2010–2011 · Naked Bike · Buyer's Guide
Automatic Twist-and-Go Sportbike
The Mana 850 is the odd one out in the Aprilia range, and that's exactly why it's interesting. You get an 850 cc 90° V-twin with 76 hp and 57 lb-ft, but it drives through a CVT: fully automatic twist-and-go, three ride modes (Touring, Sport, Rain) and a manual mode with 7 preset ratios. Around that sits proper motorcycle hardware: steel trellis frame, upside-down fork, radial brakes and 17-inch wheels with a 180 rear. Where the tank should be, there's a helmet-sized storage compartment and a 12V socket. Scooter convenience, motorcycle chassis. A unique mix!
On the road, the Mana is about ease. The handling is light and accessible, it stays stable at speed, and it gives you honest feedback when the road gets twisty. It's for you if you want a real motorcycle for every day and don't miss the clutch. It isn't the sharp Aprilia weapon the badge might suggest. The caveats: the fork has no adjustment at all, ABS was only an option, and there's no traction control. Long term, protect the electrical connectors from wet weather, and know that a few bikes suffered main bearing failure at around 25,000 mi (40,000 km). Rare, but real.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 76 hp (56 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 57 lb-ft (77 Nm) |
| Displacement | 850 cc |
| Engine | 90° V-twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 7-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 320 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 |
| Seat height | 31.5 in (800 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.2 gal (16 L) |
| Top speed | 125 mph (201 km/h) |
| Fuel economy | 37 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Safety
For years I've listened to what Mana owners tell me: in the paddock, at club nights, and in the emails and messages that land in my inbox. The pattern for the Mana 850 is clear. Riders value how easy it is to live with, and they say just as plainly that excitement isn't its strong suit.
Owners come back to the transmission first: it suits the commute and still plays along when you pick up the pace. Close behind is the chassis, which riders describe as sportier than the bike's commuting role suggests, and the upright seating with the wide handlebar, which owners rate for long distances. The brakes get regular praise too. Strong and progressive!
Four gripes come up about equally often. Riders call the V-twin brisk but short on top-end rush next to sportier middleweights. Taller riders report turbulent air off the small screen, with noise and buffeting. Purists say the automatic leaves them detached from the riding they know. And owners warn about the major service at 18,000 mi (29,000 km): the belt has to come out to reach the final drive chain, and the bill is a big one. That one stings!
Rare main bearing failure
A few owners have reported main bearing failure on one cylinder at around 25,000 mi (40,000 km), though it appears to be an uncommon defect.
Electrical connector corrosion in wet conditions
Riding in wet weather without proper protection can cause corrosion in electrical connectors, leading to ECU fault codes and expensive repairs.
Where this Aprilia Mana 850 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Top speed
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Mana 850 is actually built for.
If you ride for technique, not speed, the Mana works: no shifting to distract you, good feedback, decent lean clearance. The non-adjustable fork is the limit you'll hit first.
Made for Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
It makes the slog through city traffic painless, and it's stable and honest in the canyons. But with 76 hp and no fork adjustment, an experienced rider will want more bite.
Made for Angeles Crest Highway · Coronado Trail / US 191 · Highway 1 / Big Sur
For relaxed weekend loops with friends it fits well: easy to ride, stable, and your helmet locks away in the bike at every stop. Just plan fuel around a 4.2 gal (16 L) tank.
Made for Austin / Texas Hill Country · Twisted Sisters · Austin / Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2008–2009
Automatic Gearbox, Real Motorcycle
Compare to the previous model →The Aprilia Mana 850 also comes in these variants, models and special editions. Each has its own page covering only what differs from the standard Mana 850 — equipment, electronics, specs and used price.
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Aprilia Mana 850. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
Successor · 2012–2018
The Automatic That Actually Rides
Competitor · 2003–2008
Reliable, Flickable, Costs Nothing
Competitor · 2012–2013
The Frunk-First City Commuter
Competitor · 2005–2006
Twin-Pot Commuter Done Right
Similar Character · 2007–2018
Italian Twin, Forgiving Soul
Roughly $500 cheaper used than this bike at 15 yr
