Aprilia Mana 850 (2007-current)

Had a go on one of these whilst getting some work done on my bike. Too pricey new but some good deals around 2nd hand. It has a nice throbby twin motor with plenty of grunt and the bike feels so light and compact. Decent quality with nice gimmicks like a huge LCD monitor display and metal shift buttons. The tiptronic is a bit of waste of time tho, as you can't really tell from the sound when to shift so just stick it in auto and let rip, I think from standstill this'll embarrass virtually everything through sheer ease of use. large storage area really useful and practical. Personally, i would prefer it half-faired with either belt or enclosed final drive. Narrow lowish seat suits shorties and women, get one for the missus and then nick it for joyrides.

I've owned my Mana since June 2008, and love it. I have returned to biking with a 6 year gap, and wanted a street bike without the nutter power level that most bike reviewers seem to be pushing, with good looks, handling etc. I have not ridden a scooter before, and did not 'need' the auto box, but thought that it was innovative, and liked the ride during my 2 tests enough that i bought it (first was solo, 2nd with the girlfriend, now the missus, on the back). The auto gearbox is great, and I usually use it in manual in the sticks for a more interesting/involved ride, and auto (touring) around town. The sport mode makes the engine vibrate too much (too high revving), so i don't use this. I have not used 'rain' mode much, amazing as i live in Belgium ;o) so cannot comment on it's effect. Givi luggage is great (3 box set, mono key). The 'tank' storage compartment is not big enough for a full face helmet (at least not my Arai or Schuberth C3), but as it has my alarm box, intercom box, ipod, preload spanner, side stand 'plate', tyre gauge, bungee net, registration docs etc. in it, it is very convenient. quality of the bike, and controls are very good. (the bike has a handbrake, as the gearbox is always in neutral unless it is engaged). shame it is chain drive rather than belt drive, as it is a pain in the a**e to lube the chain without a centre stand (previous bikes were Transalp with centre staand, and R1100GS with shaft, so no probs here with lube-ing). the Aprilia screen is a barn-door so i am trying to get a smaller universal Givi screen to fit at the moment (difficult due to instrument cluster overhanging headlamp, but hopefully will work when i get the time: riding at 120km/hr+ is tiring due to wind pressure). I had heated grips fitted, but these are uncomfortable (large diameter) and make the bars vibrate to a painful degree so they are coming off! (will try alternative: perhaps oxford grips). mirrors are not wide enough, or perhaps my elbows are too big. no vibration in them though, will try some aftermarket ones soon. The wife and I went to south of France from Belgium in summer 2008, and loved the ride, very comfy for both of us on the sweeping French back roads, but not so good on the autoroute (really needs a small screen to deflect the wind). Two-up performance is a bit more sedate due to extra weight, so may consider the Mana 1200 when it comes out later in 2009 (?). Summary: a great looking, reliable bike with innovative transmission. Would definitely recommend, and buy one again (perhaps a less tall version for the missus?) Graham

After 6 months ownership and 5500 miles I thought it was time to add my comments on this super motorcycle.As a 60 year old ex racer who values his licence, I have turned my back on sports bikes in this speed concious society.The Mana gives me the ease and laziness of my Burgman 650 scooter with the get up and go and handling of all but the most focussed sports bikes. Think SV650,ER6 and add an auto box and you end up with a Mana, but with some important additions: instant GO from the auto box (play with the 3 modes or manual change if you wish..but it really is not necessary) it surprises much bigger bikes and friends with 1200GS, Fazer 1000 etc know now to engage a lower gear out of corners etc or they will be left by the Mana! The Tank storage is great. Fuel consumption is averaging 60/61 over 5500 mls..ignore the instrument average as it is at least 15% too thirsty (I have read that it works on US gallons!!) Bad points: mudguard weather protection is bad, it needs a longer front guard and a wider rear; original Dunlop Qualifiers are too sports orientated and feel nervous at normal lean angles only coming into their own when "trying"...they lasted 5000 and now I have fitted Michelin Pilot 2's...far better feedback and surprisingly I am using more of the edge of the tyre! The silver paint on some of the plastics is coming off, not helped by constant washing due to the poor mudguarding.It is a fiddly bike to wash with loads of nooks and crannies..not good if like me you prfer riding to washing. I have fitted the Aprilia screen and also fitted a fender extenda, heated grips,knuckle guards and pillion mounted givi rack and the bikes suits me just fine. I have also converted it to belt drive (home made) and understand that the prototype had belt drive!! I suppose it was deemed a step too far for such an innovative machine to break into mainsteam biking....shame. Bring on the Mana Touring and Mana 1200