Aprilia RST 1000 Futura

Once again, Aprilia has launched itself onto the international motorcycling scene, proposing a bike characterised by innovative choices, cutting edge design, and originality in every detail, creating new standards of reference and new parameters, both in terms of technology and style.

Its name is Aprilia RST 1000 Futura, a "sport touring" bike with a strong personality, which inherits the concepts of sport and performance that are typical of all Aprilia products, moulded into a touring version, with special care paid to comfort and versatility.

The name Futura brings to mind another of Aprilia's historic gems, the splendid 125 single-arm which, in the early nineties, marked an important chapter in the international motorcycling scene, opening the way for technological innovation and the bold style decisions made by the Noale-based manufacturer.

Today, this name has been re-proposed for another product which is sure to cause a stir: the Aprilia RST 1000 Futura. A motorbike that responds to all the requisites of a touring bike (easy, protective, multi-functional) without relinquishing on performance, speed, excitement, innovation and a significant technological content.

The Aprilia RST 1000 Futura is aimed at all those riders who, despite not riding on the track, want a product that offers excitement, top performance and full fairing, increasing the versatility of the vehicle and the number of "occasions" it can be used. The sporting motorbike with a multi-functional nature, ideal for exclusive, fast, high-performance touring, filled with excitement and thrills. The pleasure of tour riding, a pleasure which can be shared with a passenger, in the full comfort of a motorbike made for long distances, with the possibility to fit practical and versatile panniers especially designed for the RST 1000 Futura.

A motorbike destined to play a leading role in the difficult European market, and which allows Aprilia to extend its horizons outside of Europe into very important markets, such as the United States, Australia and Japan.

The design concept underlying the development of the Aprilia RST 1000 Futura was the need to create a motorbike which, while still maintaining a strongly sporting and modern nature, would ensure the level of comfort and ergonomics required for touring; in other words, the first "true sporting motorbike for touring".

The powerful, high-performance twin engine has been radically changed (in respect to the engine fitted on the RSV 1000), to make it suitable for touring, rather than track use (while still guaranteeing high-performance and riding pleasure). The twin engine is unanimously recognised as the easiest and most enjoyable for touring use; the pleasure of riding the Aprilia RST 1000 Futura is much greater than that of its multi-cylinder competitors, and the power of the RST engine is the highest among the sport touring twins currently available on the market.

The mechanical components, featuring the exclusive and much-appreciated aluminium alloy double parallel beam frame together with the new single rear swingarm, as well as representing distinctive elements, satisfy and gratify even more sporting rides in full safety, with the multi-adjustable suspension making it easily adapted to all riding conditions.

The ergonomics, riding position and aerodynamic protection are ideal for longer and faster trips, without tiring the rider or the passenger.

The carrying capacity has been carefully designed to offer the maximum possible versatility and integration with the lines of the bike.

The design of the new RST 1000 Futura is the result of careful Aprilia technological and style research. Every detail has been designed to highlight power, speed and aerodynamics, all with the focus on the trip, the passenger, and the many kilometres of travelling in freedom and safety. Extremely neat, tight and modern, it features the aggressiveness of the streamlined and aerodynamic front fairing, which balances the wide, comfortable and functional rear saddle, made even more exclusive and original by the innovative triangular exhaust, located right under the saddle, and designed to highlight sportiness and versatility.

Nothing has been left to chance: the exhaust under the saddle allows the panniers to be fitted right in close, reducing lateral bulk and annoying turbulence; the rear-view mirrors incorporate the turn indicators; the new functional and elegant dashboard provides all the information required by the rider clearly and immediately; the tank filler cap is located off-centre to the right, making it simple to fill up with the bike on the side stand.

The Aprilia RST 1000 Futura, as is now the case for almost all Aprilia's products, has been thoroughly wind tunnel tested in order to eliminate turbulence and ensure the best possible protection for the rider and passenger.

The RST 1000 Futura is fitted with an Aprilia "V990" 60 degree V twin engine, an established point of reference in terms of performance, reliability, compactness and lightness. The engine has undergone radical changes (in respect to the RSV 1000 and the SL Falco) to make it not just suitable, but rather ideal for touring-sporting use.

The result is an extremely smooth and elastic engine, offering high performance and at the same time a gratifying ride.

The choice of the 60° V twin once again guarantees a light and compact engine and allows the development of mechanical components of the highest level, with optimum weight distribution.

The choice of the twin engine, in perfect European motorcycling tradition, highlights riding pleasure, and is an ideal match for the mechanical and handling characteristics of the Aprilia RST 1000 Futura.

