Riding a Mana? THANK YOU APRILIA!
First, Riding a Mana is nothing but a pleasure. I got to ride after 20+ YEARS!! Not one dealer problem, not one issue in over 5,000 plus miles - all smiles (no bugs in the teeth either).
My first few miles were re-training and getting my ... together. Next was the States written road test. Next was 4,000 plus miles between May - Sept in weather (?) and just mostly weekends.
Third was the Road Test! OMG that Road Test. I watched 2 guys fail in front of me. They dumped the bike; heck one time was my bike. But it was my time and then the shock of all. The tester had to call the State and NHSTA to verify I could test. You mean I could own and pass a written, do the miles and time and then nothing? The State called back and it was a GO! I could test (ya ok! Get my act together now.) I tested and never dumped the bike. It was as easy, 'Like doing it with one hand tied behind your back' Ooops not possible! I only have one since a gun accident.
So, when people ask if the bike is 'Easy to Ride’ my response is, 'Well I ride it one handed all day’ they then realize I only have one arm and the other is amputated above the elbow.
The best part is other riders (not to mention which ones) but they snub their nose and watch me go by. Then they have to pass me to show me who's king and half way in the pass they look - they look - 6 times and the thumbs up - pointing - and a Big Happy Smile. Heck I made somebody's day better.
I know somebody out there is asking, but also afraid to ask. Yes you can ride a Mana one handed. Don’t let the accident or war injury hold you back.
I waited 20+ years for this day! I was 22 years young and woke up think it was the end. I rode over 5400 miles this year all with my son. It was great and I owe it to Aprilia Mana and wish to say THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH for making it happen. I do not think when they developed and engineered this bike they were thinking of me.
Paul
ps Hope to see a Aprilia (or two) on the race track next year. Ya, I friend has me interested in handicapped racing. Funny - I suppose I fit in! In real to the word form. But after watching me, he thinks I could show some of these younger guys/gals a thing or two and win a couple races. I suppose we will see, have a bit of reading and studying to do this winter. Personally if it is fun - I will do it. I hope and pray my son stays healthy and wins.
True Bandit - ya know the 'One Armed Bandit' aka: 'The Slot Machine', so that is how I got that name.
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Originally Posted by Beau1K
