2008 Aprilia 850 Mana Review

Test Ride

With its exclusive and unmistakably Italian design, the 850 Mana is unique among motorcycles. Its revolutionary Sportgear transmission is electronically controlled to deliver unrivalled riding pleasure.

No ordinary motorcycle, the 850 Mana is destined to change the riding habits of bikers all over the world.

The Mana takes all the stress from motorcycling while injecting more satisfaction and more fun into riding under all conditions, from commuting to sports touring on the open road.

All you need to do to enter a whole new world is press the button on the handlebars. Everything is managed by an electronic control system that leaves you free to relax and enjoy the ride.

The transmission management system offers a choice of three “Autodrive” mappings plus a manual, seven speed, sequential gearshift.

The clutch lever has gone: the extraordinary sportgear transmission gives the pleasure of a very quick gearshifting with brilliant performance, especially in acceleration.

On the Mana you can be absolutely certain to find the perfect ratio for any traffic condition and riding preference. Whether you are just nipping across town or blowing away the cobwebs on a winding country road, the 850 Mana always delivers the ideal response and the same unique riding satisfaction. Whatever the conditions, and whoever the rider (even the most demanding), the Mana guarantees a perfect, peak-efficiency ride that lets you discover hitherto unknown potential.

The Mana offers the rider three possible options:

• Sequential mode: The rider decides for himself when to change gear, either using the conventional pedal or a switch on the handlebars. A servo mechanism shifts the main pulley to change between the seven gear ratios amazingly quickly.
• Fully automatic mode (Autodrive): Sophisticated electronics assume control over everything, and the CVT transmission keeps the engine running at maximum torque speed for optimum pickup and acceleration. The Sportgear transmission offers a choice of three mappings:
• Touring: for minimum consumption and maximum usability,
• Sport: for top performance with blistering acceleration,
• Rain: for use on wet or slippery roads
• Semi-Autodrive mode: it allows the rider only to change down independently. This is particularly useful for overtaking at maximum torque revs or for boosting engine braking when riding down a hill.

 

Design

Aprilia has always believed in utility design, but has developed the concept to its maximum expression on the 850 Mana, creating a naked that is more versatile than any other. The saddle height is only 800 mm. Loading capacity has no comparison in the motorcycle world. The 16 litre tank is located under the seat, lower than normal, to distribute weight more evenly and lower the bike’s centre of gravity. The “traditional” tank location is occupied instead by an illuminated storage compartment that is lined with non-slip, non-scratch material and big enough to house a full face helmet. The compartment also incorporates mobile phone storage and a 12V power socket. The vehicle documents and toolkit are also located inside the same compartment.

Engine

The 90° V engine configuration, chosen for torque and power delivery, is the perfect match for this type of transmission. The engine delivers 76 horsepower at the crank and well in excess of 7 kgm of torque (at 5,000 rpm).

As is traditional for Aprilia’s big bike engines, lubrication is provided by a dry sump system, with a separate oil reservoir integrated inside the engine to minimise overall weight.

Efficient engine breathing is ensured by a generous size filter box and exhaust system. The electronic engine management system incorporates a sophisticated Weber Marelli electronic fuel injection unit with a single 38 mm throttle body and twin spark ignition.

The Mana’s high performance engine respects the environment keeping emissions well within the limits established by Euro 3.

Frame, suspensions, brakes: 100% Aprilia

The robust steel tube trellis frame sets new standards for this class of machine and ensures top level handling in line with the characteristics of the innovative engine. The single piece aluminium swingarm is damped by a monoshock that is laterally offset to free up space for the exhaust pipe behind the engine and make the motorcycle more compact. The 850 Mana has a wheelbase of only 1,463 mm, extremely short for a naked. The 43 mm upside down fork slides easily and features an optimised setup for excellent performance even under sport riding conditions.

At the rear, the monoshock is operated directly by the swingarm and offers adjustments for spring preload and hydraulic rebound damping.

Impressive stopping power is delivered by the very best braking technology currently available, developed in-house by Aprilia. Radial calipers with 4 pistons are the state of the art for motorcycle brakes and ensure maximum active safety under all braking conditions. The generous front discs are 320 mm in diameter, the standard size for Aprilia’s big bikes, and are complemented by a single 260 mm rear disc.

Colour versions: Blue Couture, Competition Black, Red Passion and Lead Grey.

 ----

Aprilia 850 Mana Overview

Once again, Aprilia leads the way, leaving its competitors to follow in its wake.
The Aprilia NA 850 Mana ushers in a new way of getting about on two wheels. Practical when needed, sporty when you want, the NA 850 Mana combines two bikes in one, a genuine motorcycling revolution. 

The Aprilia NA 850 Mana explores new frontiers in mobility, a modern naked, powerful and fun, with a revolutionary gearbox, electronically controlled for unique riding pleasure. Thanks to the innovative NA 850 Mana technology, the bike is able to satisfy different riding styles and different needs. 

