Motorcycle specifications ApriliaRST 1000 FUTURA 2004 One goal: to beat VFR
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.
M.B - (manufacturer's photos)
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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 ;) Rating : 5/5 Respond to Fanfan
I ride an FZS 600 with 111,000 km
Avé! Rating : 5/5 Respond to Toine
- 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) Rating : 1/5 Participate in the conversation
No regrets Rating : 4/5 Respond to bb38
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 Rating : 4/5 Participate in the conversation
Rating : 5/5 Participate in the conversation