Road-testing the Aprilia RST 1000 Futura: Motorcycle makers seem, at times, to be hard put to think up new names for their creations. Often they end up recycling the name of an out-of-production model. Honda did this with their Silverwing scooter, so confusing it with the faired version of the iconic CX500. They are by no means alone when it comes to paucity of imagination.
Aprilia has decided to re-use the name Futura, previously used on a 125 in the early 1990s and now dusted off for a 1000cc machine which, it claims, is "the first true sporting motorbike for touring." That's one big claim given that most machines seem to be marketed as sports tourers these days.
This Futura is a fully faired machine with the now de rigueur angular aggressiveness. Mirrors, which give an excellent view and incorporate front indicators, are on massive "praying mantis" stalks. The silencer is under the seat to allow panniers to be fitted, a location which bucks the current trend to promote third-degree burns among passengers. The tank filler is offset to make filling easier up when using the sidestand.
The engine is a DOHC 60º fuel-injected, Vee-twin, with two spark plugs per cylinder, four valves and dry sump lubrication. It incorporates several Aprilia patents such as a double balancing countershaft and a power-assisted hydraulic clutch.
The engine develops 83kW (113 hp) at 9,250rpm and 96Nm torque at 7,250 rpm. Aprilia says this is "the highest power of any sporting-twin currently available on the market".
The frame is derived from the highly successful super-sports RSV but with some differences: a 4mm longer steering stem, steering base brought forward by 5mm and specific engine mounts, all aimed at optimum weight distribution without hitting performance.
The swinging arm is single sided which allows for a less obtrusive exhaust system and easier mounting of panniers, as well as much simplifying rear wheel removal.
The Showa front suspension has 43mm diameter sleeves and is adjustable for rebound and preload. Rear suspension uses a Sachs shock absorber. It can be easily and quickly adjusted to suit all conditions from fully loaded to rider only.
Brakes are Brembo Gold series with Freudenberg brake lines. At the front 300mm stainless double-floating disks and 4-pot callipers and sintered metal pads. At the rear a 255mm steel disk and floating 2-pot calliper.
The headlight uses three 55w halogen bulbs, two for the top main beam and one for dipped. Options include panniers and a tank bag.
This Futura does indeed look well. The deep screen enhances its appearance and gives good protection. Unusually these days, it also comes with a centre stand as standard.
Our pillon tester commented favourably on the comfort and sensible positioning of footrests and silencer.
We were a trifle disconcerted on several occasions when we found we had come to the limit of the steering lock, the angle of which must be one of the narrowest. However, it's not a problem once you are aware of it.
The engine's significant torque output is as noticeable as it is impressive, giving the feel of a larger than 1,000cc engine. There is as much real, usable, power here as most would ever need.
The ride is comfortable enough and the rear suspension adjuster is easily accessible close to the rider's left ankle. The brakes - there is no ABS - are firm and positive and well up to handling the performance.
The gear change proved delightfully smooth. There are analogue speedo and rev dials and an LCD information panel. Back lighting is in blue and noticeably clear, with three levels of adjustment.
Fuel information, in both numeric and graphic forms, suggests a distinct thirst, but thankfully the reality was better. Even so, when being pushed hard, some would regard the 21-litre fuel tank as being on the small side.
Perhaps the most impressive feature of this machine and the one which, apart from its good looks and race-bred build quality, is its price. At €11,500 this is sound value.