As a result, this bike features all the technical characteristics that have made the Aprilia twin so famous and well-appreciated

• longitudinal 60° V twin engine, timing with 4 valves per cylinder and double cam shaft in cylinder head controlled by mixed gear/chain system;
• electronic fuel injection (completely modified and updated)
• CDI type ignition with a TSI (Twin Spark Ignition) system, using 2 spark plugs per cylinder. Ignition is controlled by the engine's integrated control system, which also controls injection (completely modified in respect to the unit fitted on the RSV 1000)
• dry crankcase lubrication, using a second recovery trochoidal pump and an external oil reservoir (as well as a radiator located in front of the engine). As a result, the engine block is more rigid and compact than with a "wet crankcase" system, totally eliminating the risk of poor engine lubrication during sudden acceleration/declaration or wheelies;
• mixed gear/chain timing. The pair of gears (one for each timing chain) in the engine block enables the size of the cylinder heads to be reduced.

Just like the RSV 1000, the RST 1000 Futura also features a number of exclusive Aprilia patents:

• the AVDC (Anti Vibration Double Countershaft) double balancing countershaft.
• power-assisted hydraulic controlled clutch covered by the patented PPC (Pneumatic Power Clutch), to control rear wheel bounce during sudden deceleration.

Despite the high level of technology and innovation already present, the Aprilia research and development applied to this engine has allowed a number of important changes to be introduced, with the results being:

Optimisation of the delivery of power for the touring use of the motorbike, while still being brilliant and pleasant to ride, as only a high performance twin can be;

Full exploitation of the engine even at low revs, to avoid having to resort to the gears and clutch when coming out of tight bends, on mixed routes, and during low-speed travel.

In order to achieve these important results, important interventions and modifications have been made to the high-performance V990 twin on the RSV 1000:

• air intake using a dynamic intake system featuring different throttle bodies, with a new design to optimise the delivery of torque. The diameter of the throttle bodies is still 51mm (as in the RSV), however the intake pipe, located right after the throttle bodies, has been modified to optimise the smoothness and delivery of the engine torque and power at low revs, at the same time increasing maximum torque;
• new Sagem electronic injection system and new injectors. The Sagem control unit is the most advanced of its type available, with the crankshaft position sensor reading the position every 10° of rotation. This allows greater control of the engine, which means smoother operation, above all at low revs. The idling control is also new, and is now automatic with feedback (no more starter lever). The new Sagem injectors allow the reduction of polluting emissions (well under the legal limits) and have a patented system (Sagem) to control the flow of injected fuel;
• new injection mapping, different for the two cylinders, in order to optimise combustion in each cylinder;
• the control unit can recognise acceleration and the release of the throttle, and varies the parameters regarding the fuel injection and the ignition of the air-fuel mix in order to have the smoothest possible delivery (Dynamic Ignition Advance Control)
• larger generator, both in terms of inertia (to even out torque and have, as a consequence, a "smoother" and more elastic engine) and electrical power (to respond to the increased energy requirements of the powerful headlights and to support any accessories)

The Aprilia RST 1000 Futura engine delivers 83 kW (113 HP) to the shaft at 9,250 r.p.m. (measured with ECE correction) and a maximum torque of 9.78 kgm (96 Nm) at 7,250 r.p.m. The highest power of any sport-touring twin currently available on the market.

Following an established tradition, the frame and mechanical components represent the defining point of Aprilia's know how and the maximum expression of its philosophy.

The RST 1000 Futura frame derives from the highly successful super-sports RSV frame, yet with its own exclusive specifications and characteristics, guaranteeing great handling at low speed and perfect stability at high speed, as it should be for a motorbike designed for touring, and for use with a passenger and bags.

In detail, there are substantial differences from the frame used on the RSV 1000:

• a 4 mm longer steering stem
• steering base brought forward by 5 mm
• specific engine mounts

The result is optimum weight distribution specifically for the touring use of the bike, without changing the legendary characteristics of rigidity and "perfection" of the RSV frame.

The splendid new single rear swingarm, made from aluminium alloy in a shell-shaped cast, guarantees lightness and rigidity.

Rigidity is assured both by the excellent mechanical characteristics of the aluminium alloy used, and by the exclusive design of the upper truss, which makes the Aprilia RST 1000 Futura the only sport-touring bike on the market to use this solution.

