APRILIA RST1000 FUTURA (2001 - 2003) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £150
Power: 113 bhp
Seat height: Medium (32.3 in / 820 mm)
Weight: Medium (463 lbs / 210 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £2,900

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Aprilia RST1000 Futura is desperately underestimated, sadly short lived and now a potential bargain. Aprilia’s ambitious rival for Honda’s polished VFR sports-tourer is able, well-specced and potent. Quirky styling put off many, however, it sold poorly and depreciated massively. If you like the looks the Aprilia RST1000 Futura is a used bargain.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Being Italian, the Aprilia RST1000 Futura cuts a fine dash a sports-tourer, making the old VFR750 and 800 seem lardy by comparison. It’s roomy, soft and comfy, too. Which is what ultimately limits its sporting potential. The suspension is a little on the soft side, the big fairing is like the proverbial barn door and its heavy, too.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Aprilia RST1000 Futura uses a detuned version of the able and respected Rotax-built 60-degree V-twin from the universally admired RSV sportster. Sadly the Aprilia RST1000 Futura loses a little in the translation, ending up with neither the RSV’s power nor VFR-rivalling midrange. And the V-twin vibe seems strangely at odds with the Futura’s sleek, 21st century styling. Still a goodie, though…

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Overall: impressive. Paint and metal finishes are good (although like most things Italian the Aprilia RST1000 Futura benefits from  lots of tender care through winter) and there have  been no major reliability issues or recalls. No wonder they call Aprilia ‘Italy’s Honda’

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
5 out of 5 (5/5)

When new, dubious, as it was pricier than the proven VFR. Secondhand, however, the Aprilia RST1000 Futura is often a bargain. Late low-milers can be had for under £3000 where comparitive age VFRs are still over £4K. Find an Aprilia RST1000 Futura for sale.

Equipment

5 out of 5 (5/5)

The Aprilia RST1000 Futura has all the bells and whistles: fancy LCD clocks (including clock, fuel gauge etc), single-sided swinger, usd forks, underseat exhaust (before they became all the rage, natch) factory fitted luggage… you name it. Aprilia certainly didn’t cut any corners when kitting out the Futura. Compare and buy parts for the Aprilia Futura in the MCN Shop.

Specs

Engine size 998cc
Engine type 8v V-twin, 6 gears
Frame type Twin spar aluminium
Fuel capacity 21 litres
Seat height 820mm
Bike weight 210kg
Front suspension Preload
Rear suspension Preload, rebound
Front brake Twin 300mm discs
Rear brake Single 255mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 17 in
Rear tyre size 180/55 x 17 in

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption 42 mpg
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £150
New price -
Used price £2,900
Insurance group 15 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance

Max power 113 bhp
Max torque 71 ft-lb
Top speed 150 mph
1/4 mile acceleration 12 secs
Tank range 160 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2001: Aprilia RST1000 Futura launched.
2003: Discontinued.

Other versions

None.

Owners' reviews for the APRILIA RST1000 FUTURA (2001 - 2003)

16 owners have reviewed their APRILIA RST1000 FUTURA (2001 - 2003) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your APRILIA RST1000 FUTURA (2001 - 2003)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Engine: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Equipment: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Annual servicing cost: £150
4 out of 5 The bike the press killed!
23 October 2023 by Andy Evans.

Version: aevans1340@btinternet.com

Year: 2003

Annual servicing cost: £200

Super comfortable quick, handles great, great features.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Fantastic proper Sports Tourer, passanger love it, best seat ever sat on, 1030mile trip from Eastern Europe to Wales in 1.

Engine 4 out of 5

Flat power delivery with decent Torque, better after a remap, quick as a VFR, I know because I have had 4 of them.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

1 coil stick in 60,000 miles, no recalls.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

All home services, Oil Filter, spark plugs, fluids etc.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Petrol tank fills to top off Sidestrand due to offset fuel filler, single sided swing arm, God mirrors, best tyres for it are Michelin Road5/6.

Buying experience: Brand new at a bargain price of £4995 in 2003,Panniers £300.

5 out of 5
13 March 2023 by V twin

Year: 2003

Annual servicing cost: £100

Fairing protection and saddle

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

A good all round bike easy to handle good brakes and suspension suits the type of bike it is .

Engine 5 out of 5

Love these engines

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Well put together no corrosion bought with low klm in S France so like new Owned for 6 months and love it at 71 it's more comfortable than the falco I had a few years ago.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Fairly easy to service myself so not expensive .

