Aprilia went out on a limb when it designed its brand-new Mana 850 by equipping the standard-style machine with a CVT shiftless transmission. The rest of the bike isn't quite as revolutionary, but interesting features such as a large storage unit big enough to house a helmet where the gas tank would normally sit and an electronic ride-by-wire system that features multiple throttle maps allow the bike to stand out as an excellent commuter. All of that technology, along with Aprilia's first in-house developed V-Twin engine, was most definitely expensive to develop, and parent-company Piaggio surely wants to recoup that money as quickly as possible.

Variations on the Mana's basic theme are to be expected, and the first one is the Mana X concept bike that comes from the EICMA show Milan. While the same basic chassis underpins the X, everything the rider touches has been tweaked or completely redesigned. It's tough to pigeonhole the X with one particular label, as its design seems influenced by dirt trackers, scramblers and supermotos. Whatever the case, it definitely looks like it would be a blast to ride.

 

Interesting name . . .

 

I stopped liking it at "shiftless"...

 

CVT FTL

Essentially a couple of cones that get closer together and forcing a rubber belt up. That belt is the achilles heel not to mention the fun/control factor in shifting yourself.

 

Looks fantastic, shame about the auto!

 

Looks funky!
CVT sucks though.

 

Great looking bike, but too bad about that CVT. Also, did anybody notice the weird exhaust and how one exhaust exits facing the back of the bike but the other is turned around and faces forward?

 

And how exactly would you ride that without scorching your legs?