The decision to use a single arm solution for the rear swingarm responds to the need to satisfy the precise requirements of touring bike riders:

• it allows for an exhaust system that doesn't protrude and very tight exhaust pipes, so as to not hinder the mounting of the rear boxes
• it facilitates and simplifies the removal of the rear wheel, handled using a single central nut. This nut is made from special ergal which, as well as making the motorbike exclusive, has allowed the reduction of non-suspended weights (given the extreme lightness of the material).
  

The exclusive and innovative exhaust system strongly defines the line and the personality of the new Aprilia RST 1000 Futura, both due to its undersaddle position, and the special design of the single, central, final silencer.

It is completely made from stainless steel (a guarantee of long life and stable characteristics over time) and is a "two in one in two in one" type system, with an overall volume of around 15 litres.

The development of this system was made possible by the engine being designed with exclusive and refined dry crankcase lubrication. The reduced bulk of the engine (given the absence of the oil sump) has allowed an expansion volume to be housed under the engine itself, with the aim of:

• having an overall exhaust system volume of 15 litres, allowing high performance and reduced noise (as required by a sport-touring bike)
• installing a more compact final silencer under the saddle
• having higher temperatures under the engine and not in the area under the saddle, increasing the comfort of the passenger and the rider
• A single exhaust pipe, located centrally under the saddle, also offers a series of benefits and advantages:
• it allows the boxes to be fitted in an optimal position, close in and raised, so as not to compromise ridability and allow greater lean into the curves
• it is symmetrical and does not upset the balance of the motorbike
• it does not cause annoying turbulence at high speed

The Aprilia RST 1000 Futura exhaust system is fitted with a catalytic converter as standard.

The suspension assembly has been specifically designed, developed and set for riding comfort, and can be adjusted as required according to the type of route, the riding style and whether the bike is being used alone, with a passenger or "fully loaded" with the boxes.

The Showa front suspension has 43 mm diameter sleeves, and is adjustable in rebound and preload.

For the rear suspension, Aprilia has chosen a Sachs shock absorber which is adjustable in rebound and preload, and which uses progressive linkages designed and optimised with a progression curve guaranteeing efficiency and comfort even when complete with rider, passenger and boxes; the possibility to adjust the rear suspension (using a simple and practical external control) allows the trim of the bike to be quickly and easily adapted to all conditions, from "fully loaded" to the rider-only "sports" configuration

The special shape of the saddle and the use of specific foam padding ensures exceptional travelling comfort, even after long hours on the road.

The position of the footrests, the half-handlebars and the height of the saddle have been designed to achieve optimal, fatigue-reducing ergonomics. In this way long trips can be made in total comfort, without tiring the rider or the passenger.

The Aprilia RST 1000 Futura wheels are both beautiful and functional, featuring five "U"-shaped split symmetrical spokes, made from aluminium alloy with shell-shaped cast, an ideal combination of lightness and rigidity.

The special design (which in fact sees 10 spokes set at close distance) has also allowed a very light central channel, and consequently very low rolling inertia, in that the weight is concentrated in the centre of the wheel.

The complete and functional dashboard on the Aprilia RST 1000 Futura features two analogue instruments and a multifunction digital panel, with simple and immediate display of the following: time, ambient temperature, water temperature in the cooling circuit, litres of fuel remaining (both graphically and numerically). The panel also displays, by a "service" message, when a service needs to be performed, and, using a special code, any injection system malfunction (signalled by a corresponding pilot lamp)

Visibility is ensured by the width of the instrument and the blue back-lighting (adjustable to three levels of brightness), which is not tiring to the eyes and makes the RST 1000 Futura dash refined and elegant.

A complete range of high level components are used to fit the new Aprilia RST 1000 Futura:

• Brembo Gold series braking system with Freudenberg brake lines (which offer the same performance and characteristics as braided lines). Front brakes with 300 mm diameter stainless steel double floating disk, four-pot callipers with differentiated diameter, 34 and 30 mm, and pads made from sintered material; rear brakes with 255 mm diameter stainless steel disk and floating two-pot calliper, 28 mm in diameter
• removable high tensile steel saddle mount
• multifocal "free-form" headlight, made from plastic to ensure lightness and optimum weight balance in a critical zone for ridability, and easily adjustable both vertically and horizontally. It uses three H7 55 Watt halogen bulbs, two top main beam bulbs and one bottom dipped beam bulb. The functional characteristics are the depth and width of the light beam, together with the excellent intensity and homogeneity of the illumination.
• central stand fitted as standard

The more interesting options include the panniers, designed especially for this bike, which are easy and practical to mount thanks to the standard supports, built into the rear part of the frame, and a practical tank bag, to increase carrying capacity when travelling.