2008 Aprilia Mana 850

Ever since its industry debut at the 2006 EICMA Milan Bike Show, the Aprilia Mana 850 has been an intriguing design. Now as the 2007 round of bike shows begin, the innovative Mana nears production as a 2008 model and the Italian marque has released more information about its latest streetbike.

Okay, so maybe the name is a bit strange. Wasn't mana the biblical food that fell from heaven like magic, or is it the stuff that fantasy role players use to cast spells... Anyhow, in spite of the hinky biblical/fantasy nomenclature, the Mana 850 is a very exciting two-wheeled design.

The Mana's headline component is the electronically-controlled Sportgear transmission. A conspicuous absence on the new Aprilia is the clutch lever, as the bike's transmission is automatic. Riders still have control, however, as the ground-breaking gearbox design has two methods available - the manual Sequential mode and a fully-automatic Autodrive option. Riders are able to switch back and forth between the two modes at will via a handlebar switch.

Sequential mode allows the rider to shuffle through the seven gear ratios by using either the familiar left-side foot pedal or by pressing a switch on the left handlebar. It is a design reminiscent of the paddle/lever shifting system on the Yamaha FJR1300AE. On deceleration, if the rider does not complete manual downshifts, the Mana will perform the operation on its own.

A rider can opt to let the electronics do all the thinking in Autodrive mode, with a CVT transmission delivering optimal power to the rear wheel. There are three engine mappings available in Autodrive, with Touring and Sport complemented by a Rain setting for when the road surface gets slick. There is also a semi-Autodrive mode available, which permits downshifts for those moments when riders need a boost of acceleration or engine braking.

The headline-generating transmission is mated to a 90-degree V-Twin developed in-house by Aprilia. The oversquare 839cc Twin features an 88mm bore and 69mm stroke. Aprilia claims the liquid-cooled powerplant churns out 76 horsepower and 54 lb-ft or torque at the crank, with a chain drive transferring those numbers to the rear wheel. A Weber Marelli EFI system with 38mm throttle body controls what enters the four-valve per cylinder design, while a Euro-III compliant 2-into-1 exhaust takes care of the leftovers.



Enough with the engine already (how often do you hear that in a new model debut?), because the other distinctive feature on the Mana is its storage capacity, with the new design able to stow a full-face helmet. The helmet tucks away in a compartment located where the traditional fuel tank would sit, the gas instead being stored in a 4.2-gallon underseat design. Built-in helmet storage is an advantage that cannot be overlooked, enhancing further the Mana's potential as a commuter mount.

After the notable gearbox and storage capabilities, the Mana provides a more conventional, standard package. A steel trellis frame delivers sporty steering geometry, with a 24-degree rake, 4 inches of trail and a 55.6-inch wheelbase. The 31.5-inch seat height should accommodate most potential riders.

Suspension is handled by an inverted 43mm fork with 4.7 inches of travel up front. The rear suspender is a hydraulic shock adjustable for preload and rebound damping with 4.9 inches of wheel travel.

Bringing the new Aprilia to a stop are dual 320mm rotors (the same size discs as those on Aprilia's Tuono and Mille literbikes). The large front rotors are pinched down by 4-piston radial calipers, with a single 260mm rear disc configuration out back.

On top of it all, the Mana 850 is a sharp-looking motorcycle. Now our only hope is the new Aprilia makes its way over to U.S. shores, because this pioneering design looks like a load of fun. If you doubt it, make sure to check out www.apriliamana.com for pics and a great video of the bike in action.

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