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2010 Aprilia Mana 850 / GT ABS

 


Until recent years, Aprilia has been producing the Mana 850 as an entirely naked bike, but the Italian manufacturer also entered the sport-touring category with the Mana 850 GT ABS. At its base, the bike remains the same all-rounder with nothing more than a half-fairing and an adjustable windscreen, but it is claimed to be the result of a completely new concept of motorcycle and that definitely raises a few question marks. 

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2010 Aprilia Shiver 750

 

After bringing a breath of fresh air to the naked bike category, with Shiver Aprilia raises the technological bar once again in the sports touring segment with the Shiver 750 GT, an innovative Sports Tourer, the perfect combination of sports handling, versatility and value in true Aprilia style.

 

 

2010 Aprilia Shiver 750

A two-cylinder engine with almost limitless torque, comfortable for two, excellent aerodynamic protection and a chassis that has become a benchmark, are just some of the distinctive features of the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT which, thanks to its dynamic and technological characteristics, is without a doubt a point of reference of the segment, proving once again that Aprilia has what it takes to offer even the most demanding motorcyclists exactly what they want, also with a high technological content.

The equipment of the bike brings the technical level of the segment to new heights, with Aprilia’s offer far above that of its competitors. The integral Ride by Wire accelerator, the mapping management controlledby the rider (Sport, Touring and Rain), and the brakes with radial calipers, are truly unique solutions for the sports touring segment and make the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT a sophisticated bike, and a real one-of-a-kind.

The half-fairing gives the Shiver 750 GT the chance to exploit the full versatility of its Naked sister. The added aerodynamic protection in fact, expands the range of use of the Shiver 750 GT notably, making it a “all-round” bike with a complete range of use. From daily commuting, to a trip in the summer, the Shiver 750 GT will meet your needs to perfection, making your rides a pleasure - intuitive, brilliant and safe.

The main characteristics of the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT are:

 

2010 Aprilia Shiver 750 GT

• 90° V2 engine with four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft and liquid cooling;
• ride-by-wire electronic throttle technology with 3 different mappings (Sport, Touring and Rain);
• electronic fuel injection with latest generation injectors;
• mixed gear and chain valve timing;
• modular steel trellis and aluminium side plate frame for high torsional rigidity;
• aluminium swingarm with reinforcement truss and lateral shock absorber;
• 43 mm upside down fork;
• brakes with radial caliper at front;
• latest generation two channel ABS (ABS version only);

The Aprilia Shiver 750 GT comes with the same sophisticated technical package as the Shiver, except for the engine which is a modern 90° V-twin - Euro 3. This engine, the first every mass-produced engine to use the integral Ride By Wire system, made its mark immediately thanks to its dynamic characteristics. Delivering 95 HP, it is not only the most powerful twin in its category; the engine also has a torque curve which comes in right from low revs making the bike competitive even with bikes fitted with bigger engines, as far as pulling power goes.
The perfect engine for this type of bike, its full and brilliant delivery are just what the rider of the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT is looking for from a bike that offers not only the very best performance, but which is also easy and intuitive to ride, with the wide torque band notably reducing the need to change gear even when fully laden.
What’s more, the rider can choose between three mapping setups (Sport, Touring, Rain) to always have the ideal power delivery for the current road conditions and their own particular riding style.

 

2010 Aprilia Shiver 750 GT

This is where the innovation that only the Aprilia engineers could apply first comes into play, the generous power and torque of the V2 are filtered by the Ride-by-Wire system for the best possible power delivery for all type of motorcyclists in every possible condition. With the Sport mapping setting, the behaviour of the engine is the thrilling sports performance of the Aprilia twin. The Touring setting gives you a softer power delivery for those relaxing moments when sports performance is set aside for the pleasures of touring, using more of the engine’s torque. Finally, the Rain Map, which reduces the torque delivered by 25%, helps the riders avoid spinning the rear wheel when starting on slippery roads.

The sophisticated chassis of the Shiver 750 GT sets the standard for the competition. A composite-type frame (steel trellis and aluminium side members) designed to work in perfect symbiosis with the 43 mm upside down fork and the strong aluminium swingarm with reinforcement truss. The adjustable laterally mounted monoshock is another characteristic mark of the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT. Its position leaves ample room for the exhaust under the seat, which means a very linear exhaust system with an optimal volumetric design to bring the very best out of the engine.

