Aprilia Mana 850 Automatic
You might wonder why I’m talking about an Aprilia on the Gateway BMW site. There’s one on the showroom floor, that’s why! What’s different about it? It’s an automatic transmission motorcycle. This one is a 6-month old 2009 bike with less than 100 miles on the clock.
The CVT (continuously variable transmission) is a belt and variable diameter pulley system that provides an infinite number of gear ratios. The CVT can be overridden in manual mode to provide three different settings: touring, sport and rain. Touring gives you the best fuel economy; sport is well, sporty; and rain provides a softer power delivery to avoid slipping. There is also a pseudo 7-speed manual option, which is controled via the handlebars or the foot shift lever. There is not a clutch lever.
The engine is a fuel injected, liquid cooled 839cc V-twin. Fuel capacity is 4.2 gallons and the bike weighs 440 pounds.
For more information Google “Aprilia automatic” or watch YouTube videos here and here.
Come on down and give it a spin! It’s a different bird, that’s for sure.
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- The false gas tank is a trunk that will hold a full face helmet.
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- Fielding (left) instructs Al on the finer points of riding the Mana prior to his test ride. Al liked it!