Equipment 5 out of 5

Comfy saddle and easy fitting panniers

Buying experience: Bought privately under 20000 miles And just under €2500

5 out of 5 One ring to rule them all
18 October 2022 by OldManMike

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £150

I have 3 other road motorcycles and if I had to distill it down to one bike it would be this one and yes this is after 20 years of ownership.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Brakes are fine for the street and occasionally track day. Like all semi-floating disc’s they like to be cleaned to maintain vibration free operation. Use the Brembo pads they work great and provide excellent modulation. Clean the caliper Pistons annually! Do this on any disc brake motorcycle, and you will have decades of trouble free service. The front fork internals and rear shock can easily be modified or replaced. But the stock setup if maintained works well. The aftermarket has the bits you need to dial the suspension in.

Engine 5 out of 5

This is and the frame design is the best part of the bike. The v twin is sublime quite, torquey right off idle, and willing to move out if you so desire.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

At the time of production this was a state of the art motorcycle. It has aged very well and even compares well to 2022 sport touring bikes like Ducati’s Supersport. Excellent v twin, quiet, smooth, fuel efficient, fantastic handling (like all Aprilia’s this is a descendent of the Gen1 RSV Mille.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I use high quality synthetic engine oil, flush brake fluid annually, and coolant every 3 years. During the cold New England winters I manage to grease suspension bearings and replace fork oil on all of them. I annually check valve clearances but to be honest this Rotax motor is bullet proof. I like sticky tires and this bike is made for twisty road adventures.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: I purchased this bike from a dealer in Florida and had it shipped to me in New Hampshire.

5 out of 5 Just buy one! (If you like the looks)
19 May 2020 by Sean

Year: 2002

Annual servicing cost: £80

A stunning, super comfy machine. Sadly had to part with it a few years ago but would buy another one in a heartbeat if funds allowed.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Just great all round, as long as you keep on top of the tyre pressures! Riding position is sporty and can be quite a weight on the wrists, especially if you're a bigger rider. Quite easy to touch the centre stand down but you can still get a lot of lean out of it, quite easy to chuck around for a heavy bike and changes direction nicely if you keep the tyre pressures on the nose, might have been a bad fitting on mine but they seemed to wander a bit. Brakes are excellent when you need them but being a big twin engine braking does most of the work for you. If it feels like you've got warped discs try cleaning the bobbins before replacing, the bobbins can get crudded up and stop the disc floating, plenty of handy tips on youtube if you're not sure and a half hour job no matter your skill level with a spanner.

Engine 5 out of 5

Just brilliant, never fails to put a smile on your face (once warm, more on that later). Mine had custom twin pipes that sounded amazing and gave little pops on the downshifts. So much pull right from the bottom up to about 9k, with the engine braking you can easily flatter your abilities with corner entry and exits. It never used to let me "play" until it had reached temperature, throttle response would be boggy and flat. Not really a criticism as you shouldn't be pushing it when cold anyway, just an observation.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Pretty bomb proof truth be told. Had one issue in 4 years of owning which was the clutch slave cylinder seal failed on a ride to work, just a maintenance issue that any bike could suffer with. Fork stanchions delaminated buy my fault for not storing properly over winter.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Pretty cheap to run, tyres are readily available. Fuel consumption was neither massively frugal or thirsty

Equipment 4 out of 5

Pretty good, mine didn't have the panniers but the seat is to die for, the clocks and guages all work well, there's a handy in line connector under the seat for pulling up diagnostic codes if you get an error light. Mirrors are good if a little odd looking at first, same with the offset fuel filler cap

Buying experience: Bought from MotoStrada in Shipley as a part-ex to clear. It had a squared off back tyre when i bought which made it hard to have fun on on the long ride home, a new tyre sorted this right out and it just blew everything else i'd owned or ridden before out of the water.

5 out of 5 Does everything I need
17 June 2018 by Peter H

Year: 2001

Annual servicing cost: £200

I bought a Futura because I wanted something different having owned straight fours, V fours, flat twins, so it was this or a Triumph. Did lots of research first which uncovered a number of glitches which could be modified to overcome. Bought the bike unseen (!) 6 years ago with 13000 miles, now done 33000 and I've enjoyed every one. Most comfortable bike I've owned including an ST1300. Wife happy on the back. Lots of character, goes well and handles well. It's rare - I've never seen another one - and gets comments whenever it's parked. Panniers big, easy to use but not quite waterproof. I did all the electrical mods when I got it which took 2 hours and cost little. It's had new head races, starter solenoid, clutch slave cylinder and chain and sprockets. Biggest problem recently was the front forks badly corroded. It's apparently a common fault and they are hard to find. However RSV ones fit. All in all a very underrated bike which I will keep for the foreseeable future.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

I do my own basic servicing and use a local specialist for bigger jobs.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Heated grips would be good. I may fit Oxford ones before winter.

Buying experience: Bought privately.

