APRILIA MANA GT 850
A completely new motorcycling concept, the result of technological expertise, the courage tobelieve in innovation and be daring which is Aprilia's hallmark together with attention paid to motorcyclists' needs and a tendency to look to the future: Mana 850 is a complete motorcycle, thenew frontier, the missing link in an evolution that makes the world of motorcycling and its emotionsaccessible to all types of user.
Sequential/automatic transmission, radial brake calipers, helmet compartment, upside-down forks,Aprilia Mana combines the potential of the motorbike with an unmatched functional nature and flexibility of use. A unique bike in the motorcycling world with a potentially endless number ofvariations: this is the Aprilia Mana GT 850, the version that extends the proverbial versatility of the850 cc produced in Noale even further.
Mana GT 850 is Aprilia's response to a constantly evolving market which is increasingly aware of mobility needs, impatient to try out vehicles that satisfy in daily use as well as on long trips. The Mana GT version is designed to do just that: an elegant half-fairing perfectly integrated in the lines of the bike protects both rider and passenger on long journeys as well as in daily commuting making the bike ideal for touring. The adjustable windshield means that the level of protection can be adjusted to suit your own needs with a unique level of customisation.
Aprilia Mana 850 GT ABS Features
Here are some of the Aprilia Mana GT 850's special features: - Half-fairing with adjustable windshield; - Sportgear transmission: electronically controlled sequential gearshift with two shift modes: seven speed manual or Autodrive with three different mappings: Sport/Touring/Rain; - Helmet compartment with non-scratch lining for a full-face helmet, with mobile phone holder, toolkit/glove-box and 12V-power socket; - New latest generation 2-channel Continental ABS system as standard - Lateral shock absorber easily adjustable with the hand grip in preload and extension; - 90° V engine with four valves per cylinder, Euro 3 homologated; - Brakes with radial calipers; - 43- mm upside down fork; - Steel trellis frame with single piece aluminium swingarm; - Under-seat fuel tank.
With these characteristics, the Mana 850 GT is the most functional and complete bike on themarket. INNOVATIVE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION
The half-fairing makes the GT version even more unique and lets you get the very best out of the V2 850-engine performance with Sportgear transmission. A two-cylinder engine that with its 76 HP and exceptionally flat torque curve gives excellent performance already at low revs, in acceleration, pick-up and at speed, and is the perfect match for the touring soul of the Mana 850 GT and the motorcyclist's need for responsiveness.
Intelligent transmission
The primary drive is the focal point of the entire Mana range. The Sportgear transmission offers therider a choice of different driving modes:
- Sequential mode: The rider decides when to change gear by using the conventional control on the pedal or by pressing a switch on the handlebars as desired. An electronically-controlled servo mechanism acts on the main pulley which changes the gearshift mode with seven gear ratios amazingly quickly. Only during deceleration, if the rider does not manually change gear, the engine automatically changes down gear using the Semi-Sequential function and preventing the minimum RPM threshold from going below the set limit. Another valuable aid to safe riding.
- Fully automatic mode (Autodrive): the sophisticated electronics control everything and the CVT transmission keeps the engine running at maximum torque speed for optimum pick-up and acceleration. The rider can choose from three different mappings:
1. Touring: for those who want a softer power delivery and minimum fuel consumption; 2. Sport: for maximum performance and quick acceleration; 3. Rain: on wet or slippery roads in maximum safety; Semi-Autodrive mode only allows the rider to change down gear. This is useful for overtaking at maximum torque revs or when riding down a hill when engine braking is required.
You can switch from Autodrive to Sequential mode and vice versa at any time and in any riding conditions. The handlebar gearshift control can be disabled from the dashboard.
With this technical solution, the Mana GT 850 adapts perfectly to any type of road and offersrelaxed cruising or exhilarating sports riding depending on the rider's needs or wishes.
ELEGANT DESIGN AND INGENIOUS SOLUTIONS
Mana GT 850 uses the same technical base as the Mana and shares the same exclusive and unmistakable Italian design. The original fairing with adjustable windshield that surrounds thecharacteristic round headlamp, a distinctive feature of the Mana range, is practical and elegant.
The 16-litre tank is located under the saddle in a lower position to distribute weight more evenlyand lower the bike’s centre of gravity making it incredibly light and easy to ride. Where the tankwould normally be is occupied instead by an illuminated storage compartment lined with non-slip, non-scratch material and big enough to hold a full-face helmet as well as a mobilephone holder and a 12V-power socket. All this offers storage capacity which is virtually unheard of in the world of motorcycling.
