Modern Vespa

I sat on one at the dealer last week but couldn't take it for a ride because the pdi guy had accidentally trapped and torn a coolant hose that morning.

I'll be test riding it next week hopefully. i took it off the stand and it felt heavy. however the riding position seemed to fit me nicely and it looks better in the metal than in photos.

I, too, would like to see it in a smaller, more commute-friendly displacement for my next acquisition.
But then I would be forced to choose between the GTS, SportCity and Mana 250...

Wouldn't be the worst problem to have.

i'd change 1 thing about that bikeooter.

instead of the rear brake pedal i'd have a lever.


is this an option or have you got to convert it yourself...

I'm eagerly awaiting your ride review (smile).
Two questions: [1] The seat seems rather high but a tall seat that is narrow works as well as a low seat. How wide or thick between the thighs does it feel and can you flat-foot it? [2] Does it rabbit from a stop or is there a scooter-ish lag as the CVT belt tightens? I would have also preferred a smaller version of the Mana preferably with the 500-Master engine mated to their new ECVT but with a lower seat height even if that meant going from 17-inch wheels to 16-inch wheels. However, I wouldn't want to lose the front storage or the short wheelbase. Not an standard option. The USA rule for clutchless motorcycles is a right foot-brake for the rear wheel and it looks like all the manufacturers are standardizing on that rule (e.g., Yamaha FJR1300, Honda DN-01, Aprilia Mana). However, you should be able to do the mod yourself. Stunters and dirtbike riders who have installed a clutchless system (Revlok, Recluse, etc.) routinely add a left hand-brake to their bikes.

S$%#...I just drooled on my keyboard again

it looks wrong without a left lever, you guys do realise that this bike is just a gilera dna on steroids...

I think I'm wet.

towel off there pool boy - you've got months to wait......

Read on the Aprilia forum of a "total Mana recall" - apparently all the Manas are being recalled, but not sure exactly why. Anyone have any info, maybe from the dealers?

Mana is throttle by wire. The movement of your wrist into the WOT position is changed into a voltage change or constant or a pulse that travels via one or two little wires to a little computer that changes that electrical stimuli back into a physical action - i.e., the fuel injector spraying like Mr. Creosote (Rex youtube THAT.)

While this is happening there is a cable that runs from the throttle grip to the fuel injection system as a fail safe. (why not run a second one and scrap the electronics part of things????)

Like all good Italian things in their first year, somehow there is something (could I be any more vague) in this system that is having some 'challenges,' in stopping the flow of fuel to the system, therefore the 'Hi, we're here to collect your keys, not yours,' recall on the Mana.

Or that's my understanding anyways, may I have a mint?

OOO MMM GGG !!!! Huuuuuurrrrrlllll@#$^&*(*&GF#E&*(%==_corn_#$^%&cucumber seeds#$^&*U^UT$#porrige.

Aprilia is recalling all first 150 ca sold Manas for a Hardware-Software update. Improved injection parts and ECU software.
Kind of Service Pack 1

By the way, all Manas to be sold from now on are updated.

I have the partially blocked left hand because of incident(i a Vespa PX 125, he truck IVECO) and therefore they are obliged to the automatic gearshift on motorcycle or scooter. If i will make the Mana i will keep also the Scarabeo, it appeals to to me too much.
Ciao ellebubi,my president of Scarabeo club.

you're right about that Dave! It's witchcraft, I say!

jacqui

There are probably legions of "shifties" on vintage Vespas sayin' the same thing about our scooters.

I like the idea of it, and welcome it, but don't want to be an early adopter, headaches and all.

I'm sure to upset many people, but I cant see the point of it. Half the fun of a big bike is the gear shift. How you going to pop a wheelie on that??

Half the fun of a big bike is the gear shift - until you ride in traffic. When I grew up wheelies became extremely passe`.