4 out of 5 Comfy and quick!
05 November 2014 by jayboy

I'm one of a minority, owning one of 53 of these in the UK. I've had a lot of different bikes in the last 7 years, nearly all Supersport machines and admittedly, I only ever have sub £3k to spend. This is my third Aprilia, previously had an RSV and a Falco, this is more of the same, quality components from Brembo, a bulletproof engine (could do with another 10-15bhp on the Futura in my opinion) and some Italian style. It was a jump from my K4 GSXR1000 to this, but in reality I wanted to slow myself down a bit on the road and I also wanted to be able to ride a bike for more than an hour comfortably. A whole Summer day out this year - approx. 6 hrsin the saddle, on the GSXR had me desperate to get home and lie down. I was almost in tears after getting back on after the last stop! I've not done a full day on the RST yet, but for the one - two hour rides I've had so far it's been very comfortable, plus there is proper room for a pillion, plus the Aprilia panniers are excellent and even look pretty nice. I've had Fireblades, R1s, a Daytona 955i, a VFR800 and even a Blackbird and an original Fazer 1000, I like to ride quite quick but for a good distance not just an hour on a Sunday - and this seems to have the best of all worlds compared to the others, in it's standard form. Who called the Blackbird a Sports Tourer with that original Honda seat?! It handles very well for a large-ish, fairly heavy bike, as soon as you get moving, it feels like a maxi-scooter to ride at town speeds and it can hustle around as the speeds go up on the twisties. It seems to average about 40mpg, I think the commute at 50mph helps keep that up to be honest, but it's still good for a 1000. It's a little soft for some people and I have had to keep winding the preload up, but then it is what it is, it's not meant to be an RSV and the softer suspension helps it soak up our poor road surfaces. On some of my favourite roads I am quicker on the RST than I could ever be on my rock-hard SP-1. Highly under-rated bike as said above and below, not too common which is nice as it gets some attention for it's age and better than a VTEC VFR. Think they are a bargain for around £2000!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 a better bike than a vfr
07 May 2012 by bikerbit

bought mine in march this year. had 1 small problem with the bike being the side stand cutoff switch screwing up so bypassed that made sure all mods had be done (which they where) and have to say its a bloody good bike I do alot of A-B road traveling and motorway (although I hate motorways to dull) I ride two up alot and has to be said its great at it. The engine is nice not the greatest but nice enough power to keep you happy. Brakes feel soft but seem to stop you with no trouble what so ever. The ride is a good balance maybe more on the sports side than tourer but take it into the twisties and this is where the bike is truly great keep the engine above 5500rpm and the bikes sings thru the corners Now having owned and rode both the fi vfr 800 and vtec 800 can say that this bike beats them hands down the vtec has a slightly comfier seat but no where near as composed on a-b roads so verdict is this if your looking for a fun sports tourer that's different from the crowd and you still want reliability then this is truly a forgot bike you wont be disappointed I sure as hell aint

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 I found one!
01 February 2010 by johnboy56

Having one of the Infinity Blue one's, after my patience being severely tested with replacing front warped discs, sorting out charging issues, new battery(higher starting current version), air getting into cluth fluid-fiddly to bleed! now bike appears to assist me with a daily 60 mile commute(160 miles to fuel light coming on. I am gaining confidence with the daily filter along the M27/M3 motorway, with I think the narrowest bike around. Great engine, lots of grunt.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Sports tourer with the emphasis on sport...
27 January 2009 by

The bike has an amazing Jekyll and Hyde character - well mannered enough to tour two up with luggage and sporty enough for an exhilarating blast down your local B roads. The RST will eat miles in comfort and is on the wholereliable. What's more, those looks just get better with age. For more infor see http://www.apriliafutura.co.uk

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
4 out of 5 Aprilia RST 1000 Futura
14 August 2007 by DrFutura

I have had mine since October which i purchased for seriously cheap money (though the luggage is missing). Apart from service and a dead fuel pump relay, it has been good. Its done over 25000 miles and has had the original exhaust replaced with a twin can/pipe Staintune job. The riding position is fine for me (6ft 2, long legs), but I get a bit of a numb bum after about 2 hrs.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Good comfortable sport tourer
11 July 2006 by ib12

