Aprilia MANA 850

[SAFit07]

Just a few words on the Aprilia MANA we've had since last August.

I began riding it more often than the MP3 250 we had due to the highway stability...plus, having the automatic feel of a 'mega-scoot' 250 and than jumping on the 850 was just a night/day difference. It was like, "wow!" So much more off the line and near the top end than the MP3. Thus, I began riding it more.

I don't have many miles (7,000) under my belt after having gotten back into riding a year ago. Before that, it'd been almost 10 years since I last rode. Had always missed it though. But for a commuter platform, it's probably right behind the MP3 in being an 'ultimate commuter platform'. Ya just have to 'twist & go'. The wife and I liked it for it's looks and she luvs it even more. No clutch to worry about and loves the sitting stance of a motorcycle vs. a mega-scoot.

The storage compartment where the tank would normally be on most rides is very convenient. Some full face helmets may fit. My lunch bag/box fits perfectly. The mileage is around the mid-40's. The windscreen is a Puig aftermarket which I recommend. The Aprilia full screen is not avail stateside due to DOT rules/regs. However, some have purchased them fromt he UK w/ no problem. There are hard cases for the side & top. No need fro them yet.

The cool thing about the ride is one can choose between (3) modes or mappings for the CPU & tranny 'feels'. A RAIN, SPORT, & TOURING modes one can choose before rolling on the throttle. Heck, if one wants too, a GEAR MODE is available which allows the rider to change gears the traditional way or via a - or + button on the left-hand side of the bars. I've tried all three modes and one can tell a difference in sound, 'butt' feel, & torque response. TOURING seems to be the smoothest too me.

There's no tach, since you really don't need one, and the speedometer is an analog version. I like the high-beam button...it's depressed or engaged via the pointer finger.

Two colors available only so far. RED & the gray/silver version.

I recommend AF1 Racing in New Braunfels, TX for a test ride. Their DEMO they've had since last May. Give 'em a call and try something different. It might be the wave of the future....we'll just have to see I suppose.

I've posted a couple of pics. Hope this has helped a bit and hope to see some of ya out on the roads....I"m now on a Shiver mostly.

[wczimmerman]

Very interesting bike review. Please continue to keep us updated on your ride as a personal long-term test. Definitely some cool tech on that bike!

[ceddec]

So how is maintenance & up keep? Have you had any issues you would like to share? Why are you on the Shiva mostly now?

[SAFit07]

Really haven't had any issues except for an error code 'popping' up twice over it's 2500 miles. What'll happen is it'll default to RAIN MODE & have an error indication on the instrument strip. I've made it go away by 'rebooting' the bike....just stopping when able to and restarting. Once I got back to the shop, they re-shot the mapping codes and haven't had any issues since.

The bike is the wife's. I love the SHIVER's looks more and the challenge of mastering the clutch/throttle again. Plus, even stock it sounds so cool too.

Not that it matters much but it's about 70lbs lighter than the MANA. I'm just fortunate to have two 'nakeds' in the stable!

[jnappier]

Thanks for the discussion. I have considered one for my wife. She currently has a Burgman 400.

[Valker]

My one legged son sure does want a Mana. He can manage a shifter on some bikes, but it is always a hassle. The Mana is the first bike that has really excited him in years....I will keep my eyes peeled for one he/we can afford.

[KLRKrup47]

I was very interested in getting out to ride the Mana at the demo day they have coming up at the end of the month, however we have family coming in from back east that weekend. But now that I hear they have one in their test fleet maybe I can sneak out there give it a ride sometime.
I really like the idea of having a storage compartment like that. Especially if it fits a full face helmet. Does it lock? cuz then it would be good for storing your helmet when off the bike at the store and stuff

[SAFit07]

Yep, the storage compartment does lock and is accessible in one of two ways:

1. Manually via the key/lock above the taillight which 'pops' open the passenger pad. Once lifted, the gas cap is accessible and so is a 'flush' lever that you pull up just a bit to 'pop' open the lid.

2. Upon power on via key, doesn't have to be started, there is a pwr'd button on the left-hand side that 'pops' open the compartment.

Just a heads-up, though the compartment may fit some full faced helmets, I don't think it'll fit all of them. A recent issue of RIDER magazine showed a full-faced fitting but my ARAI Quantum II Medium size full-face won't fit.

Again, AF1's still got their DEMO. I don't know of too many other places around here that has one to offer.

Oh, they recently took it down to Alamo Speedway....was consistently hitt'n 13.4's every run.

[SAFit07]

Found this link on a MANA review from last fall. Has more pics than I provided.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...a-mana-850.htm

Will have to give one on our SHIVER soon too....man, for a stock pipe...love the sound.

[labandit]

Interesting...this will definitely bring more riders to the rode, thus more awareness. Hopefully the other side of the coin does not increase either..(inexperienced riders not thinking critically/defensively getting hurt. good review.

[stacie074]

have you have any other problems with the machine?
this bike has caught my attention....

[SAFit07]

Howdy!

We've got 3400 miles on her now. Haven't had any issues since the first few hundred miles. A really 'revolutionary' ride....some could say it may make 'a list' down the road.

Anyhow, I'll attach a link from the guys @ AF1 in New Braunfels site. They've still got their DEMO (10k + miles & a Leo Vance pipe) to try too....




Until next time...

[Chirpy]

Saw one at Mid-Ohio in the "flesh". Typical Aprilia gorgeousness. Loved the storage.

[jrflanne]

I took AF1's demo for a ride while they were doing some minor work on my Tuono. Besides, I really like dropping by there. Anyway, I found the performance to be very good. I got it up to 95 very easily. The tranny worked very well and there was absolutely nothing I didn't like about the Mana. I remember thinking that when I rode it. I was especially impressed with the handling, brakes and suspension, but it is an Aprilia after all. AF1 says they have trouble selling them, but I think they would make a great commuter and around town bike, but it was nice on the highway also. I could see myself on one, one of these days and wouldn't hesitate recommending one.

[Wes]

My wife has been eyeing one of these as a touring replacement for her BV500. She has developed a "more power" bug.

[plasticguy]

Hi, this is my first post on this site.
I am from Canada and purchased a 2009 Mana about a month ago and just love it. Have had no problems whatsoever and cant stay off of it.

FYI SAFit, I have an ARAI Quantum E Medium size full-face hemet and it does fit in my Mana - just. I don't know if the Quantum II is bigger than the E but you should try it again. It goes in face side up and the top of the helmet at the front end of the compartment (ie closest to the front of the bike). Just jiggle/adjust it until the compartment lid sounds like it clicks to close when you lay it down. The face screen needs to be be closed too so you have to throw your gloves and anything else inside the helmet after its in and then close the face screen again.

good luck and ride safe