Dave

Yeah you're right about the traffic, I'll give you that, but wheelies nooo, I guess I've never grown up!

here's the cheaper piaggio option.....



doesnt it look really similar??

all the chav kids buzz over these.

the *fuel tank*is the helmet bay

it comes with a 180cc leader engine in and it can kitted to 210cc like the gt's!


and its got proper auto scooter controls

Now, why haven't I seen that? Been too busy lookin' at other things, I guess. It's nice and all, but for me, I'd like it to have an engine bigger than my GTV. I'm looking to upgrade sometime in the future, but I don't want to replace my GTV. I want to add to it and add a bigger, beefier bike. The Mana is the perfect upgrade for me that's almost a complete escape from the scooter world...but I don't want to escape out of it completely. Had I kept my 150cc Derbi Boulevard, I would have gotten this Gilera as the add-on..for the time being. Got anymore?

That looks like a lotta fun. Any idea what it weighs? Imagine that with the new 300cc engine coming down the pike...

Upon closer inspection of the Gilera, is that adjustable footpeg positions I see? Niiiiiice...

You can Keep it .Seriously, I wouldn't take it if you gave it to me. I would hate the frustration and costs of maintaining that overengineered sports bike piece of crap. I am sure some will disagree but buy one and you will soon see it my way, unless you have nothing but money. If you want an expensive toy that you take out on Sunday,hoon around in an uncomfortable position at dangerous speeds and don't mind warming the planet a couple more degrees for it's production, go ahead. This is pure hedonism ... I am not sure why anyone would put this on modern Vespa I see no link other then the auto thing. Does being auto make it a scooter.A lot of bikes are coming out with autos. They are faster then geared bikes and they do do wheelies too. No offence meant this is how I see it.

Wow, so bitter. Apparently this bike isn't for you. This being an automatic bike isn't the only thing that links this bike with a Vespa. I'll give you one guess and it starts with a P... (shhh folks, I know you know the answer...don't say it)

Lemme guess. "Pretty"? "Pleasing"? And if I guessed your ethnic background correctly, Rex, "Pogi"?

or Pangit...LOL.

Hardly bitter.. If Piaggio bought an italian fridge company would that have anything to do with scooters. Don't Piaggio have a piece of Fiat as well. I don't really care and I am not at all fussed by it. Just letting you know that not everybody feels all goey when it comes to sport bikes. Yamaha make something similar and have done so for awhile now. An Auto sport bike it is not new and has nothing to do with Modern Vespa other then a NSR topic to which I happily contributed. No need for name calling keep it clean.

I sort of agree really! Surely we all ride "scooters" and are part of the "scooter scene". This is no way related to a scooter except it has two wheels. Perhaps we are all just frustrated and scared big bike riders (I am anyway, I have a full license and have never ridden a big bike). Buying one of these is like selling your scooter soul to the Devil, he just happens to be a direct relative of yours, but he is the evil drug taking, pimp, criminal, wife beating relative that you never really talk about or see (except at funerals).

Now, Kam, where are you arranging a test drive? I want to meet you and come too.

Charles.

http://www.ufomotorcycles.co.uk/newbikes.html

I could test ride one tomorrow if i want.

This place is just around the corner from me.

This is a proper set of wheels, one with gears and one without;

I didn't call you bitter. I called your reply bitter. Here we were exchanging and sharing our enthusiam towards the Aprilia Mana and we get a "Mana Sshhamana" response. That's what I thought was bitter. Of course, you're entitled to your own opinion. Those who have contributed positively to this thread have kept it clean by providing both objective and subjective statements. Some that provided negative feedback have done so in a more tactful manner that still makes it pleasant to read. But oh well. We all can't please everybody. I've learned that if you want to set yourself for instant failure, try and please everybody.

come on charles. metropolis on the southbank.

it weighs about the same as a runner, the 210 kits on these make the thing fly!

but the kids all ride the 50cc one here, which is pointless, looks like a sports bike but can barely do 30mph....

i always wondered why they didnt do a 250cc one. it'd be wheelie good