The Aprilia NA 850 Mana is today the maximum of advanced technology applied to a bike. A daring challenge which only Aprilia’s extraordinary technical abilities could take on and win. There is nothing to match the Aprilia NA 850 Mana anywhere on the world market, a unique and ultra-advanced design. A bike capable of delivering great satisfaction in any conditions, from about town trips to routes demanding a sporty ride. A simple touch on the handlebar button and the Aprilia NA 850 Mana takes you into another world.

Completely automatic transmission with three mappings, or sequential gear change with seven gears: with the Aprilia NA 850 Mana it is literally impossible not to find the most suitable configuration for the particular traffic and/or riding conditions or your specific needs. Whether tackling an about-town trip or a winding road, the Sport Gear always performs with the same brilliance and gives the same riding pleasure. The rider can choose the right solution for every situation.

The 90° V twin engine is the perfect partner for this type of gearbox. Compact, brilliant and clean. It is Euro 3 compliant, thanks to the electronic injection and exhaust with catalytic converter. High power and torque guarantee a sporty ride, particularly in acceleration where the Aprilia NA 850 Mana burns up everyone at the traffic lights, practically unbeatable, not just by nakeds of the same capacity, but also many sports bikes as well. All with the maximum riding simplicity. The Aprilia NA 850 Mana is friendly technology which simplifies life. There is no clutch lever. Everything is controlled electronically, leaving the rider free to enjoy the ride. The sequential gear change is controlled by a convenient command on the handlebars, or alternatively by a traditional pedal command. 

In common with all Aprilias, meticulous chassis design makes the bike a superb ride. The tubular steel trellis frame is extremely strong with excellent torsional rigidity. Combined with a single-piece aluminium swingarm and advanced suspension, it makes the NA 850 Mana able to satisfy even the most demanding rider. The top quality brakes increase active safety, thanks to the standard setting braking distance. 

 ----

Features

90°V engine, four valves per cylinder, Euro 3 compliant
Sequential gear change, electronic control with the possibility of manual operation with seven gears or automatic operation with three mappings.
Double spark plug ignition
Electronic fuel injection with single throttle body
Tank under seat
Helmet compartment for full-face helmet
Steel trellis frame with single-piece swingarm
43 mm upside down fork
Side shock absorber
Brakes with radial calipers

Engine

Without the shadow of a doubt, the NA 850 Mana engine sheds new light on the future of the bike. Two cylinders, electronic fuel injection, high torque, but above all innovative transmission replacing the traditional mechanical gearbox. An engine which opens up new frontiers in bike riding, whether sporty or otherwise.
An engineering idea which Aprilia has developed by fully exploiting the technical know-how of its best engineers and the top level capabilities of its in-house research and development department. 

NA 850 Mana: the future of the gearbox
The primary drive is without doubt the focal point of this innovative engine. Thanks to the electronically controlled sequential transmission, the rider can choose from various riding styles.

The rider has two possible options:
- Completely automatic: everything is controlled electronically, the CVT transmission enables the engine to be run at maximum torque at all times, emphasising pick-up and acceleration. The electronic control system has three different mappings (Touring, Sport and Rain), enabling the rider to choose the type of operation most appropriate to the situation or his own needs.
- Sequential: The rider chooses the gear himself by means of either the control on the handlebars or the pedal command. A servo-assisted mechanism acts mechanically on the main pulley, making changing between the seven ratios extremely rapid. 

The rider can switch from automatic to sequential at any time and in any riding conditions.

The Aprilia NA 850 Mana engine does not in any way make the ride less enjoyable. Quite the opposite, it adds the enjoyment of ultra-rapid gear changes which improve the performance of the engine in acceleration or on demanding routes. All it takes is a click to pass from one mode to the other, from a relaxed ride to a sporty ride. The engine therefore multiplies the potential of the bike.

The 90° V structure was chosen for its torque and power delivery characteristics and combines perfectly with this type of transmission… 850 cc for 75 HP at the crank and torque of up to 8 kgm at particularly low engine speeds (5750 revs). Figures which give a good idea of the performance of this engine which certainly does not suffer from an inferiority complex, even when compared with more sporty bikes, partly thanks to its incredible acceleration.

The four valves per cylinder are controlled by a single overhead camshaft with chain drive, simplifying maintenance while at the same time guaranteeing efficient performance. As is usual for Aprilia high capacity engines, lubrication is dry sump, with a separate tank integrated into the engine to keep the weight of the assembly down.

Engine breathing benefits from the particularly large volumes of both the airbox and the exhaust. The electronic engine management involves a sophisticated Weber Marelli fuel injection system with one 38 mm throttle body and an ignition system with two spark plugs per cylinder, features which result in optimum combustion at all speeds, improving performance and reducing pollution.

