Aprilia Mana gets 2003 go-ahead

Aprilia has confirmed it is putting the V-twin Mana into mass production next year, as a rival to Ducati’s Multistrada and it’ll be followed by the stunning Blue Marlin café racer soon after.

For more details on the Mana and other forthcoming Aprilia releases, Don’t miss the latest issue of MCN – out July 10.

Based on the Capo Nord big trailie’s RSV Mille-derived, 100bhp engine and chassis, the Mana uses sportsbike-style road wheels and tyres.

Aprilia spokesman Claudio Pavarello said: ” The Mana which will be at the Munich show is quite different to the prototype, and will give a better idea of how the final production version will look when it goes on sale in 2003. ”

He also said the Blue Marlin concept café racer, which impressed so many at last year’s bike shows, will also make it into production – but not until after the Mana is on sale.

It will be joined by a revised RSV Mille R superbike, breaking cover at September’s Munich bike show.