The Aprilia RST 1000 Futura is a sport-touring motorcycle that Aprilia produced from 2001 to 2004. It has a four-stroke 60-degree V-twin of 998 cc with electric start, liquid cooling and fuel injection, broadly like the engine of the SL1000 Falco.
Aprilia RST 1000 Futura at a glance
| Production | 2001–2004 (remained in the range until 2005) |
|---|---|
| Presented | September 2000 at the Munich show |
| Engine | 997.62 cc Rotax 60-degree V-twin, four valves per cylinder, two spark plugs per cylinder (Twin Spark) |
| Power | 113 hp (85 kW) per English Wikipedia; 84 kW (114 hp) per Italian Wikipedia |
| Frame | aluminium-alloy double parallel-beam frame with single-sided swingarm |
| Gearbox | six-speed, chain final drive |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
| Price in 2001 | more than 22 million lire (Italian Wikipedia) |
| Chief designer | Pierluigi Marconi |
The two pages give the power as 113 hp (85 kW) and 84 kW (114 hp); the difference is rounding of the same engine.
History of the Aprilia RST 1000 Futura
The Futura was shown at the Munich show in September 2000 with a huge seat that doubled as side panels covering the steel rear subframe; the public did not like the oddity. Aprilia took the criticism and launched a modified version at the Motor Show of the same year, with a smaller seat and side panels in the colour of the bodywork.
The chief designer was Pierluigi Marconi, who built the bike around the 998 cc Mille V-twin. The big changes from the Mille were the single-sided swingarm and the under-tail exhaust, which kept space for hard luggage, and a generator with 30% more electrical capacity for the accessories touring riders add. When Marconi left Aprilia for Benelli and later Gas Gas, promised updates such as ABS and power outlets never arrived.
With its hard panniers the Futura was meant to rival the Honda VFR800. Poor sales, a high list price, angular lines for the period and a likeness to the cheaper Honda, along with questionable company policy, ended production after three years, in 2003 according to English Wikipedia; the bike remained in the range until 2005.
Reception
Critics were divided over the large angular shape: some thought it innovative and said it looked like an F-117, others found it too bulky. MCN called the Futura desperately underestimated, sadly short-lived and now a potential bargain.
Design and features
- Engine: a 997.62 cc V-twin with four valves per cylinder and Twin Spark ignition, the same family as the engine of the Caponord and the RSV 1000.
- Exhaust: a two-into-one stainless steel system with a catalytic converter to Euro 1, and a central under-seat silencer.
- Clutch: hydraulic, with the patented Pneumatic Power Clutch (PPC) that simulates a slipper clutch.
- Vibration control: a double balance countershaft (AVDC) and dry-sump lubrication.
- Luggage: two hard side panniers in body colour as standard, with a maximum speed of 130 km/h when loaded; no centre top case originally.
Aprilia RST 1000 Futura versions
- First Futura (2000): the Munich show bike with the oversized seat.
- RST 1000 Futura (2001–2004): the production bike with a smaller seat and side panels in body colour.
More Aprilia motorcycles are in our Aprilia collection, for example the RSV Mille, the SL1000 Falco and the Caponord.
Aprilia RST 1000 Futura questions and answers
When was the Aprilia Futura built?
From 2001 to 2004; it stayed in the Aprilia range until 2005.
What engine does the Futura have?
A 998 cc 60-degree V-twin from Rotax with about 113 hp, related to the RSV Mille and Falco engines.
Who designed the Futura?
Pierluigi Marconi was the chief designer.
Which bike did the Futura try to rival?
The Honda VFR800.
Why did it stop?
High price, angular looks, poor sales and Aprilia’s worsening financial position.
Video: 2001 Aprilia Futura Review
Video by Men and Motors on YouTube.
Sources
- Aprilia RST1000 Futura, English Wikipedia: design, designer, reception
- Aprilia RST 1000 Futura, Italian Wikipedia: presentation, engine, price, luggage
