Aprilia RST1000 Review

[@pgVeritas]

I passed my (full) test in early January 2004, and I had already bought a brand new Futura, in this stealth black colour in November 2003. This was my first bike. I figured the throttle goes both ways and if I bought a 600cc or 500cc, after a few months I’d wished I bought a 1000cc. Anyway, a few things that you seem not to understand (with the greatest respect). Firstly, the name of the bike is “Futura”. It was built for the 21st century and was style as such. My ex-wife used to say it looked like a stealth fighter, especially in this colour way. The clocks light up in a futuristic blue colour, and the needles “dance” on start up. The mirrors were amongst the first to have the indicators incorporated and this is a great safety feature because it puts them at drivers’ eye level. There is a large plenum chamber/catalytic converter under the bike and this is why the rear pipe doesn’t heat up. The underseat exhaust has a trapezoidal shape and a circular hole in the middle. Yes, it looked amazing especially in 2004, and even today, from your video still looks fresh. Another great thing was the cast aluminium single side arm, instead of the cheap looking metal bar type swing arms of the Honda and other competitors. It’s ironic, that you compared it to a Lancia, because I was a big Lancia buff! I owned one of the original 50 (8v) Integrales imported into the UK, in the late 1980s. Now, for the bad bits! Yes, it felt heavy, I believe it was around 225kg, if my memory serves me correctly. The problem is not the weight (my next bike was a BMW K1200S (251kg fully fuelled)) but the centre of gravity. That’s a common problem with V twins. The K1200S was an in-line 4, but these were canted at a 55degree angle, making it very easy to flick at speed, and roll about in the garage. Now, the deal-breaker. It was massively unreliable, well the clocks were. Mine used to get stuck showing 60mph, even after turn off. I waited 4 months for new clocks to come in, and then they didn’t work. Aprilia UK sent some new ones and they didn’t work, and finally on the 3rd replacement they solved the problem…..then some tw@t pulled out in front of me and the bike was written off. I fortunately got a £22k insurance payout (broken little finger, but originally suspected brain injury(!)) in 2005 and bought a K1200S. That bike was infinitely superior to the Aprilia, but in fairness cost me nearly £5k more……however, I looked sentimentally at your Futura and remembered my very first motorbike…..however, selling the BMW K1200S in 2013 after 80k miles plus, was as sad as selling my beloved Integrale in 1990.

[@kassenz]

I had a Honda VFR, and now have an old 2001 Futura. It's so good on the street and normal speeds and mid range, and really opens up at high RPM. Remember the engine is a big high revving DOHC Vtwin. Much more torque (75 vs 50) and HP (113hp vs 97hp rear wheel dyno'd) than VFR. Much more comfort than SV1000 and RC51. As much as I want to get a newer bike, this is just such a perfect balance of comfort and raw Vtwin power. Really fun for long high speed mountain twisties. There is one for sale locally for $2500, and debating buying it and using my 88,000 mile Futura for spare parts, but it still runs strong, and feels "broken in"

[@eric62backstrom]

I'm trying to get one in New York for under 3, its listed at 3,500. They're quite nice!

[@zokieboi]

To add to the multinationality at 2:00 - it has French (Sagem) injection. And contrary to popular belief it hasn't got a CDI - ignition system is an ECU controlled TCI incorporated into the ECU itself - very similar to what we can find on modern cars. Original mirrors were very expensive some time ago, and part supply network was kinda shit, so there are many instances of Futura's having RSV-R, GSX-R or other model mirrors with indicators. However in my humble opinion original is what makes it so unique - angular design that sticks out. Front suspension is adjustable only on pretension and rebound. Replacing forks with Mille or Falco thingies adds a compression adjustment. And 320mm front rotors which really stop the bike on a dime (btw there is at least one Futura with ABS - and TCS for that matter - not fitted from the factory though - and it is in my garage). Rear pretension knob is a nice feature specially if travelling sometimes alone, sometimes with a better half at the rear seat. Exhaust really doesn't heat up the seat, they really did a great job at that. Maybe a great amount of heat is emitted off a catalytic converter box under the engine? The seat is really great though. Comfy. And materials hold, the seat doesn't crack with age. Low/high beam button being reversed got me numerous times. I didn't even notice it being reversed, it just felt unnatural - and I own this bike for 4 years! Good observation, haha! YES! It is too heavy! It feels like a brick compared to its brother Falco. It is bigger, but much heavier. And while I did manage to shave of quite impressive amount of weight off of a Falco, I just can't justify doing that on a futura. It is so well designed that I feel it would be a shame to change it. I LOVE your review. It is as honest as it can get - with all the raves and rants.

