Aprilia Atlantik 500, Mana 850, Shiver 750

We believe that many (future) motorcyclists are confused by the rich offer. Of course, most of us do not believe when we write that modern maxi scooters can replace the classic motorcycle and that a motorcycle with an automatic transmission is not only for "little ones", but long-distance riders will also be pleased with Mana. ... So, we took three motorcycles, each of which represents a different class.

The Atlantic is a large scooter that clearly combines purpose with design. Both pairs of headlights, front and rear, are very large for a two wheeler. Maybe this is reminiscent of automotive design? It will hold. Larger than the average motorcyclist, this maxi scooter is for those who would like to change their car to a two wheeler. Thanks to good protection from wind and other weather conditions, you can also ride it in the Mura costume and in a few minutes show up for a meeting on the other side of Ljubljana.

The laptop bag will find its place between the legs, and after the ride you will close the helmet under the seat. The Shoei XR 1000 in XL goes very tight and there is no problem with room for anything smaller. In addition, there is another drawer in front of the driver's knees, where there is enough space for documents and, possibly, gloves. Those who need space for two helmets or holiday gear will have to look for additional equipment - in the Aprilia catalog we can find a suitcase with a capacity of 35 or 47 liters.

Are you surprised because we mention holiday gear? On the beautiful Adriatic highway, we made sure that the 460cc single-cylinder engine See is strong enough to follow "real" motorcyclists if they are not too racing. At least as long as the road is in good condition. The bad side of small wheels appears in the holes, as they uncomfortably ram the driver and passenger in the back.

If you're not exactly a fan of modern design, the Scarabeo with a 16-inch front wheel might be the best scooter choice. Another drawback that all drivers have noticed is too little wind protection. The body is very well protected from air resistance, but the helmet of the average adult European is right where the air is swirling and therefore makes a nasty noise around the head.

Then there is Mana, a novelty in the world of motorized two-wheelers. In fact, no one believed that an automatic transmission on a motorcycle could work well. Impressions? Not good, the Italians perfectly combined the ride quality of a motorcycle and the ease of use of a scooter.

The unit with automatic transmission works very smoothly, gently and not at all slowly. If desired, you can switch the switches on the steering wheel or the classic foot lever, otherwise Mana reacts to the turns of the gas lever in the same way as a scooter - the engine rotates in the zone of maximum torque. and accelerates surprisingly fast.

When comparing accelerations, Mana and Shiver separated from the Atlantic, then the "naked" 750 cubic feet escaped first, but did not move more than 20 meters from Mana. The maximum speed of both motorcycles, despite the difference in power of almost 20 “horsepower”, differs by only 14 kilometers per hour! Another feature that puts the Mano ahead of motorcyclists is a place for a helmet instead of a fuel tank.

Imagine arriving at a state border. Pressing a switch on the steering wheel, a large space in front of the driver, and since the clutch does not need to be engaged, you can already prepare documents in the column. The customs officer, probably, got to know a little about motorization, because with a thick look he made it clear that something was not clear to him ...

Shiver is the only one in the trio that represents a classic motorcycle. Classic in the sense that while riding it is necessary to use the clutch lever and gearbox, otherwise it is a very modern product, both in terms of design and technology, which reaches the highest level in the stripped motorcycle class. . For whom? For those who want to be fast on the popular winding road and be seen in front of the city bar.

Of course, with Shiver, you can easily go to sea, the only problem will be in the luggage (the suitcase somehow does not fit for him) and comfort, since the seat is not quite soft and still slightly tilted, so the pants are awkward to lie in the crotch (some are not observed). On a winding road with a real driver, he is probably the fastest; namely, it changes direction quickly and easily.

The frame and suspension are stiff in a sporty way, and the same goes for the geometry - it has the shortest distance between the axles, so it can be a little hectic at times. On short corners, due to the position behind the wide handlebars, it even happened to me that I extended my leg into the turn, as if driving a supermoto. This is a beautiful and lively toy!

Isn't there a dilemma here? If you are looking for a motorcycle for fun, the Shiver is the only right choice. We found, however, that the Mana is not at all slower and heavier that its positive characteristics fail to convince the average rider that it can actually pair very well with a modern motorcycle scooter. The only obstacle (and this can be decisive) is financial.

They charge more for the Mana than for the Shiver, and almost 3.550 euros more than the most powerful scooter in the Aprilia offering. Not small ... There is also a difference in the cost of registration (Mana and Shiver in the same class) and service. While the test was not intended to determine a winner, we still recommend that if money isn't a problem, keep an eye on Mano.

Advice: it will only be sold by dealers (Ljubljana, Kranj, Maribor) who can test drive serious buyers.