This is a mile cruncher. It has the best seat going, I travelled 836 miles down to the south of France in a day with no aches or pains. The V twin Rotax engine will pull in any gear and with the latest fuel mapping is smooth even at low speeds. People have criticised the styling but Honda with their VFR and Triumph with the Daytona have taken similar angular lines with their bikes, it even looks good without the hard luggage as there is no nasty iron framework to spoil its lines. Although not a light weight it will still perform well on the twisties and with that V twin grunt, pull out the corners with ease. It's a shame Aprilia didn't market this bike properly as a lot of people have missed out on a very underated bike. Strengths: It has a good riding position with not too much weight on the wrists and the seat for both rider and pillion is best in class. Maybe a little tall for some but most people seem to manage. The bespoke hard luggage is a good size and is easy to take on and off. The headlights are more than adequate and the Brenbo brakes do what their suppose to. Front and rear supension are fully adjustable to suit whatever your requirements and it can go like stink and cruise over 100 mph all day long. Weaknesses: There are some weaknesses. The mirrors vibrate showing little more than an elbow and the Italian electrics could be a little better with the use of different components which a number of owners have changed. With those problems solved you have a good all round sport tourer.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Swapped my 636 for the Futura so I could take the wife out without her head being in the clouds!
10 July 2006 by smegfish

Some people berate this bike, but these people have never ridden one! Put it in gear, any gear, and ride the torque. Adjustable clutch and brake levers, slipper clutch, offset filler cap, little things that make life easy. The seat, engine and brakes are excellent. If you want cheap 2-up riding, you want a futura you do! Strengths: Handling, engine, comfort, brakes, exclusivity. Weaknesses: Spares and trick bits can be hard to find. Dealers with the engine diagnostic equipment few and far between.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Good bike
04 January 2006 by bigmosher

this was my first big bike for about 10 years off the seat, i had it for 6 months and moved to a millie r then the 04 model R1. big mistake as i'm a big hairy arsed biker and i regret sellin ma futura, it had a lovely soft big seat and the colour coded panniers were well worth the 300 quid extra. im buying a new futura. ive tried bandits, gsx1400, cbr1300, the works pan euros and fjrs. Strengths: most things with 1 exception. Weaknesses: the shape of the fairing is too much for some folks out there but u make yer mind up; me i go for comfort not fashion

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Excellent do-it-all machine
15 February 2005 by RobC

After 2 years on the Futura, I've no thought of changing the bike. What would I want to do that for? Commuting, continental tours, twisties or shopping, it does it all. There are flaws, the charge rate can be better, and the plastic quick-disconnect in the fuel line (same as used by other bikes eg Triumph and Ducati) can fracture, but an hour's work puts a permanent fix on both of these small glitches. Strengths: Engine, handling, luggage and comfort. Weaknesses: not many Aprilia dealers around for service and spares. Charge rate (although I never had to recharge the battery in the 2 years before I improved it) and fuel fittings.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
3 out of 5 3rd month with RST1000 Futura
24 August 2004 by iany

Dodgy clocks that don't want to work properly and a not too brill finish to deatail, along with less than satisfactory dealer backup and service marr a very good bike. Comfort and handling of the Futura are its major points, with that beautiful v-twin purring underneath. DK Motorcycles don't seem to bothered about customer care. their comment was "put some mileage on it, then bring it in in a few months". Buying a brand new bike, everything should work from day one. If it breaks, it should be fixed immediately. DK don't seem to want to do that. Strengths: Brakes are excellent, if maybe at times a little too keen. Weaknesses: Clocks seem to be problematic. Dealer told me this morning that there are others with rev-counter problems like mine has. They say it's down to a chip behind the dash which controls everything. Fit of the seat at the front is bad on some - mine included. Mirrors rattle out of position.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. The only real sports-tourer out there
12 July 2004 by Bernie

The looks of anything are judged by the eye of the beholder. However Honda thought it good enough to copy for the VFR V-tec styling. Do you really think the Triumph TT600 is better looking? C'mon, some journo starts a trend and we're supposed to agree? Wake up guys if you want something to look at buy a painting, if you want something that functions as it should buy a Futura!! The Futura is a true sports-tourer. Panniers are specifically made for the bike. Pillion's are extemely happy with the ergonomics and the seat must be one of the most comfortable standard fitments around. The bike will scratch with most, although in truth the ability of any bike is more to do with the rider than the machine, Rossi and Yamaha ring any bells? However the bike handles well, it has character (seriously lacking in many bikes nowadays)and it has more than enough go for road use. How good is it for a track day, see Rossis and Yamaha reference above. Strengths: Comfort. Handling better than most riders will be able to exploit. Character. Easy to mount, de-mount panniers. V-Twin drive and torque. Enough go to keep it interesting. Very easy to live with. Everyone hasn't got one (until this review). Weaknesses: Only those that 'sports bike' journo's imagined. Even when it was judged the best on a certain magazine's comparison test they couldn't bring themselves to admit they'd been wrong. They had to say it had come first due to the failings of the others. Excuse me, it was considered better than the Triumph ST, Honda VFR and the Ducati ST4. Was the competition really that weak?

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
Back to top