Aprilia RST 1000 FUTURA 2003 - Motorcycle specifications

presentation of the RST 1000 FUTURA 2003

aprilia is rapidly expanding its horizons. Crowned with a fine sporting record in competition with its GP 2-strokes and its highly efficient RSV, the Noale-based brand recently launched a rather sporty sport-GT, the SL 1000 Falco, before presenting us with a real sport-GT: the RST Futura. The design is very much in the spirit of the brand, yet shocking: angular lines, ridges, right angles... it's disconcerting. The Futura surprises, and not just with its lines. Let's take a closer look and discover a host of technical solutions. What makes this bike particularly attractive is its superb single-arm design. Unlike the VFR, which hides it behind its exhaust, the Italian's is unobstructed, visible to all, and very accessible. This is due to the presence of the triangular muffler, perfectly integrated under the seat. The result is a very slim rear end, ideal for side cases.

this tiny pot is in fact like an iceberg: it only shows the visible tip - an enormous quieting chamber is hidden beneath the engine. Here, the gases and the majority of their heat are processed, avoiding excessive temperature rises harmful to the passenger's buttocks. This chamber was made possible by the twin's technology: lubricated by a dry sump, it takes up less space. The mill has also been redesigned to match the RST's on-road spirit. But you can trust it to deliver pleasure and efficiency. The instrument panel is ultra-complete, and the fuel tank lets you see what's coming.
Debunking the VFR won't be easy. All it needs is a wiser silhouette and more serene handling (make sure you ask about tires) to set a new benchmark.

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M.B - (manufacturer's photos)

Key facts Aprilia RST 1000 FUTURA (2003) : What you need to know before you buy

Highlights

Originality
Engine performance and flexibility
Comfort
Agility

Weak points

Low-speed torque
Freinage
Special design

Prices

	Basic version
France	10,229€

Bikers' reviews

of 8 reviews Read reviews

Model sold in 2001 2002 2003 2004

Performance

Max speed : 235 km/h (146 mph)
Average fuel consumption : 8 liters/100km (0.29 mpg)
Estimated range : 263 km (163 miles)
Calculated range until tank is empty, not verified.

Specifications Aprilia RST 1000 FUTURA 2003

Chassis: Frame : double aluminium alloy beam; Fuel capacity : 21 liters (5.55 US gallons); Seat height : 820 mm (32.28 in); Length : 2,170 mm (85.43 in); Width : 740 mm (29.13 in); Min height : 1,240 mm (48.82 in); Wheelbase : 1,435 mm (56.50 in); Dry weight : 210 kg (463 lb); Weight when fully loaded : 247 kg (545 lb)

Front axle: Reverse telehydraulic fork Ø 43 mm, Wheel travel : 120 mm (4.72 in); Braking 2 discs Ø 298 mm (11.73 in), 4-piston caliper; Front tire : 120 / 70 - 17 → Order this type of tire; Pressure : 2.2 bar

Transmission: 6 stage gearbox; Secondary by chain

Rear axle: Mono-damper, Wheel travel : 120 mm (4.72 in); Braking 1 disc Ø 255 mm (10.04 in), 2-piston caliper; Rear tire : 180 / 55 - 17 → Order this type of tire; Pressure : 2.5 bar

Motor: two-cylinder 60° V-shape , 4 strokes; Injection Ø 51 mm; Cooling system : liquid; 2 ACT; 4 valves; 997.60 cc (Bore x stroke: 97 x 67.5 mm); 114 ch (112.40 hp) to 9,250 rpm; 9.40 mkg to 7,000 rpm; Power-to-weight ratio : 1.87 kg/ch; Weight / torque ratio : 22.34 kg/mkg; Compression : 11.8:1

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Models

2004

2003

2002

2001

Competitors

Honda VFR 800 V-TEC RC 46 II 2003

Find others Sport touring of 2003

Compare the RST 1000 FUTURA to its competitors

Fuel consumption

Aprilia RST 1000 FUTURA 2003 : 8 liters/100km (0.29 mpg)

Honda VFR 800 V-TEC RC 46 II 2003 Undisclosed

Range

Aprilia RST 1000 FUTURA 2003 : 263 km (163 miles)

Honda VFR 800 V-TEC RC 46 II 2003 Undisclosed

Torque

Aprilia RST 1000 FUTURA 2003 : 9.4 mkg

Honda VFR 800 V-TEC RC 46 II 2003 : 8 mkg

Power

Aprilia RST 1000 FUTURA 2003 : 114 ch (112.40 hp)

Honda VFR 800 V-TEC RC 46 II 2003 : 106 ch (104.50 hp)

Power-to-Weight ratio

Aprilia RST 1000 FUTURA 2003 : 1.87 kg/ch

Honda VFR 800 V-TEC RC 46 II 2003 : 2.04 kg/ch

Torque-to-Weight ratio

Aprilia RST 1000 FUTURA 2003 : 22.34 kg/mkg

Honda VFR 800 V-TEC RC 46 II 2003 : 26.63 kg/mkg

Speed

Aprilia RST 1000 FUTURA 2003 : 235 km/h (146 mph)

Honda VFR 800 V-TEC RC 46 II 2003 : approximately 240 km/h (149.10 mph)

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Give your opinion on this RST 1000 FUTURA 2003

Bikers' reviews Leave a review - 8 reviews

Val Model 2001

Yes, I've been riding it since last summer, I'm 1m70, wide and high seat, fuel consumption about 7l, quiet ride, weird, that's a lot, bike with character, mine knocks and bangs under 2500rpm, but pleasant nonetheless 04/27/2025 17:50 Rating : 4/5 Respond to Val

