Aprilia joins the companies bringing out standard motorcycles with automatic transmissions. You can expect to see this growing fast in many segments, especially if these early entrants see much success. I would be very surprised if all of the manufacturers didn’t have an automatic or two somewhere in their lineup before long.
From Aprilia:
The NA 850 Mana. Never has there been such an innovative and technologically revolutionary Aprilia. An advanced system for electronic controlling of the transmission allows for a relaxed ride with the utmost amount of fun and efficiency. The Aprilia 850 Mana is a motorcycle without competitors in the international market, capable of delivering results under any types of use. A simple touch of the button on the handlebar of the Aprilia 850 Mana and you enter into a completely different world. Three separate mappings for the totally automatic transmission and a sequential shift with 7 gears make it easy to find the best-adapted configuration for the traffic and riding conditions of the Aprilia 850 Mana.
Schneegz says
This Aprilia not only has a “manumatic” transmission, it also holds its fuel underneath the seat, which leaves enough room in the traditional fuel tank location for a storage compartment large enough to fit a full face helmet. Add to that some very obvious luggage mounting points and what appears to be a wide, cushy seat, and I’d say it’s pretty much an ideal commuter bike.
This engine and transmission, by the way, is also found in a Piaggio scooter. I like the Mana, but I’m unfamiliar with Piaggio maintenance and reliability. I’m taking a “wait and see” attitude with this new technology.
todd says
Though Piaggio has a very positive history of maintenance and reliability (stemming all the way back to the original Vespas) we are unlikely to see this motorcycle available here in the US. The variator drive is a good one if you don’t like to shift but it’s not so great in stop and go traffic. With a manual transmission you can creep along in gear and adjust the throttle to adjust your speed. With a variator like this bike will have it will not engage unless you rev the engine more than seems neccessary. Engine braking works fine until the clutch disengages unexpectantly and sends you coasting into someone’s bumper. Ideally a rider does not have to creep along with traffic risking being rear-ended but can split lanes continuosly moving through traffic. Try commuting a little with a scooter to see how much you like the problems I’ve stated above before considering an automatic for a commuter.
As for the Aprilia 850 engine and drive being used in a Piaggio scooter (probably a Gilera) I’m not familiar with it. The largest scooter I’ve seen is Suzuki’s 650 Burgman. Is the 850 available in the US?
-todd
Tinker says
Hey I already HAVE a commuter with an automatic. Its great! Of course its a 1978 model, not some new whizz-bang CVT, but a gin-you-wine Hondamatic. It is a bit lacking in engine-braking, but it is remarkably consistent. No, no clutch, but a parking brake is provided. I’d like a bit of storage, but it has the same amount my Yamaha Riva did (which is to say, NONE). It does go a bit faster than the 1988 Riva 200-Z. Has MUCH better brakes (disc/drum vs two drums on the Riva), and a better suspension, since the engine is not mounted on the swing arm on the Honda. seems like not so much progress from 1978 to 1988. Heck not so much from 1978 to today!
John says
I was born with not one but two club feet, a congenital deformation of the ankles. Long story short, while I am able to do plenty today that I wouldn’nt be able to had I been born just 10 years earlier (for which I am very very thankfull), I have a dream of riding a motorcycle long distances with my friends and family. Indeed, my in-laws are all motorcycle riders and I ache to join. The advent of these types of motorcycles for me is a dream come true. Notwithstanding those purists that believe that this is the end of ‘true’ motoring. (hopefully you will never smash your left ankle in an accident), I for one look forward to tearing the nearest highway soon!!
Dave says
I am very interested in this bike for use as my daily commuter and I think there should be more mid-size auto-tranny commuting bikes available. Also, I like the front storage that fits a full-face helmet.
joseph again says
CAN someone please contact me about the speed of htis bike and where I can GET ONE??!!?!?!? jofisallenmojo athotmail dot com
Dudel says
Re: “CAN someone please contact me about the speed of htis bike and where I can GET ONE?”
The 850 Mana is reportedly blazingly fast off the start… ask your local Aprilia dealer for availability and delivery dates.
Derr says
I have an automatic as a commuter and it is great as well. It’s not the only way to go, but to me, it’s the best way. I LOVE LOVE this new Aprilia Mana. I like the 750 Shiver too. I hope they become availiable in the U.S.
I will buy both of them-Mana first. The dealer in Texas didn’t know if they are planning to sell them over here, but he did say the more we respond the better chance we have. Options. We look for them in just about everything we purchase, so why not motorcycles. We’ll leave this earth long before a good motorcycle ever will. Lets ride!
Greg Goodwin says
Will the NA 850 Mana be available at Aprilia dealership in the United States? Or, will it only be for sale in Europe? Does anyone know who to contact at Aprilia in order to encourage them to make it available in the US?
Pattie says
I already have a Honda Silver Wing 600 scooter. I don’t experience any problems in traffic with the variator drive as one post earlier said. It’s much easier than having to shift and your hand doesn’t get tired from having to use a clutch as on a regular motorcycle.
I’d BUY this bike and get rid of my scooter if was availabe in the U.S. I get too much crap from people about my “scooter” and I really like that the Mano looks like a real motorcycle.
