Aprilia Mana 850 Review: The Brilliant CVT Motorcycle That Was Truly Ahead of Its Time
The Aprilia Mana 850 is one of the most innovative motorcycles ever produced. Launched in 2007, it combined the DNA of a sport bike with the ease and convenience of a scooter. With its fully automatic CVT transmission, V-twin engine, and rider-focused design, the Mana 850 was years ahead of its time.
Even today, in 2025, the Mana continues to impress both collectors and everyday riders. If you’re curious about this one-of-a-kind motorcycle, whether for riding, collecting, or reviewing, this complete guide will answer all your questions.
Table of Contents
- Introduction & History of the Aprilia Mana 850
- Engine and Transmission System
- CVT vs Manual: Riding Experience Breakdown
- Chassis, Suspension & Ride Quality
- Braking System and Safety Features
- Daily Commuting & City Riding
- Touring Capabilities & Storage Options
- Dashboard, Electronics & Instrumentation
- Reliability, Maintenance & User Reviews
- Pricing, Resale Value & Buying Tips
Introduction & Background
Aprilia, an Italian motorcycle manufacturer known for performance and racing heritage, introduced the Mana 850 in 2007. It was produced until 2016 and stood out in Aprilia’s lineup for its unconventional approach to riding: a powerful motorcycle without a clutch lever or traditional gear shift.
The Mana 850 was designed to make motorcycle riding easier without sacrificing thrill. It appealed to a wide range of riders from city commuters to weekend adventurers.
Engine & Transmission: The Heart of the Mana
At the core of the Mana 850 lies an 839.3cc V-twin engine, liquid-cooled and fuel-injected. The standout feature, however, is the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) — something more commonly seen in scooters or cars.
Unlike traditional manual gearboxes, the Mana’s CVT offers seamless power delivery with no need for shifting. But that’s not all. The Mana also features a manual override mode, called Sportgear, which lets riders shift through 7 pre-set gear ratios using paddle shifters or a foot lever.
Transmission Modes:
- Sport Mode – Maximum power delivery for aggressive riding
- Touring Mode – Balanced power and efficiency for relaxed riding
- Rain Mode – Reduced torque for better grip in wet conditions
- Manual Mode – 7-speed gear selection via button or lever
This hybrid setup makes the Mana extremely versatile — a bridge between scooter simplicity and motorcycle excitement.
Riding Experience: CVT vs Manual
Riding the Aprilia Mana 850 is a unique experience. The absence of a clutch lever can be surprising at first, but quickly becomes second nature. The twist-and-go simplicity makes it ideal for city riding, while the Sportgear mode brings engagement when you’re in the mood to play.
Whether you’re a new rider or a seasoned enthusiast, the Mana adapts to your comfort level. In stop-and-go traffic, the CVT is a blessing. On twisty roads, switching to manual mode gives you complete control over the powerband.
Chassis, Suspension & Handling
Aprilia didn’t compromise on handling. The Mana 850 is built on a tubular steel trellis frame paired with quality suspension components:
- Front: 43mm hydraulic telescopic forks
- Rear: Aluminum alloy swingarm with adjustable monoshock
- Wheelbase: 1463mm
- Seat Height: 800mm (low and comfortable for most riders)
Despite its automatic nature, the Mana offers the poise of a sportbike. It’s stable at high speeds, nimble in corners, and comfortable on long rides.
Braking System & Safety Features
Stopping power is another strong suit of the Mana 850. The standard model comes with:
- Front: Dual 320mm discs with radial-mounted calipers
- Rear: Single 260mm disc
- Optional ABS (standard on the Mana 850 GT)
The brakes are powerful yet progressive. Whether you’re riding in traffic or on mountain roads, they offer great confidence and feedback.
City Commuting: Practical Yet Fun
One of the biggest selling points of the Mana is how it transforms daily commuting. The upright seating, responsive throttle, and automatic shifting make urban riding effortless.
Additional urban features:
- Under-seat storage (fits a full-face helmet)
- 12V power socket (for mobile charging)
- Wide handlebars (for maneuverability)
- Low center of gravity (makes low-speed handling easier)
For riders who need a motorcycle that can handle both weekdays and weekends, the Mana is a perfect fit.
Touring Capabilities & Long-Distance Comfort
The GT version of the Mana 850 comes with a windscreen, panniers, and more touring-friendly ergonomics. Whether you’re planning a short road trip or a cross-country tour, the Mana 850 can handle it.
Features that enhance touring:
- Comfortable seat
- Stable high-speed cruising
- Ample storage options
- Efficient fuel usage (~45 mpg)
The CVT also reduces fatigue on long rides, especially in traffic-heavy routes.