Fanfan Model 2001

I've had this bike since 2013, you've got to love mechanics :D
The big failure I had was the voltage regulator quk to let go, and it's not pretty ..
Some parts are almost impossible to find, speedometer rear bearing rear light.
I bought a second one after the accident, to reassemble the first one and make it last....
It's an endearing bike, for enthusiasts ;) 12/07/2020 18:53 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Fanfan

Billy Model 2001

i bought a futura rst ,year 2001 with 24000km on the odometer. This machine was bought in 2013 July.I am a crazy crazy 61 years old who loves this bike. Very recently the engine failed. But I love this typical mechanical purring "it's an Italian "So I had it repaired. Just to say, this little bombshell is worth every penny, and it's a shame that the series came to a halt so quickly. This is just to say that if someone finds one and wants to buy it, go ahead, it's faithful. 07/21/2020 18:21 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Billy

Pourquoi ?

Toine Model 2001

Yes, why does this bike sell so cheaply second-hand? Every time I look at the classified ads, the Aprilia Futura is playing elbows with the Ducati st3, which it's close to, but also with the Triumph Sprint. Indeed, the VFR is in my sights, but the question I ask myself is the reliability of these European models in the face of Japanese competition. I've read that a Futura can rack up 120,000km, is this a common mileage?
I ride an FZS 600 with 111,000 km
Avé! 02/28/2020 20:18 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Toine

déception

lupus

i've owned an Aprilia RST 1000 Futura for 18 months...6 months of which ...I'm going to start by talking about what's wrong with it

- deplorable electrical finish (wiring, soldering), a guy I know completely dismantled his and sent the wiring harness to an Italian specialist who completely rebuilt it, without that, it's failure after failure guaranteed!... Personally I changed the starter relay almost every month (burnt out), the design was done in a hurry

- I had to order a rim and other bits and pieces from Germany and Italy (following an error in tightening the monoblock nut)
certain parts are only made by Aprilia and only on request (no adaptable parts available), such as the wheel bearing on the single arm... it costs 600€...yes yes, 600€ (because of the speed sensor grafted onto it)

- other frustrations...the sound of the engine (or rather the exhaust), awful, it sounds like a 4L with a turbo added... even emptying the muffler doesn't change anything, you'd have to be a master boilermaker to completely rebuild the whole line and remove the gas calming chamber located under the engine, which stifles the engine (musically speaking), as there are no existing adapters!

which I liked
- the engine...fabulous, for a twin-cylinder it doesn't knock much, revs are smooth with good extension, fuel consumption within the norms..

- seat comfort is excellent, including for the passenger, no need to consider a comfort saddle....ATTENTION, the saddle is very wide and the seat a little high, despite my 1.83m I've already put myself in a heap when stopped (slight deviation)

- lighting quality: probably the best of the many motorcycles I've owned, with one low beam and 2 high beams... no need to switch to LEDs, they already light up more than well!

Basically, it's better to be relatively well off to buy and maintain the thing! (or be an outstanding mechanic)
In the same genre, the Honda VFR 800 FI is much better (even if less powerful) 08/12/2020 19:02 Rating : 1/5 Participate in the conversation

bb38 Model 2001

For more than 15 years now, I've always had a feeling of comfort and roadholding.
No regrets 07/19/2019 18:49 Rating : 4/5 Respond to bb38

Jp38300

Hello. I'm looking for a bike to ride as a duo, like a vfr 800 or a cbf 1000, and I saw an ad on coin-coin for a 1000 futura. I'm looking for objective advice. Licensed for 15 years (I'm 55), I sold my last bike last year. Thank you for your answers 08/02/2019 15:22 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

bb38

motorcycle a little ahead of its time at its sottie.
it's very sound, with good handling, braking and comfort.
lively engine with good extension
like many italian motorcycles of this era, the electric circuit may have some weaknesses.
to get a good idea, go to the dedicated forum:
forum3.rst1000.info
everything is there
sincerely 08/04/2019 06:46 Rating : 4/5 Participate in the conversation

Jean-Yves

I bought one 2 years ago and use it mainly to go to work. A few rides with my daughter, you don't have to tell her twice to come as this bike is so comfortable and healthy. Ã‰tonishingly easy to handle considering the weight, impeccable stability in corners, interesting torque from 3000 rpm, the injection is well managed and the reliability of the Rotax engine is top-notch...my dealer has a customer whose Futura exceeds 120,000 km! If Aprilia wants to bring it back up to date, I'm all for it, and I've got ideas for further improvements. What a pity that this kind of all-round tourer hardly exists any more. I can only recommend it. V 08/19/2019 22:59 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

Jackol Model 2001

I've had one since June 2005 and 22700 km, and it's a great bike that's unfairly overlooked. A puncture-proof engine, pullman comfort, and 300 km before reserve (and still 5/6l inside) It's a bike that knows how to do everything. They're still in stock, so hurry up! 12/10/2006 19:18 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Jackol

marco

I've had it for 2 months, on short and long trips, and it's a great bike because it's comfortable and, above all, it's "peachy"! I used to have a Suzuki SV 1000, which was also a by-product, and the RST is much better, with a great engine and a "beautiful face", a crime pusher for points!
07/15/2017 22:03 Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation

Rwan Model 2001

if it had had a lower saddle height it would have been more successful because given my height of 1.67 I was 10 cm short per foot to touch the saddle. too bad. 11/28/2005 23:16 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Rwan

Clot Model 2001

Very pretty, too bad they don't make it anymore! 04/13/2005 15:56 Rating : 5/5 Respond to Clot

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Essentials

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