Paul says
I commute everyday there isn’t ice or snow on the road. My burgman 650 and I have no problems in the heaviest stop and go traffic. There is no problem with automatic CVT transmissions. These things look way cool I’d buy one of these in a heartbeat.
Jack Penney says
With an atificial left knee and nerve damaged left foot a CVT motorcycle will my cup of tea! I’m tired of upshifting with my left heel, too many missed shifts in heavy traffic. My local Aprilia dealer has no clue as to the availability for this bike. I agree with the scooter guy, you will take a lot of crap on a scooter. I have visited my local Suzuki dealer and suggested they should put the Burgman drivetrain in a bike frame. They just smile and say why should we? We sell all the Burgmans they build! Let it be known the first CVT bike to hit the USA shores will be a trendsetter for others to follow. There is a huge market of seniors, handicapped and wrist weary riders who would love to commute on a bike like this. Let the CVT’s flow.
Clive says
By the way – all you U.S. riders may be interested in this, although I expect you may know about the company already: Ridley Motorcycles (It seems the spam filter on this site won’t allow URLs, but if you put that phrase into google, it should find them.) (The ‘Auto Glide Sport’ is a particular object of desire, long-term! 😀 )
Unfortunately for us Europeans, it seems there are no dealers for Ridley on this side of the Atlantic. As it is, I’ve only recently started riding and so am currently limited (in Britain) to a 125, so I’m riding a Piaggio X9. I have a paralysed left foot and so can’t operate a gear lever sufficiently well to feel safe.
Another possible option is the auto-change system for normal bikes manufactured over here (Britain) bu Kliktronic. (Again, a google search should find them easily.) They do custom fittings of their automated gearchanger and I assume there must be an equivalent company in the States, somewhere, too. I couldn’t afford to indulge in such a system recently, but I might look at it in the long term, if I can never afford a Mana or a Ridley.
I hope this helps.
Bode says
My dealer hear also cannot tell me when or if this bike will be available. I currently ride a Ridley Classic and it is awesome. This Mana would be a great addition to the garage. CVT is definately the way to go.
Al G. says
I currently own a Burgman 650, which I love. I’ve been intrigued by the Mana 850 since I first heard about it early this year. I can’t seem to find anything about actual weight or expected gas mileage. Nor does any U.S. dealer seem to know whether or not they’re going to be getting any in stock (last I heard was maybe spring 2008??). American riders are overall more concerned with image than practicality and it seems most dealers are afraid it won’t sell well here. My concern is whether with only a 15 liter gas tank this bike is going to have any useful range.
Clive says
Slight update:
According to my ‘biker friend’ this week’s Motorcycle News (MCN) paper version has a full review of the Mana. He’s saving his copy for me after he’s finished with it.
At the moment the review isn’t on their website and due to the stupid spam filter on this site, I can’t post the URL to the articles they *have* got there. However, if you google [ motorcyclenews +mana ] you should find the links to their articles, with accompanying videos.
Michael says
Now that is a thing of beauty. But I can’t help but wonder if it’s out of my price range! LOL. It’s about time autoshift motors got a full on chance.
jim weber says
Iam buying one on tuesday yeee haaa !!!!!!!
Drew says
Where are you buying yours? I’m in Southern California and am interesed in buying one.
SweeperDave says
I am excited at the prospect of the Aprilia 850 Mana and those like it that will surely follow. I’m a maxi-scooter fan who rides with fun AND practicality in mind. Honda’s DN-01 concept, while an automatic “scooter” with a motorcycle design goes off on a tangent, The Mana has the ample storage where the Honda has nothing and a “standard” look that is appealing. I’m hoping it will lead Suzuki, Kawasaki and Honda into a line of automatic bikes that have a bit of storage. This will surely create a market that has been waiting in the sidelines for far too long.
Dave
jim weber says
Deep creek Maryland, extreme power sports is where i purchased it. I had it about a month and love it.Ps paid 9,500 out the door
Marianne says
I’m picking mine up next Friday :-D. And no I’m not a scooter rider looking to upgrade, my current bike is a Yamaha FZS 600 Fazer and I have a chinese (ie; cheap) 200cc off roader as well. I’m buying the Mana because it’s ridiculously easy to ride (with the exception of seat height). I do however have some ligament damage in my left hand which requires a more sit-up-and-beg riding position so while the off-roader is fine, the Fazer is now less comfortable. Lack of a clutch lever on the Mana is an added bonus in this regard. Re the seat: WHY did thay make such a great bike and then set the seat height at 800mm?!? Not good for us short people (I’m 5’4″). The forks are being pushed through by 20mm and the seat is undergoing a major cut-down-and-gel-pad-insertion to allow me to get more than just my toes on the floor. Reactions to the news that I’m buying an automatic bike have ranged from surprise to outright disapproval … Auto CARS are relatively rare in the UK so this reaction to an auto bike was pretty much expected. I look forward to proving the purists wrong.
LOUIS SILVESTRI says
I have a Ridley automatic. I disagree with the person who stated you have “no control” in stop and go traffic. You have better control. I think the Italian scooters and motorcycles are superior as far as scooters and motorcycles are concerned. Especially with regards to the CVT transmission. This bike has a lot more horsepower compared to the Ridley. Unless Ridley comes out with a larger engine, my next bike will be an Aprilia Mano.