An engine not just high performance, but also extremely environmentally friendly. The stainless steel exhaust with catalytic converter and Lambda probe oxygen sensor make the Aprilia NA 850 Mana fully Euro 3 compliant.

 ----

The design

The concept of utility design always applied to all Aprilia projects is even more valid in the NA 850 Mana. A sports naked in appearance, but capable of unique versatility. The NA 850 Mana represents the perfect mix of sports personality and elegance, thanks to a modern reassuring design. As on any Aprilia naked, the technical elements also become design elements. Engine, tank, airbox, frame and exhaust all help give the NA 850 Mana its special character and the personality it needs to stand out from the crowd. 

A design which is also the result of daring and innovative technical features. The tank is located lower down under the seat, helping centralise masses and lower the centre of gravity. Its "traditional" place is taken by a helmet compartment able to accommodate a full-face helmet and other objects. The NA 850 Mana is therefore the first bike to offer a genuine integrated helmet compartment, uniquely practical and convenient, particularly about town and on short trips. The compartment is unlocked electrically by means of a control on the handlebars, a safety lock which prevents accidental opening. 

Frame

The sports personality of the Aprilia NA 850 Mana is emphasised not just by the engine, but also by the chassis. As with all Aprilia bikes, the structure chosen for the NA 850 Mana was developed hand in hand with the engine to guarantee that harmony between the performance of the mechanics and chassis which has always been the pride of all Aprilia bikes.
The large-section tubular steel trellis frame sets new standards of rigidity for its class, perfectly in harmony with the other characteristics of this innovative engine and guaranteeing a superb ride. The single-piece aluminium swingarm controls a second shock absorber. The shock absorber is located at the side to reduce the length of the bike as far as possible. The wheelbase in fact measures just 1463 mm, making the bike extremely short for even a sporty naked.

Suspension

As in all Aprilia bikes, the exceptional quality of the chassis is also achieved through optimum definition of the type and calibration of the suspension. The Aprilia NA 850 Mana ar accepts no compromises. 

The 43 mm upside down fork provides exceptional smoothness. The 120 mm wheel travel makes the bike equally at home on any route.

The shock absorber, located at the side to help keep the length of the bike down, is operated directly from the swingarm and provides adjustments for spring reload and rebound. The rear wheel travel is 125 mm.

The brakes

The best technology currently available on the market is used to guarantee maximum efficiency. The radial calipers with four pistons are reminiscent of the race track. Top level brakes which give the Aprilia NA 850 Mana unbeatable braking. The 320 mm disks at the front, a generous standard size for Aprilia sports bikes, are supported by a 240 mm rear disk brake.

 ----

SPECS

Engine: Aprilia Four stroke longitudinal 90° V twin. Liquid cooling. Single overhead cam with chain drive, four valves per cylinder.
Fuel: Unleaded petrol.
Bore x stroke: 88 x 69 mm
Total displacement: 839.3 cc
Compression ratio: 10-11 : 1
Maximum power at the crank: 55.1 kW (75 HP) at 7250 rpm.
Maximum torque at the crank: 7.79 kgm (76.5 Nm) at 8000 rpm.
Fuel system: Integrated engine management system. Weber Marelli electronic fuel injection with one 38 mm throttle body
Ignition: Digital electronic ignition, with two spark plugs per cylinder, integrated with fuel injection system.
Starting: Electric
Exhaust: Two in one system in 100% stainless steel with three-way catalytic converter and Lambda probe
Generator: 450 W at 6000 rpm.
Lubrication: Dry sump with separate oil reservoir.
Gearbox:

• Sequential with manual or automatic mode selectable by the user.
• 7 ratios in manual mode
• 3 mappings (Touring, Sport, Rain) in automatic mode.
• Gear change by pedal or handlebar command. 
• The user can switch from automatic to sequential mode at any moment.

Clutch: Automatic
Primary drive: Belt
Final drive: Chain
Frame: High strength steel trellis
Front suspension: 43 mm upside-down fork Wheel travel: 120 mm.
Rear suspension: Aluminium alloy single-piece swingarm. Hydraulic shock absorber adjustable in spring preload and rebound damping. Wheel travel: 125 mm.
Brakes:

• Front: double stainless steel floating disc (Æ 320 mm). Radial calipers with four pistons.
• Rear: steel disk (Æ 260 mm). Single piston caliper.

Wheels:

• In aluminium alloy
• Front: 3.50 X 17"
• Rear: 6.00 X 17"

Tyres:

• Radial tubeless;
• front: 120/70 ZR 17 
• rear: 180/55 ZR 17

Dimensions:

• Overall length: 2080 mm
• Overall width: 800 mm (at handlebars)
• Overall height: 1130 mm 
• Seat height: 800 mm
• Wheelbase: 1463 mm
• Trail: 103 mm
• Rake angle: 24°

Tank capacity:15 litres