Aprilia RST1000 Futura

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2001 Aprilia RST1000 Futura in red

The Aprilia RST1000 Futura was a V2, sport touring motorcycle that was produced by Aprilia from 2001 to 2005. It is equipped with a 113 horsepower (85 kW) four-stroke 60° V-twin engine with electric-start, liquid cooling and electronic fuel-injection. The engine is broadly similar to that fitted to the Aprilia SL1000 Falco. It could reach a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h). Max torque was 70.81 ft/lbs (96.0 Nm) @ 5500 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 111.57 HP (83.2 KW) @ 9250 RPM.

With its hard-shelled panniers, the Futura was intended to compete with the similarly styled Honda VFR800,[1] but poor sales and Aprilia's worsening financial position led to the Futura's demise. Production ended in 2003, although the bike remained in the range until 2005.


Design

The Futura incorporated an aluminium-alloy, double-parallel-beam frame with a single-sided swinging arm. Transmission is via a six-speed gearbox and chain-final drive. Other features included CDI dual ignition system using two spark plugs per cylinder, dry sump lubrication, mixed gear/chain timing, (AVDC) double-balance countershaft, and power-assisted hydraulic-controlled clutch, with a patented Pneumatic Power Clutch" (PPC) to simulate a slipper clutch to control rear-wheel bounce during sudden deceleration.[2] [3] The Futura's dry weight is 210 kg (463 lb).

The chief designer in charge of the project was Pierluigi Marconi. He would design the Futura around the same motor used in the Mille, a 998cc DOHC 60 degree V-twin. Among major changes from the Mille were the single side swing arm and undertail exhaust used to retain space for the hard sided luggage.[4][5] Marconi also specified an increase in the electrical generator in order to cope with accessories that touring riders were sure to add. Electrical capacity was increased by 30% over that of the Mille. Marconi directed his design team to spend an extensive amount of time on the exhaust system. The result was that it did not heat up the seat as other undertail exhausts did. It also passed Euro 1 standard emissions without the catalytic converter. The design team moved to supplier Sagem to provide the fuel injection and intake systems.

Marconi would later quit to work with Benelli and then later Gas-Gas. It is his leaving Aprilia that caused promised updates like ABS and power outlets to never materialize on the Futura.

Reception

The bike's large, angular shape divided critics: some thought it was innovative and made it "look like an F-117" while others said it was just too bulky. MCN reviewed the Futura, saying: "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".[6]

Engine

The engine was a liquid cooled v2, four-stroke. A 97.0mm bore x 67.5mm stroke result in a displacement of just 997.6 cubic centimeters. The engine featured a 11.8:1 compression ratio. Fuel was supplied via a double overhead cams/twin cam (dohc).

Drive

The bike has a 6-speed transmission. The final drive was via chain. Power was moderated via the multiple disk in oil bath with patented ppc power-assisted hydraulic control.

Chassis

It came with a 120/70-17 front tire and a 180/55-17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via double disc. 4-piston calipers in the front and a single disc. 2-piston calipers in the rear. The front suspension was a showa 43 mm upside-down fork with adjustment for compression, preload and rebound dampening. while the rear was equiped with a single member aluminium alloy swing-arm. aps (aprilia progressive system) linkage.sachs hydraulic monoshock with adjustment for compression, preload and rebound dampening.. The RST1000 Futura was fitted with a 4.76 Gallon (18.00 Liters) fuel tank. The bike weighed just 416.67 pounds (189.0 Kg). The wheelbase was 56.5 inches (1435 mm) long.

In Media


References

  1. Honda Interceptor ergonomics. Motorcyclist Online.
  2. Aprilia Futura. Retrieved on 27 March 2012.
  3. APRILIA RST 1000 FUTURA – BEST USED BIKES. Retrieved on 27 March 2012.
  4. Futura development - The inside story. Retrieved on 27 March 2012.
  5. Benelli Blues (23 June 2010).
  6. APRILIA RST1000 FUTURA (2001-2003) Review.