"The engine pushes out a claimed 95 ponies and lots of torque, but it was difficult to feel it. In first gear we had to help raise the revs with the clutch in the tightest hairpin corners. We managed to entertain ourselves on our tour up the Alps by pulling little wheelies out of all those corners, but only by dumping the clutch to raise those lazy revs again." – motorcycle

"Steering is precise without being twitchy or unstable, and the Shiver GT feels planted at any lean angle. Ground clearance is good, but the competent chassis means dragging the pegs isn’t too hard for a confident rider." – MCN

"The semicarenatura, as already mentioned, in an impeccable protects from this turmoil without ruining the aesthetics and streamlined care of the bike while riding position allows you to grind km in absolute fluency. The wrists are not loaded, and despite the seat height accessible to our lower legs by spilungoni are not sacrificed." – motomodif

"If you want to ride a lot with pillion and want a more powerful midrange, then look elsewhere. But, for touring aggressively solo for shorter distances, the Aprilia Shiver 750 GT is well-suited." – ultimatemotorcycling

Engine and Transmission

2010 Aprilia Shiver 750 GT ABS

• Engine: Aprilia V90 Four stroke longitudinal 90° V twin. Liquid cooling. Double overhead camshaft with mixed gear/chain drive; four valves per cylinder. Threemaps Ride-by-Wire system.
• Fuel: Unleaded petrol.
• Bore x Stroke: 92 x 56,4 mm
• Total displacement: 749,9 cc
• Compression ratio: 11 : 1
• Maximum power at the crank: 95 HP at 9000 rpm.
• Maximum torque at the crank: 8.25 kgm at 7000 rpm.
• Fuel system: Integrated engine management system. Injection with Ride by Wire technology control of the throttle bodies and Tri-Map mapping setting
• Ignition: Digital electronic, integrated with the injection.
• 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.
• Lubrification: Wet sump
• Gear box: Gearbox six speed, transmission ratio: 1st 36/14 (2.57) 2nd 32/17 (1.88) 3rd 30/20 (1.5) 4th 28/22 (1.27) 5th 23/26 (1.13) 6th 24/25 (1.04)
• Clutch: Multi-plate in oil bath, hydraulically operated.
• Primary drive: Spur gears, transmission ratio: 60/31 (1.75)
• Final drive: Chain. Transmission ratio: 16/44

Chassis and Dimensions

2010 Aprilia Shiver 750 GT

• Frame: Modular steel trellis connected with high strength bolts to aluminium side plates. Detachable rear frame.
• Front suspension: 43 mm upside-down fork. 120 mm wheel travel.
• Rear suspension: Aluminium alloy swingarm with reinforcement truss.
• Shock absorbers: Hydraulic shock absorber adjustable in spring preload and rebound damping. Wheel travel: 130 mm.
• Brakes: Front: Double 320 mm stainless steel floating disc. Four piston radial calipers. Metal braided brake line. Rear.: 240 mm stainless steel disc. Single piston caliper. Metal braided brake line. 2-channel Continental ABS system (ABS Version)
• Wheels: In aluminium alloy Front: 3.50 X 17" Rear: 6.00 X 17"6,00 X 17"
• Tyres: Radial tubeless; front: 120/70 ZR 17 rear: 180/55 ZR 17
• Dimensions: Overall length 2,265 mm Overall width: 800 mm (at handlebars) Max. height 1,210 mm (at windshield) Seat height: 810 mm Wheelbase: 1,440 mm Trail: 109 mm Rake angle: 25.7°
• Fuel tank capacity: 16 litres

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Introduction

Naked motorcycles are known as being versatile and user-friendly, qualities that turn veritable fun commuters out of these things, which always seem to easily find their place on the market. With the 2010 Mana 850 GT ABS, Aprilia adds touring capabilities on top of what still is the body and soul of the original, innovative naked bike.

The new bike is powered by an unchanged 839,3cc 90-degree V-twin engine (Euro 3 homologated) and values the 76hp and 73Nm with the use of a Sportgear transmission. The intelligent transmission is a Mana characteristic and offers two riding modes: Sequential and Autodrive. The first allows the rider to decide when to change gears either in the classic way (by pedal) or by pressing a switch on the handlebar. In case that the rider forgets to downshift when slowing down/decelerating, the Semi-Sequential function intervenes and starts changing down gears. Autodrive mode lets electronics and the CVT transmission to do the entire job for the rider, who only needs to accelerate in order to be supplied with all the needed get-up-and-go. The best of this system is that it offers three different mappings: Touring (docile engine and great mileage), Sport (100 per cent use of the engine’s potential) or Rain (to be activated on slippery roads, allowing the rider to change down gears for safe riding). The rider can switch from one mode to another and use the innovative transmission in his favor virtually at all times and in all riding 

 conditions and situations.

