Aprilia SA will soon be evaluating the futuristic, semi-automatic Mana for possible release in South Africa.

Unlike earlier self-shifting motorcycles such as the Honda CB750A and Moto Guzzi Convert that faded due to sluggish performance, the Mana offers the rider a choice of three automatic modes - Sport, Touring and Rain - and two manual options, operated either through the usual left-foot lever or via two buttons on the handlebars.

The auto modes are continuously variable like a scooter while each manual option provides slick shifting through seven rations without the need for a clutch - rather like the speed-shifter on a racing motorcycle.

The 850cc, V-twin Mana (the name means “the stuff of which magic is made” in Polynesian) combines sportbike performance on the open road with the practicality of a scooter around town.

It has a dummy fuel tank that opens to become a non-slip, non-scratch luggage compartment (with a courtesy light) big enough to accommodate a full-face helmet as well as cellphone and document storage compartments and a 12V power socket.

The underseat fuel tank keeps the centre of gravity low, a handbrake holds the bike when parked on a slope and the stainless-steel exhaust has a catalytic converter.

But that’s all about commuting: what counts when you’re out there having fun is the 34kW, 90-degree, V-twin engine with four valves per cylinder and Weber Marelli fuel injection, steel trellis frame, aluminium swing-arm, 43mm upside-down forks and adjustable rear monoshock.

The Mana has been well received in Europe, where many see it as a crossover machine between basic scooters and serious motorcycling, and by riders who want a big sportbike for weekends that’s easy to ride in weekday traffic.

This article was taken from: motoring.co.za