Overall how do you like the Mana? Any problems (other than weak suspension) ?
The fact I own two of them probably answers that question
. The bike in the pictures is my one in Oz. I also own a GT in the USA that I bought after my Griso 1200 was written off in Seattle.
Apart from the suspension, which is OK-ish, almost, when new (but like most Showas the fork springs loose their initial tension quickly.) I think the Mana is possibly the best lightweight tourer I've ever ridden.
Upgrading the forks on my 'Plain Jane' model in Oz was pretty simple. A set of fully adjustables off a Tuono, plus brakes, cost me about $600. I paid to have them rebuilt by the local suspension expert, that cost another $300. A Hyperpro shock for the rear, (Which I'm still waiting for, should be here this week.) cost about $900 landed.
The GT I have in he USA will be a bit more difficult as it has ABS. The good news is that racers swap the stock Sachs forks off RSV'4's and stick Yella forks on 'em. These, on the APRC models at least, have the sensor mount for the traction control pick-up in the right place for the ABS sensor soI just have to keep my eyes open for a pair of them in the US or fabricate some sort of holder for the sensor.
Incidentally the stock master cylinder drives the bigger brakes just fine!
Apart from one self-inflicted CAN line issue on my Oz bike both of my Manas have been faultlessly reliable and, especially the GT, are super comfortable. The seat, like any seat, gets painfull after 500 miles but I've done 700 mile days on the GT and been able to walk when I got off.My second choice for a replacement for the Griso was an RSV-4. Boy am I glad I didnt take that option!!!!
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Here's the GT 'Bagged Up' on the Blue Ridge Parkway somewhere
Pete
