FOR SOME 20 YEARS, Piaggio has been toying with the idea of an Ultimate Scooter. Through that time, the project had moved forward, then been killed, then brought back only to get killed again. Finally, though, with Aprilia's new V-Twin 750 and 1200 engines (the smaller as fitted in the Shiver) the company thought it had the right powcrplanl to use as a basis for a production machine.
So exists the super-scool-er Piaggio GP800 and the fvtana. the latter essentially an automatic motorcycle and subject of our focus here. The engine is a sohc 838cc V-Twin based on the Shiver bottom end, but in a very mild state of tune that allows it to produce 75 horsepower at 7250 Rpm and 56.4 foot-pounds at 5750, The numbers reflect the limited torque and power capacity of the Continuously Variable Transmission.
Even with a "scooter transmission." make no mistake, the Mana is a real bike, featuring a clearly Shiver-inspired chassis. In the Manas case the rear section is steel, rather than the Shivers aluminum pieces. Dry weight reflects this:The 507-pound Mana is significantly heavier than the 419-pound Shiver.
Suspension is also shared, with an inverted Showa 43mm fork working with a cantilevered side-mounted monoshock at the rear. Unfortunately, it also uses the Taiwanese imitation of radial-mount Brembo front brake calipers. Wheelbase is a sensible 57.6 inches and the bike rolls on conventional 120/70-17 and 180/55-17 radials.
On the road the Mana is very competent, even in rather hostile weather conditions. Its CVT transmission offers three modes easily selected on the go via a button on the right switch pod. "Touring" is a fully automatic, seamless mode that always selects the most appropriate ratio, accelerating or decelerating, "Rain" docs the same, but starting from a taller ratio and using a less aggressive progression to prevent any traction loss in slippery riding conditions. "Sport" mode turns the CVT transmission into ;i seven-speed "gearbox." Gear selection can be actuated either by a rocker-type switch on the left grip or a foot shifter.
Particularly in the Sport mode, the Mana is quick off the line and accelerates as though its CVT transmission multiplies its 75 hp. The riding position is comfortable and the chassis is more than adequately competent, agile and precise. Throw on the accessory windscreen, saddlebags and topbox and you'd have a capable, functional, high-performance commuter. A nice touch is that the "fuel tank" is actually a generous lighted cargo compartment that will eat a full-face helmet and a lightweight rain suit (fuel is carried under the seat). There is even a padded recess for your cell phone that features a plug-in for your charger.
The Mana 850 is fun and fast, while also being amazingly user-friendly. The only thing not so user-friendly is the price in Europc-about SI 3,600 at the current exchange rate. Plans are afoot to import the Mana this year (probably at a more-attractive price) to join the the more-sporting Shiver ;it Aprilia dealers. The automatic motorcycle may finally have come of age.
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