Aprilia Mana 850

Test car price: 9.299 EUR

engine: two-cylinder V90? , 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 839, 3 cm? , 4 valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection.

Maximum power: 56 kW (76 km) at 1 rpm

Maximum torque: 73 Nm @ 5.000 rpm

Energy transfer: automatic clutch, sequential gearbox with automatic or manual mode (7 gears), V-belt, chain.

Frame: steel pipe.

Suspension: front telescopic fork? 43mm, 120mm travel, aluminum rear swingarm, adjustable hydraulic damper, 125mm travel.

brakes: two coils ahead? 320mm, radially mounted 4-piston calipers, rear disc? 260 mm.

Tires: before 120 / 70-17, back 180 / 55-17.

Wheelbase: 1.630 mm.

Seat height from ground: 800 mm.

Dry weight: 209 kg.

Fuel: 16 l.

Maximum speed: 196 km / h.

Fuel consumption: 4 l / 9 km.

Representative: Avto Triglav, doo, Dunajska 122, Ljubljana, 01/5884550, www.aprilia.si.

We praise and reproach

+ ease of use

+ comfortable position

+ place for a helmet

+ motor

+ driving performance, stability

+ brakes

– price

– No protection like a scooter

Maintenance costs: 850 mann (for 20.000 km).

Engine oil filter 13, 52 EUR

Motor oil 3 l 2, 34 EUR

Drive belt 93, 20 EUR

Sliders Variomat 7, 92 EUR

Air filter 17, 54 EUR

Spark plugs 40, 80 EUR

Total: 207 EUR

Aprilia Atlantic 500

Test car price: 5.749 EUR

engine: single cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 460 cc? , four valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection.

Maximum power: 27 kW (5 km) at 37 rpm

Maximum torque: 42 Nm @ 5.500 rpm

Energy transfer: automatic dry centrifugal clutch, variomat with a V-belt.

Frame: double steel cage.

Suspense: front telescopic fork? 35 mm, 105 mm travel, rear engine mounted as swing arm, two gas shocks with five preload levels, 90 mm travel.

brakes: front coil? 260mm, 3-piston caliper, rear disc? 190 mm, integral control.

Tires: before 120 / 70-14, back 140 / 60-14.

Wheelbase: 1.550 mm.

Seat height from floor: 780 mm.

dry weight: 199 kg.

Fuel: 15 l.

Maximum speed: 165 km / h.

Fuel consumption: 4 l / 6 km.

Representative: Avto Triglav, doo, Dunajska 122, Ljubljana, 01/5884550, www.aprilia.si.

We praise and reproach

+ comfort

+ sufficient capacity

+ protection from wind and rain

+ space for luggage

+ price

- swirling wind around the head

– Comfort on bad roads

Maintenance costs: Atlantic 500 (for 12.000 km)

Engine oil filter 5, 69 EUR

Motor oil 1 l 1, 19 EUR

Coolant 7, 13 EUR

Candle 9, 12 EUR

Air filter 7, 20 EUR

Belt 75, 60 EUR

Rollers 7, 93 EUR

Brake fluid 8, 68 EUR

Total: 140 EUR

Aprilia Shiver 750

Test car price: 8.249 EUR

engine: the twin-turbo V90? , 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, 749, 9 cm? , 4 valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection.

Maximum power: 69 kW (8 km) @ 95 rpm

Maximum torque: 81 Nm @ 7.000 rpm

Energy transfer: hydraulic clutch in oil, 6-speed gearbox, chain.

Frame: steel tubular and aluminum.

Suspension: front telescopic fork? 43mm, 120mm travel, aluminum rear swingarm, adjustable hydraulic damper, 130mm travel.

brakes: two coils ahead? 320mm, radially mounted 4-piston calipers, rear disc? 245 mm.

Tires: before 120 / 70-17, back 180 / 55-17.

Wheelbase: 1.440 mm.

Seat height from floor: 810 mm.

Dry weight: 189 kg.

Fuel: 16 l.

full speed: 210 km / h.

Fuel consumption: 5 l / 3 km.

Representative: Avto Triglav, doo, Dunajska 122, Ljubljana, 01/5884550, www.aprilia.si.

We praise and reproach

+ design

+ cumulative

+ lightness

+ brakes

+ suspension

- anxiety in the turn

- no space for small items

- the seat is stiffer

Maintenance costs: Shiver 750 (at 20.000 km)

Engine oil filter 13, 52 EUR

Motor oil 3, 2l 34, 80 EUR

Spark plugs 20, 40 EUR

Air filter 22, 63 EUR

Total: 91 EUR

Matevzh Hribar, photo :? Bor Dobrin