Aprilia USA and Piaggio Group Americas unveiled the 2009 Mana 850 at "Adventures by the Sea" off Monterey 's Wharf #2 in Monterey California. The Mana 850 features several design innovations including a tiptronic transmission, underseat gas tank and full face helemt storage. Video of the new Mana 850 is available top right. Technical information from Aprilia follows...

Destined to change the riding habits of motorcyclists all over the world, Aprilia’s new NA 850 Mana is a versatile bike incorporating the technology of tomorrow into the reality of today.
Now available at Aprilia dealerships throughout the United States, the newest addition to Aprilia’s expanding product line is the ultimate combination of excitement and practicality, blending elegant Italian styling with a high-tech transmission, engine controls and useful storage system.

Styling: Repositioned fuel tank leads to seamless lines

Mana’s distinctive styling is enhanced by the under-the-seat positioning of the fuel tank, which distributes weight more evenly and lowers the bike’s center 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. A unique and immensely
practical advantage, especially for urban commuting and short trips, the compartment also incorporates mobile phone storage and a 12V power socket. The vehicle documents and toolkit are also located inside the same compartment.

The Mana’s storage compartment is opened electrically by a convenient switch on the handlebars. The lid opens under the control of a hydro-pneumatic damper that prevents accidental opening while the bike is in motion.

Performance: V-Twin incorporates latest technological advances

Mana’s performance capabilities are similarly distinctive. Utilizing a revolutionary Sportgear transmission which is electronically controlled to deliver an unrivalled riding experience, Mana’s transmission management system offers a choice of three “Autodrive” mappings plus a manual,
seven-speed, sequential gearshift, assuring the perfect ratio for any traffic condition and riding preference.

This transmission ideally complements Mana’s compact, sporty and ecological 90° V-twin engine, which incorporates electronic fuel injection with a catalytic exhaust that abides by demanding U.S. emission standards. Selected specifically for torque and power delivery, the engine delivers 76 horsepower at the crank and 54 foot-pounds of torque (at only 5,000 rpm).
Further, Mana’s extremely flat power curve translates into an abundance of low end power while getting over 40 mpg in city driving.

Combining ease of maintenance with effective performance the engine’s four valves per-cylinder are operated by a single chain-driven overhead camshaft. Lubrication is provided by a dry sump system, with a separate oil reservoir integrated inside the engine to minimize overall weight. Engine breathing is enhanced by a generous size filter box and exhaust system. Mana’s
electronic engine management system incorporates a sophisticated Weber Marelli electronic fuel injection unit with a single 38 mm throttle body and twin spark ignition. These technical solutions combine to guarantee optimal combustion at all engine speeds and maximum thermodynamic efficiency, resulting in exceptional performance and low emissions.

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Mana’s engine is its primary drive system, which is based on an electronically controlled, sequential transmission that offers the rider a choice of control modes. Options include: sportgear mode, which allows the rider to shift either using the
conventional foot shift lever or paddle shifters mounted on the handlebars; as well as an autodrive mode, which provides optimum pickup andacceleration, as sophisticated electronics keep the engine in its best operating range.

The Mana 850 also features a robust tube trellis frame, which has beendeveloped in parallel with the engine to ensure the level of harmony between engine and chassis that has always been associated with Aprilia motorcycles.

Suspension is maximized through the use of a 43 mm upside down fork that is setup for uncompromised performance even under sport riding conditions. In addition, 120 mm of front wheel travel provides a compliant ride on all road surfaces. Developed by Aprilia, the Mana’s brakes employ state-of-the-art radial calipers with four pistons. Large front discs-- 320 mm in
diameter--are complemented by a single 260 mm rear disc.

The 2008 Mana 850 has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $9,899. Color choices for U.S. riders include Passion Red and Lead Gray.



Source: Bikeland.org