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.
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…
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’
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.
Insurance group: 15 of 17 – compare motorcycle insurance quotes now.
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.