Aprilia Mana GT

[Desmo Demon]

Not always a good idea to drop the stand when you're stopped and want to take your hands off the controls without moving.  

The bike has no tendency to creep when stopped at a stoplight. You can take both hands off the grips and the bike just sits there....

This reminds me of something I read before the model was introduced to the States. He was talking about riding one and was sitting at an intersection. Some guy pulled up next to him and IIRC was reving his engine or something indicating he wanted to "race". The guy on the Mana looked at the guy and started picking his nose with his left hand. When the light turned green, he took off with his finger still in his nose.....leaving the other guy at the light with a look of bewilderment on his face.

True or not...it's funny.  

[Rincewind]

I'm somewhat disappointed that there isn't more of a buzz on this bike.  It looks to be a near-perfect commuter and light tourer, with less weight, less cost, and more power then the NT700 ABS.  

The enclosed stuff-bay (with aux power socket), which harkens back to the BMW F650CS, would be awesome for day-to-day storage.  ABS standard, trellis frame, generous 1/2 fairing, USD forks - it's a winner that makes a lot of sense, except for a smallish gas tank size.  

Where is the buzz for it?  Is it lost in the US market, because of the relatively unknown brand?  I know for me, Aprilia dealers are not nearby, but they aren't really that far away either.

[Orson]

I'm somewhat disappointed that there isn't more of a buzz on this bike.  It looks to be a near-perfect commuter and light tourer, with less weight, less cost, and more power then the NT700 ABS.  

I think it might be because the commuter share of the market is almost as small as the sport tourer market, if not smaller  

It doesn't help that people on the street ask, "Who makes that?"  

[Oilhed]

Well, when it's a 1200 and has a standard tranny it will go head to head with the BMWs and Guzzis and maybe be a blip on the radar.  I'd buy one even if the closest dealer is a tool!

[Rogue]

I'm somewhat disappointed that there isn't more of a buzz on this bike.  It looks to be a near-perfect commuter and light tourer, with less weight, less cost, and more power then the NT700 ABS.  

The enclosed stuff-bay (with aux power socket), which harkens back to the BMW F650CS, would be awesome for day-to-day storage.  ABS standard, trellis frame, generous 1/2 fairing, USD forks - it's a winner that makes a lot of sense, except for a smallish gas tank size.  

Where is the buzz for it?  Is it lost in the US market, because of the relatively unknown brand?  I know for me, Aprilia dealers are not nearby, but they aren't really that far away either.

Everything about the bike is very good except for one thing: power.  The Shiver out powers it yet it is only a 750!  

All road tests of the Mana praise all of its features including the tranny but they all wonder where the power went.  It is too numbed down.  However, it is a great alternative to the big scooters.  Aprilia needs to up the displacement to 950, get more power out of it, and keep the price the same.  Oh and give it afreakin' fairing!  Then they will have a VFR alternative.  

[atadaskew]

Maybe the power issue is because the CVT belt/transmission used can't handle any more?

[Fourstring]

Everything about the bike is very good except for one thing: power.  The Shiver out powers it yet it is only a 750!  

And another thing:  the gas tank.

I was sooper excited about this bike coming to the States, since it's set up as a great commuting bike.  What killed it for me was the filler cap under the seat.  If I've got soft bags and attached tail pack on for a trip or I'm out grocery shopping, I'd have to remove all of it just to put gas in.

At least the GS650's had a car-style cap on the side.

[Strog]

And another thing:  the gas tank.

I was sooper excited about this bike coming to the States, since it's set up as a great commuting bike.  What killed it for me was the filler cap under the seat.  If I've got soft bags and attached tail pack on for a trip or I'm out grocery shopping, I'd have to remove all of it just to put gas in.

At least the GS650's had a car-style cap on the side.

At least there's a hard bag option that wouldn't interfer. If you want to use soft bags then it's a pain but I wonder if the straps could straddle the filler?

[Fourstring]

At least there's a hard bag option that wouldn't interfere. If you want to use soft bags then it's a pain but I wonder if the straps could straddle the filler?

Nope, whole pillion seat has to come up.  Even with a hard top case, I usually bungie a backpack to the pillion for walkin' around.  It was really a disappointment.

[Oilhed]

I admit thats a bit of a bummer.  But it looks like soft saddlebags could have the straps placed under the seat.  And that grabrail has got to have an Aprillia or Givi replacement that become a trunk mount.  If not there is always the Ventura Bike Pack.

[JamesG]

Side cases.

[Thunderbox]

I think Aprilia is a pretty forward thinking manufacturer.  I would be willing to bet within 10 years better than 50% of all motorcycles will be automatics.  It's already started with the majors all having machines with an auto.  I think it is a great way to go.  40 years ago most cars had manual shift trannies and now you can't hardly find one.  This bike is not just marketed for the commuter group.  There is a whole other market it will be capturing.  Like my woman.  Shes getting one this spring if they offer a GT with ABS.

[oie]

....I cannot read German but ...can count the stars...
From the German Motorrad mag ...