08 or 09

[88&stillriding]

I called a dealer today to purchase a Mana. The bike has been on the showroom floor since June 08 but is listed as an 09. It is lead gray.

Can someone identify the differences between the 08 and 09 for me? Thanks,

88

[SAFit07]

'88'!!!

My favorite poster from the 'ole MP3 forum....

Anyhow, found this....I don't think there's a difference in the models. Maybe the dates mfg? Micah???

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=155477

[Ed / AF1 Racing]

the 10th digit in the VIN is the end-all, be-all for what year it is titled in the USA.

We got the Mana around that same time too. Our reds were all labeled as 2009s, the silvers built the same month got VINed as a 2008. Sucks, because we paid the same amount for both years and they arrived all the same day.

We were told the 08 VIN stamping was not intended, bikes built days apart on the same USA production run.....it is, what it is, though.

Doesnt really matter as they are all exactly the same, no updates, nothing.

[88&stillriding]

A question for Ed:

I spent many years with traditional sport bikes. Tried the MP3 500 and liked it a lot for what it was. Now that it is sold, I want to move back to motorcycling.

I vacillated between the Shiver and Mana until I read a track day review where the rider indicated that he was able to obtain near identical lap times as the CVT provides optimum engine/torque efficiency. He even stated that the rake/trail of the Mana provide sharper turn in.

Can you give me your opinion of the two bikes. I tend to gravitate towards bleeding edge technology.......

88

[ritchj]

Bought mine in June of 2008 and it is a 2009.

Was at the failing dealer in the Sac area and they had their 2009's tagged as 2008- so check the VIN and emissions plate.

I did track day as a newb on the Mana. Not sure about identical times, but it s.a.s. was fun - none of those pesky gears to worry about.