Italian marque looks to the Futura

By GARY MORELLO

In just a few short years, Aprilia has carved itself a nice portion of the pie, so to speak.

Its market share has increased not from advertising, competitions, freebies, food coupons, or even creamed corn wrestling. No, they build solid bikes, and that's all there is to it.

Of course, owning an Italian vehicle is always something nice to think about and the latest steed is aimed at the very competitive sports-tourer demographic. This bike has everything needed to ensure you don't bust your ass on those long rides from Melbourne to Maroochydore.

The second bike in its sports-touring line-up (along with the Falco), Aprilia decided on using its current favourite engine, yet again, on the new RST. This 998cc, 60-degree V-twin engine has been used on the SL1000 Falco, the RSV Mille and will also be used on the upcoming Varadero killer - the ETV 1000 CapoNord.

The V-twin engine's power has seen a decrease since moving from the Mille. This is mainly due to a new injection system and injectors. These have contributed to more low-down torque as opposed to the Mille's peak performance at the top of the rev-range.

Aprilia is claiming a maximum power output of 113hp (83kW) at 9,250 revolutions per minute. Torque is quoted at an impressive 96Nm at just over 7,000 rpm. With all this in mind the Futura could well push Honda's popular VFR800 by the wayside as the most user-friendly (and popular) sports-tourer.

The brand-new RST Futura takes an interesting approach to the sports-tourer. From the front, you'd think this was a hybrid RSV Mille, complete with tri-headlight configuration. But the indicators tucked neatly into the mirrors will have you guessing otherwise. It's all sharp edges and triangles but it manages this without looking dull.

Fitting an aftermarket end-can to the Futura may be easier said than done. The groovy exhaust sets it apart from the rest with its triangular design and under-seat placement. If you're after something a little different, the Futura's definitely worth considering.

But this sexy design isn't simply cosmetic. With the central placement of the end-can, extra room is freed up for luggage - more specifically, for panniers. It also helps reduce drag, increases ground clearance and may even keep pillion's bums just that little bit warmer.

Aprilia decided on a single-sided swing arm because it would be easier to remove the wheel as well as reduce weight. It could also be that they like to emulate everything Honda does.

The Futura also comes with a centre-stand. The front forks are Showa upside-downer jobbies with adjustable pre-load and rebound. The rear shocker comes courtesy of Sachs and features adjustable rebound and preload via an easy to use external control - whatever that means. We figure it's similar to the new 2001 Honda Gold Wing where you just flip a switch for different settings on the rear shocker, such as solo riding or fully loaded with a passenger.

The fairing has been designed with maximum wind resistance in mind. The high screen and wide left and right panels showcase this fact. Aprilia is pushing the idea that the RST is one of the most comfortable rides around, particularly so over long distance. This is highlighted with a rather after-market style of seat. Just take a look at the photos - it has a contoured profile designed to keep your derriere in tip-top shape. This design also gives the pillion passenger a comfy ride plus there's reduced chance of them sliding forward.

The dash is comprised of three segments - two are analogue consisting of a tacho and a speedo, with the third a digital display.

While helpful, the new instrument panel is painfully ugly - someone needs to tell Aprilia that squares and circles don't mix. The blue on red back-lit panel can be adjusted for brightness too.

Nevertheless, the final digital panel tells you how much fuel you have left, the time, what the ambient temperature is and it can even ascertain if there is a problem in the fuel injection system.

Slowing the litre-class sports tourer are four-pot Brembo calipers linked to twin discs on the front. At the rear a single disc mated to twin-pots - all of this is more than suited to the task of hauling in the RSTs 210kg mass.

At present, the RST Futura looks to give Honda's VFR800 a run for its money. Plus anything that can hold two slabs of beer has got to be good! It's got the name, the looks, the power and Italian ergonomics to boot.

We'll give you the full low-down when the model arrives in Australia, but as it stands, Aprilia has a good chance at capturing a nice portion of the touring market with the RST Futura.