 

2010 Aprilia Mana 850 GT ABS

Aprilia builds the Mana 850 GT ABS on a robust steel tube trellis frame with a single piece aluminum swingarm. This, together with the 43mm upside-down fork and spring preload and rebound damping adjustable shock absorber has much to do with the bike being able both to filter traffic around town and gather up hundreds of miles during those long weekend trips.

Like any veritable sport-touring motorcycle, the GT is fitted with an ABS system. The latest generation 2-channel Continental ABS enables riders to use the bike’s entire braking potential even on surfaces with reduced grip without risking to crash as a result of locking the wheels.

Yet another innovative feature of the Mana is the under-seat fuel tank. The 4.22 gallons unit allows for good autonomy, but that’s not the reason why you’ll find it there. A helmet compartment with non-scratch lining for a full-face helmet, with mobile phone holder, toolkit/glove-box and 12V-power socket is located where the fuel tank would normally be and that is why the Italians went for the under-seat tank. Does this mean that you can even ride the Aprilia Mana 850 GT to the office wearing a suit? Yes, and you don’t need to carry the helmet with you and nobody will be aware of the ride that you had on the way to work.

History

The Aprilia Mana 850 was introduced at the end of the year 2007 as a 2008 model year and it is now followed by the new GT model.

With their all-new naked bike, Aprilia intended to revolutionize commuting in Europe and, thanks to their ingenious and practical solutions, customers reckon they actually did. But the need was felt for the bike to be more capable once it hits the open road and that is why the half-faired version, which is ostentatiously called GT, is now being produced and sold. Aprilia also continues to manufacture the simple Mana 850 as a 2010 model year.

Competition

The whole idea behind the original project was to have something more than a middleweight bike, but in no case a 1000cc one because of pricing reasons. The end result positions the Mana 850 GT next to no fair contender from various reasons: even the Yamaha FZ6S (not to mention the FZ1) is too powerful to consider the Mana 850 GT a decent contender, while the Ducati Monsters are alternatives for the naked model rather than the sport-touring one.

Exterior

 

2010 Aprilia Mana 850 GT ABS

Considering the fact that technically, the GT model is the same as the simple one, we would have expected the new one to radically stand apart as the best looking Mana model. It does, don’t get us wrong, but not at the level that we were expecting. The only difference consists in the stylish fairing with adjustable windshield that is built around the round headlight, a Mana characteristic.

Like on the standard model, the 4.22 gallons tank is positioned low under the seat for better weight distribution and a low center of gravity. The bike already sounds fun to ride, but things get even more interesting when hitting the switch which electrically opens the storage compartment’s lid. As mentioned before, the illuminated storage compartment is lined with non-slip, non-scratch material and big enough to hold a full-face helmet as well as a mobile-phone holder and a 12V-power socket, which is a first not just for the category, but for motorcycles in general.

Overall, the sport-touring bike looks well put together, beautiful, but I won’t call it aggressive. Colors available are Bianco Glam, Blu Planet and Competition Black.

The Aprilia Mana 850 features Bianco Glam, Blu Planet, Lead Grey Competition Black as 2010 colors.

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Press Reviews

 

2010 Aprilia Mana 850

“The Mana is no slouch — the 839cc V-twin SOHC 4V per cylinder motor provides lots of punch, no matter the mapping mode and the CVT transmission optimizes engine output at all times. Its ability to gather speed, quickly and quietly, is deceptive, due in large part to the CVT transmission.” – webbikeworld

“From a dead stop the CVT needs a second or two to spool up and synch with engine speed, but once underway, throttle response from the single 38mm throttle body with Weber-Marelli EFI is akin to an electric motor. No steps in torque development or abrupt peaks in power, just an ultra-flat power delivery." – motorcycle

"The synthetically produced gear ratios go from 1-7, and if you try to “shift” too early a "!" symbol appears on the dash. Thankfully, manual mode lets you bounce off the rev limiter if that’s your style, and the ’box won’t override you and upshift in manual mode." – motorcycles.about

