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We've taken a big interest in this bike since the Gilera Ferro prototype was first shown at the Milan show in '03. The headline is obviously that this is a revolutionary automatic motorcycle, built with Aprilia's and parent Piaggio's extensive experience of CVT transmissions. The CVT system is a belt and variable diameter pulley system that provides an infinite number of gear ratios, making the bike smooth and very easy to ride. It also has some performance advantages and it will satisfyingly out drag almost anything (including top of the range sports bikes) from the traffic lights. Aprilia have set up the CVT with three automatic settings and a pseudo sequential seven speed manual. The auto settings are touring (for good economy), sport (for maximum performance) and rain (for a softer power delivery for good traction in the wet), and they are interchangeable on the move with a handlebar switch. The pseudo manual option is controlled also via the handlebars (see pic) or through the traditional left foot selector. There is no clutch lever. The commuter is clearly in Aprilia's sights here, with a bike that is easy to ride and well suited to town riding, but also has the cool convenience of a helmet storage in the false fuel tank, with the airbox being moved to between and to the left of the v-twin cylinders and the real fuel tank to under the seat. The engine is a torquey, easily maintained and economical 90° v twin developed initially by parent Piaggio's engine department with 75bhp and 56lbft, single overhead cams, a dry sump and stainless steel exhaust. The frame is a rigid tubular steel trellis design that should make the bike handle like an Aprilia should. The front end is chunky 43mm upside down forks with radial brakes, steel braided lines and 320mm discs. The rear has an aluminium swing arm with the shock absorber moved to one side to allow for a shorter, faster turning wheelbase. The half faired Mana "S" should be available in April 2008. Price is now confirmed at £6,369 on the road. Update 24/01/08. We now have the Mana in stock and available for demo rides. Aprilia has really raised the bar with bike; it's a suberbly executed concept with a build quality second to none. Give us a call, to be one of the first riders to own one of these excellent revolutionary motocycles. Phone to check for availablilty on demo rides. Update 14/02/08. The MCN journo in this video says "This Mana is a brilliant, brilliant bike" and "I can't believe how good it is". What more can we add? Nip down to your newsagent and pick a copy of the MCN for a full review. See Video Update 14/04/08. Third Party, Fire and Theft insurance for £300. Fully Comprehensive insurance available at a maximum premium £500. No experience or no claims bonus required. Riders must be 25 years or over. Motorcycle must be garaged. Call us for more details. Have you got something you'd like to say on this topic? If so, go to MaxMoto's Message Board for the Aprilia Mana Auto ( 106 comments). Would you like to receive regular news items like this? And be entered into our regular prize draws? Then, Join our Newsletter.
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MaxMoto News from Milan 14/11/06.
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