November 16, 2001

By KEITH ALLEN

You don't have to be biased to see how competitive Aprilia's large bikes have become. The Futura is a striking machine, angular and futuristic in a Darth Vaderish way, and the effect it had on the public was interesting, at times comical – I even saw somebody's jaw drop.

Its brilliantly effective headlight set-up, antennae-like mirrors with built-in indicators and clever exhaust culminating in a single outlet beneath the tailpiece are all refreshingly “alien”.

It's also out of this world to cruise on or ride at more than 220km/h - a futuristic space traveller that's roomy, nicely wind-protected and blessed with the most comfortable rider's seat around.

My first impression from the saddle was of a big bike that might intimidate shorter riders, especially when hoisting it off the main stand. Indeed, Aprilia has wind-tunnel tested the Futura's ergonomics around an average rider height of 1.83m with a passenger on the back and panniers attached on each side.

But, as with everything else, the dual stand is very cleverly designed and its lever-like action easy to use. Getting the 210kg (dry) bike off its stand is also easy, as is adjusting the bike's super-quick chain adjuster.

In keeping with its futuristic theme, the fascia backlighting has an attractive, adjustable blue glow and instrumentation is multifunction digital with all the right goodies from large speedo and tacho to graphic fuel and temperature readouts and easy-to-see indicator and high-beam warning lights.

The Aprilia "V990" engine is a radically revised Mille 60-degree V-twin positioned longitudinally. It's a twin overhead-cam unit with four valves per cylinder operated by a mixed gear and chain system.

Power output is a strong 83kW at the crankshaft, with 96Nm of torque at 7 250rpm feeding the rear wheel through a positive six-speed gearbox and chain final drive.

Ignition is by two spark plugs per cylinder, fed by an integrated engine control unit that also handles the completely revised electronic fuel-injection system.

Saving space is the dry crankcase lubrication system that uses a second recovery trachoidal pump and an external oil reservoir and radiator. This makes room for an exhaust expansion "volume" directly under the engine, which in turn permits a more compact final silencer under the saddle.

The exhaust note is unsatisfying when compared with the bark of other Italian twins but it's a system so refined that it won't become intrusive on long distances – which is what the Futura does with loping, elastic, V-twin efficiency.

Of course, under its spiffy space suit, there's an RSV Mille waiting to escape and, as with the all-out sports models, the Futura has Aprilia's exclusive double balancing countershaft or AVDC (anti-vibration double countershaft) and a power-assisted pneumatic clutch which controls rear-wheel bounce under hard braking.

The frame is a work of art, in typical Aprilia fashion, but on the Futura it's the new single rear swing arm in polished aluminium alloy that catches the eye. Apart from allowing quick and easy removal of the rear wheel with the use of a single central nut, it also allows for an exhaust system that doesn't hinder the mounting of panniers.

Complementing the frame are 43mm Showa front forks, adjustable for rebound and preload, and a single Sachs shock at the rear that is also fully adjustable and uses progressive linkages to allow on-the-move preload adjustment from fully loaded to sport configurations.

Aprilia has also fitted Brembo's Gold series braking system with Freudenberg brake lines that are said to offer the same performance characteristics as braided lines. The twin front discs have four-pot callipers with differentiated diameters of 34 and 30mm, while the rear disc is mounted inboard of the rear wheel and has a floating 28mm twin-pot calliper.

Straightforward and sans anti-lock, the Futura's brakes are powerful, positive and reassuring - superb.

Though a little too thirsty, this purpose-built Italian sport tourer is leading-edge and, with the current price increases, even its R105 000 tag seems reasonable for a bike of such superior engineering.

Thanks to Dean Ford of Veloce (082) 334-2002 for the demo bike. Veloce also stocks the latest Moto Guzzis and has organised a special demo day for Guzzi fans on Sunday, November 18 from 7am at Veloce's shop in Hatfield, Pretoria.

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