"The scooter stigma associated with the Mana is shattered in the handling department. There is nothing remotely scooter-ish about it." – motorcycle-usa

“In typical Aprilia tradition the Mana handles too; it’s agile and stable through the corners, thanks to its stiff chassis, wide, sticky Dunlop Qualifiers and good quality suspension.” – MCN

“I rode the Aprilia Mana 850 GT alongside the conventional Aprilia Shiver 750 GT, and I must say that for touring I would choose the Mana 850 GT each time. Everything is so smooth, easy and practical, and I don’t miss the conventional gearing.” – ultimatemotorcycling

Price

The ABS-equipped GT model comes with an MSRP of $10,599 and the simple 2010 Mana 850 retails for $9,899.

Conclusion

We haven’t yet got the chance to ride the 2010 Aprilia Mana 850 GT ABS, but seeing the facts makes us believe that it’s as easy to work with as a scooter, while offering the riding excitement of a real motorcycle. Still, it is early to pronounce our verdict on this motorcycle so we’ll simply call it extremely interesting for the moment.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

2010 Aprilia Mana 850

• Engine: Aprilia longitudinal 90° V-twin engine, 4 stroke, liquid cooled, single overhead cam with chain drive, four valves per cylinder.
• Fuel: Unleaded fuel
• Bore x Stroke: 88 x 69 mm
• Total displacement: 839,3 cc
• Compression ratio: 10:1
• Maximum power at the crank: 56 kW (76.1 cv) a 8.000 rpm.
• Maximum torque at the crank: 7,45 kgm (73 Nm) a 5.000 rpm.
• Fuel system: Integrated electronic engine management system. Weber Marelli electronic injection with 38-mm throttle body.
• Ignition: Digital electronic, with two spark plugs per cylinder, integrated with fuel injection system.
• Starting: Electric.
• Exhaust: 2 into 1 exhaust system in 100% stainless steel with three-way catalytic converter and lambda probe.
• Generator: 450 W a 6000 rpm.
• Lubrification: Dry sump system with separate oil tank.
• Gear box: Sequential with manual or automatic mode selectable by the user. 7 ratios in manual mode. 3 mappings (Touring – Sport - Rain) in Autodrive mode. Gear change by pedal or handlebar control. The user can switch from automatic to sequential mode and vice versa at any time.
• Clutch: Automatic.
• Primary drive: Belt.
• Final drive: Chain.

Chassis and Dimensions

2010 Aprilia Mana 850 GT ABS

• Frame: High-strength steel trellis.
• Front suspension: Upside-down fork, 43 mm stanchions. Wheel travel 120 mm.
• Rear suspension: Single- piece aluminium alloy swingarm.
• Shock absorbers: shock absorber with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. Wheel travel 125 mm.
• Brakes: Front: dual  320 mm diam. stainless steel floating discs. Radial calipers with four pistons. Rear:  260 mm stainless steel disc. Single piston caliper. 2-channel Continental ABS system.
• Wheels: Aluminium alloy Front: 3.50 X 17" Rear: 6.00 x 17"
• Tyres: Radials tubeless front: 120/70 ZR 17 rear: 180/55 ZR 17
• Dimensions: Max. length 2,080 mm Max. width 800 mm (at handlebar) Max. height 1,270 mm (1,320 mm at rear-view mirrors) Saddle height 800 mm Wheelbase 1,463 mm Trail 101 mm Steering angle 24°
• Fuel tank capacity: 16 liters.

Aprilia Mana GT 850’s special features:

2010 Aprilia Mana 850 GT ABS

• Half-fairing with adjustable windshield;
• Sportgear transmission: electronically controlled sequential gearshift with two shift modes: seven speed manual or Autodrive with three different mappings: Sport/Touring/Rain;
• Helmet compartment with non-scratch lining for a full-face helmet, with mobile phone holder, toolkit/glove-box and 12V-power socket;
• New latest generation 2-channel Continental ABS system as standard
• Lateral shock absorber easily adjustable with the hand grip in preload and extension;
• 90° V engine with four valves per cylinder, Euro 3 homologated;
• Brakes with radial calipers;
• 43- mm upside down fork;
• Steel trellis frame with single piece aluminium swingarm;
• Under-seat fuel tank.