Ø 260 mm). Single piston caliper. Continental two channel ABS system (Version for Mana ABS, as standard for Mana GT 850).
Wheels:	Aluminium alloy.
Seat height:	800mm
Tank capacity:	16litres

 

Mana Accessories
An array of accessories are available for the Mana so you can style the bike to suit your needs. Amongst these are a set of rigid panniers designed in perfect harmony with the lines of bike, large enough to hold one flip-up helmet each and made from impact resistant, scratch resistant and wear resistant material. The top box and stainless steel luggage rack help extend the load capacity of your bike while maintaining perfect weight distribution, an effective rear splash guard protects you from any water picked up from a wet road and an adjustable comfort windscreen protects your from all the elements. The full range of Mana accessories can be found on our website.

Mana Reveiews & Testimonials

Motorcycle.com
The Aprilia Mana, while not necessarily tempting all riders in motorcycledom, should provide many people with an excellent alternative to the traditional transmission motorcycle. It's a capable mount in just about every riding environment with a very welcoming nature wrapped in a high-tech package. I have to admit: over time the sheer simplicity of doing nothing more than twisting the throttle made the Mana more enticing to ride, especially in stop-and-go congestion-burdened Los Angeles. On a few occasions the fact that I didn’t have to continually manipulate the clutch lever as punishment for being trapped behind slow-moving cagers during a technical downhill decent actually made the ride more enjoyable.
What the Mana 850 may lack in suspension performance, it more than makes up for in braking brilliance from the potent pair of Aprilia-branded radial-mount 4-piston calipers. The binders have heaps of power to crush the 320mm rotors, and their performance would be flawless if it weren’t for what I perceived as a minor amount of numbness exacerbated by the long-ish reach to the lever. Despite being 4-way adjustable, distances between positions on the lever are still too far apart. Even our photog Fonzie, with his size Large glove, noted the relatively long reach. This may seem nit-picky, but considering many women or short-stature riders may be attracted to the Mana for its overall ease-of-use, we figured we’d point out this minor issue.The Mana 850 will probably make sense to a lot of folks. And when we consider the amount of technology on tap, its great brakes, comfortable riding position, excellent fit and finish and the $9,899 MSRP, its value really starts to come into view. All the more so in light of the $5,700 savings over Honda’s similarly functioning DN-01 scootercycle. (Full review can be viewed here)

Rider reviews (from MCN)

1) The Mana GT is most definitely available...I demo'd one last weekend and the dealer said theyre getting lots of interest. Ive got to say, I can see why. what a fantastic bike! Its so clever and the gear box is so good. At first I played around with the paddles on the bars and the conventional gear lever but after a bit I just forgot about them and enjoyed the most relaxing riding experience I think ive ever had! Bliss on a bike it was :) I reckon you could fit a chinese on your way home from work under the false tank as well, complete with starters :) Probably keep it warm as well haha!
Very impressive, Aprilia. Londons' a nightmare at rush hour, my left hands' usually dead by the time I get to work. I'm looking for a second bike to commute on so I can keep the Kawasaki for weekend use and I think just found the perfect solution :)))

2) I've had a Mana for 5 months. So far nothing has gone wrong and I love the thing to bits. Buy one second hand if you can live without the ABS and stick a Puig screen on it. Save yourself a fortune. I bought mine with 700 miles on it for 4700. It was absolutely mint and it's still lovely now.
You won't believe how great it is to have some luggage space and since most people don't know it's there, it's unlikely ever to be broken into. Unlike a top box.
Plenty fast enough for town and gets 44mpg, in town. Much more out of town though I haven't measured precisely. The trip computer is wildy pessimistic by the way.
Slow speed maneuvering is a doddle, and it's brisk off the lights. ABS would be the only thing I would add after I locked the front when a security guard dropped a barrier in front of me as I was leaving a car park!
It's uncomfortable after more than an hour in the saddle but I'm very tall. Other than that I can't fault it. Why anybody would want to commute with a clutch is beyond me. Go do it.