Aprilia has been producing the Mana 850 as an entirely naked bike only, but the Italian manufacturer now also produces the sport-touring version called the Mana 850 GT. At its base, the bike remains the same all-rounder with nothing more than a half-fairing and an adjustable windscreen that is new for 2009, but it is claimed to be a completely new motorcycling concept and that definitely raises a few question marks.
Introduction
Naked motorcycles are known as being versatile and user-friendly, qualities that turn veritable fun commuters out of these things, which always seem to easily find their place on the market. With the 2009 Mana 850 GT, Aprilia adds touring capabilities on top of what still is the body and soul of the original, innovative naked bike.
The new bike is powered by an unchanged 839,3cc, 90-degree V-twin engine (Euro 3 homologated) and values the 76hp and 73Nm with the use of a Sportgear transmission. The intelligent transmission is a Mana characteristic and offers two riding modes: Sequential and Autodrive. The first allows the rider to decide when to change gears either in the classical way (pedal) or by pressing a switch on the handlebar. In case that the rider forgets to downshift when slowing down/decelerating, the Semi-Sequential function intervenes and starts changing down gears. Autodrive mode lets electronics and the CVT transmission to do the entire job for the rider, who only needs to accelerate in order to be supplied with all the needed get-up-and-go. The best of it is that it offers three different mappings: Touring (docile engine and great mileage), Sport (100 per cent use of the engine’s potential) or Rain (to be activated on slippery roads, allowing the rider to change down gears for safe riding). The rider can switch from one mode to another and use the innovative transmission in his favor virtually at all times and in all riding conditions and situations.
Like any veritable sport-touring motorcycle, the GT is fitted with an ABS system. The latest generation 2-channel Continental ABS enables riders to use the bike’s entire braking potential even on surfaces with reduced grip without risking to crash as a result of locking the wheels.
Yet another innovative feature of the Mana is the under-seat fuel tank. The 4.22 gallons unit allows for good autonomy, but that’s not the reason why you’ll find it there. A helmet compartment with non-scratch lining for a full-face helmet, with mobile phone holder, toolkit/glove-box and 12V-power socket is located where the fuel tank would normally be and that is why the Italians went for the under-seat tank. Does this mean that you can even ride the Aprilia Mana 850 GT to the office wearing a suit? Yes, and you don’t need to carry the helmet with you and nobody will be aware of the ride that you had on the way to work.