[@jgl2920]

Is amazing how people in the US now is looking for this bikes after 20 years of their construction, I have the 2007 caponord 1000 and since last year, every time that I stop to fuel her, I get a cash offer...........bought it used for pennies long ago because nobody was willing to have them. Non of the new ADV can catch me on the highway, and extremely reliable, not changing it, love it.

[@MotoMeccaGarage]

💯- Thanks for checking out our video!

[@tekhelet777]

I bought one of these bikes on a whim because I thought it looked cool and was called "Futura" (I own a Delorean). I absolutely love this bike!! It is so fun, so unique, so cool. I have owned over 20 motorcycles and I think this may be my favorite to actually ride.

[@riccardogranato1274]

I'll definitely get one as soon as I can, still relatively easy to find here in Italy in good conditions at bargain prices.

[@MotoMeccaGarage]

Awesome! Can't wait to see it

[@trroland1248]

Auto buffs who appreciate Italian cars appreciate the Lancia analogy. 😊

[@randyleduc8222]

Still have my 2001 65000 miles on it and it still makes me smile everytime I ride it.

[@johnanderson7124]

I have a 2002. It took me about a year of weekend riding to get used to it. I love the torque. Plan on keeping it. Unfortunately someone tried to steal it and destroyed the key ignition. Have been waiting over 2 months for part. My mechanic told me it was on a ship going across The Atlantic. Understandable, Covid, Italy pretty much shuts down for September, back up of container ships. Sure miss riding it.

[@robinjameshartley7673]

I carry a baseus jump start pack everywhere now. Will solve any jumpstarting needs from a bike to a van, sits in a small pouch

[@vadimsim3915]

Hi, could you please share more info about the mirrors fitted on your RST? 4:45

[@theodoremarakas9899]

I had a 2001 in red. Great bike and excellent Rotax engine. Coils go bad and very expensive to replace. Stators also go bad after a while but inexpensive

[@stephenlepore4476]

i have a beat up 02 Futura and I love it. So siiiiiic in every way!

[@태은이랑if]

Hello, I am a man who has been riding futura in Korea for 14 years~ I ran a futura search. I've seen the Ollysin review. Always drive safely.^^ I wonder if the rearview mirror used any products.!

[@nealsteik9408]

I love the Futura and have been casually looking for a low mileage one at a decent price and have yet to find one, for more than likely obvious reasons.

[@MotoMeccaGarage]

Thanks for checking out our video!

[@brentbartley6838]

Yeah those that have them won't let them go. It has arguably the best seat in motorcycle history. The Rotax engines are very good. +100k miles is not unheard of. The Aprilia electrics, not as much though I don't know all the Futura's quirks as I'm a 2 Tuono owner. 2003 bought fresh out of the crate and a used 2012 V4. Both are sitting in the garage right now. Now a 1200cc V4 Futura would be interesting. Tune the engine for cruising, maybe better mileage (they are thirsty) but keep the old seat and they'd have a winner.

[@albertcampos959]

I actually have (probably the lowest mile Futura out there).. it's a 2001 with under 9000 miles. Has all the correct mods and updates. It's silverstream in color. Just rode it today to Pro-Italia to pick up some maintenance parts for it. Hit me up if you are interested, it's not listed anywhere, but I may entertain an offer.

[@Carbonshooter]

Bought a 04 in 06 new in crate, put 60k miles on it, just picked up its 01 twin last week with only 4500 miles on it in mint condition. Love them!

[@nealsteik9408]

I think I have finally found my unicorn. Tomorrow I'm going to look at a 2002 Futura about 70 miles away with less than 30k miles on the clock. Fingers crossed...

[@bollox1235]

Boring