Like its Naked sister bike, the compartment is opened electrically by a switch on the handlebar. Opening is controlled by a hydropneumatic damper that is designed to prevent accidental opening while the bike is in motion. A manually operated lever under the passenger seat is provided to release the compartment lid in the event of a flat battery.
SPECIAL CHASSIS
The refined chassis on the Aprilia Mana GT 850 guarantees relaxed, safe handling on all road surfaces. The robust steel tube trellis frame has a single piece aluminium swingarm that directly controls a laterally-offset shock absorber that frees precious space for the exhaust pipe in the delicate area behind the engine which makes the motorcycle very compact and manageable when changing direction both in town traffic and when out riding in the hills during the weekend.
On the Mana GT 850 the spring preload and damper rebound can be adjusted with a knob and has been moved to the outside. It can be easily accessed for quick and precise adjustments to adapt to your own particular riding needs and bike load (passenger, luggage, etc.).
The 43-mm upside down fork slides easily and has an optimised set-up that suits the new weight distribution and the touring nature of this bike.Its 120-mm front wheel travel allows you to effortlessly tackle all sorts of road surface and offers the right support even under sport riding conditions.
SAFETY FIRST
The Mana GT 850 is the most versatile motorcycle on the market with the most complete range oftechnical equipment that focuses on the concept of safety. The only one in its category, the efficient braking system, which has a front system with 320 mm discs and radial calipers, combined with a latest generation two-channel Continental ABS system that increases active and passive riding safety even when braking on difficult road surfaces avoiding locking up the brakes as well as improving braking performance. In fact, on the Mana 850 GT ABS all riders can fully use the bike’s generous braking power in perfect safety on any road surface.
Add to this the total concentration on riding guaranteed by the Autodrive gearshift mode even in busy city traffic. Plus traffic light burning acceleration for an agile, responsive and quick motorcycle that pulls you away from any emergency situation as well as Rain mapping to help when riding on road surfaces with reduced grip. Review It's Monday morning on a bright June day in the Italian Dolomites, and if there's a better place to be riding a motorcycle, then I'm not aware of it. The air is crisp, the mountain views stunning, and the road is twisty, smooth and almost deserted. The automatic-transmission Mana GT I'm riding is doing a fine job of living up to its surroundings. The Grand Touring version of the more suburban Mana, the GT comes equipped with a half-fairing, readying it for rides that take you far beyond the city limits. The GT's new fairing does a fine job of deflecting the chilly mountain air off my chest, but just in case the weather takes a turn for the worse, I've stashed my waterproof jacket in one of the spacious accessory saddlebags ($913.40). Arcing through the fantastic curves of these mountain roads, the new Mana feels roomy, comfortable and well equipped-ready to climb mountain passes all the way to Switzerland and beyond. Performance is pretty good, too. The Mana accelerates out of hairpin bends with a satisfying midrange punch, heading for a top speed of about 120 mph. The 839cc V-twin produces a throaty exhaust note that rises and falls rapidly as I thumb through the seven-speed sequential gearbox. Alternatively, I could use the foot shift lever, though it feels pretty odd to operate it without a clutch. Switching to automatic mode means the CVT takes care of everything-all I have to do is point the bike where I want it to go. But on these technical roads it's more fun to take control of the engine. When it comes to shedding speed, the Mana benefits from a powerful braking package complete with competent ABS circuitry as standard equipment. The GT navigates corners quite well thanks to its well-chosen geometry, well-damped suspension and reasonably sticky Pirelli Angel ST tires. The Mana has a fair share of scooter-style practicality. The 4.2-gallon fuel tank lives under the seat, allowing the dummy tank to act as a lockable storage compartment. Large enough to hold my XL Arai, the compartment features a small dome light as well as a power outlet for charging a cell phone, iPod or GPS unit. The potential for combining commuting chores with more interesting riding makes the Mana unique, especially with the GT model's additional wind protection and saddlebags. The windscreen is height-adjustable, though not by much. The seating position is unchanged from that of the standard Mana, offering roomy and comfortable ergonomics suitable for long hauls. The Mana's main drawback is the power-robbing influence of its CVT transmission, which reduces output to a claimed 76 horsepower. Despite having nearly a 100cc displacement advantage over Aprilia's manual-shifted Shiver, it's not nearly as fast. The good news is that Aprilia has added a fairing and ABS without adding too much to the bottom line. The previous Mana (which will no longer be sold in the U.S.) sold for $9899, while the 2010 Mana GT will sell for $10,599. All of which means that the Mana GT, even more than the standard Mana, is likely to appeal to riders who want one bike both for urban commuting and longer trips. If that sounds like you, the GT is worth a look. It can certainly improve Monday mornings-especially if you head for the mountains. Source motorcyclistonline.com |