Dashboard & Electronics
The Aprilia Mana features a modern and informative digital display that includes:
- Speedometer, It was designed in accordance with the modern era and the rider’s wishes, and it is proving to be extremely durable.
- Tachometer, It was designed in accordance with the modern era and the rider’s wishes, and it is proving to be extremely durable.
- Fuel gauge, It was designed in accordance with the modern era and the rider’s wishes, and it is proving to be extremely durable.
- Ambient temperature, It was designed in accordance with the modern era and the rider’s wishes, and it is proving to be extremely durable.
- Gear indicator, It was designed in accordance with the modern era and the rider’s wishes, and it is proving to be extremely durable.
- Riding mode selection, It was designed in accordance with the modern era and the rider’s wishes, and it is proving to be extremely durable.
- Trip meters, It was designed in accordance with the modern era and the rider’s wishes, and it is proving to be extremely durable.
For a bike launched over 15 years ago, the electronics feel surprisingly contemporary and functional.
Reliability, Maintenance & Ownership Experience
Many riders are pleasantly surprised by the Mana’s reliability. The engine is proven, and the build quality is typical of Italian engineering. Regular oil changes, belt inspections, and general servicing keep it running smoothly.
Common positives from owners:
- Easy to maintain
- Reliable CVT system
- Smooth ride quality
- Unique factor: Not many on the road
Known issues:
- Side stand sensor malfunction (easy fix)
- Belt replacement around 20,000–25,000 km
- Fuel sensor misreadings on some models
Overall, the Mana 850 is built to last and delivers exceptional value if maintained properly.
Pricing, Resale Value & Buyer Tips
The Aprilia Mana 850 was competitively priced at launch and remains affordable in the used market.
Current Used Price Range (2025):
- Standard Model: $3,500 – $5,000
- GT Model (with panniers & ABS): $4,500 – $6,000
Buying Tips:
- Check full service history
- Ensure CVT system shifts smoothly
- Look for ECU updates
- Inspect brakes and tires
- Ask if the drive belt has been replaced
FAQs
Is the Aprilia Mana 850 good for beginners?
Yes, it’s perfect for beginners due to its automatic transmission, upright ergonomics, and easy handling.
Does the Mana 850 have a manual mode?
Yes, it offers a 7-speed manual override through paddle shifters or a foot lever.
Is it good for touring?
Absolutely. The GT version, in particular, is well-equipped for long-distance rides.
How fast is the Aprilia Mana 850?
Top speed is around 130–140 mph (210–225 km/h), depending on rider weight and conditions.
Is the Mana 850 still supported with parts in 2025?
Yes, parts are still available through Aprilia dealers and third-party suppliers.
What is the top speed of the Aprilia Mana 850?
The top speed is approximately 200 km/h (124 mph).
What is the engine capacity of the Aprilia Mana 850?
It has an 839.3cc V-twin fuel-injected engine.
What is the fuel average of the Aprilia Mana 850?
The bike gives around 20–24 km/l depending on riding conditions.
Does the Aprilia Mana 850 have a manual transmission?
It features an automatic CVT transmission with an optional 7-speed manual mode.
Is the Aprilia Mana 850 good for beginners?
Yes, its automatic transmission and balanced handling make it beginner-friendly.
What is the weight of the Aprilia Mana 850?
The bike weighs about 229 kg (505 lbs) wet.
Does the Mana 850 have ABS?
Yes, the GT ABS model comes equipped with ABS for added safety.
Is the Aprilia Mana 850 reliable?
Yes, it is known for its durable engine and low maintenance needs.
How much under-seat storage does it offer?
It offers enough storage for a full-face helmet under the seat.
Is the Aprilia Mana 850 still available?
No, it was discontinued after 2016, but used models are available in the market.
Technical Specifications:
| Feature | Details |
| Engine | 839.3cc V-twin, liquid-cooled |
| Transmission | CVT + 7-speed manual override |
| Power | ~76 hp |
| Torque | ~73 Nm |
| Top Speed | ~135 mph |
| Seat Height | 800 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 16 liters |
| Curb Weight | 229 kg |
| ABS | Optional (Standard on GT) |
| Storage | Underseat + optional panniers |
Final Thoughts: Is the Mana 850 Still Worth It?
The Aprilia Mana 850 remains a brilliant and underappreciated motorcycle. Its rare combination of technology, performance, and practicality makes it a smart choice in today’s used market. Whether you’re an urban commuter, weekend rider, or someone curious about CVT motorcycles, the Mana 850 offers something few bikes can match.
