Anyone got experience of an Aprilia Futura?

I know the Falco seems to be a popular "follow on" bike from an SV, but I've seen comparatively little about the Futura. I know SV-Sexy-virgin's mum has one, but has anyone else here got one/had a go on one?

I'm not looking to buy yet (need more experience/ncb ), but it's always nice to have a "planned" next bike.

Cheers.

They're supposed to be a fairly good sports tourer, but they're really rare (not many people wanted to buy them) and have odd (but not awful) looks. I seem to remember reading that the tank range is quite limited. Unless you really need a tourer, I'd go for the Falco. If you MUST have a sports tourer, there are a lot of Triumph Sprint STs going cheap at the moment, as owners are upgrading to the new model.

I quite liked them in priciple but when I saw one in the flesh was less taken with it. Ive no experience of riding any of these but it seems the VFR and the ST are the better machines. Although the Futura is certainly an individualist choice.
However, you should go and have a try on one of these. Worth a try at least as BM are easy on demos:

Originally Posted by Rich

I quite liked them in priciple but when I saw one in the flesh was less taken with it. Ive no experience of riding any of these but it seems the VFR and the ST are the better machines. Although the Futura is certainly an individualist choice.
However, you should go and have a try on one of these. Worth a try at least as BM are easy on demos:

Stop trying to encourage people onto the dark side Rich!

Advice on test rides - Don't test ride anything that you can't afford to buy and insure.

Originally Posted by wyrdness

Advice on test rides - Don't test ride anything that you can't afford to buy and insure.

Noted!

Ta for the input folks. Reason I ask is I'm umming and arring about getting rid of my cage, so any future bike would need to be practical, reliable and good at carrying luggage and preferably nippy enough to be fun, so sports tourers seem to fit the bill perfectly.

I know I've mentioned it before somewhere but don't rule out the Fazer 1000. I'd like you to find a poor review, because I can't find one. It's comfy, relaible and cost effective with 120 ponies at the crank....

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Originally Posted by Jelster

I know I've mentioned it before somewhere but don't rule out the Fazer 1000. I'd like you to find a poor review, because I can't find one. It's comfy, relaible and cost effective with 120 ponies at the crank....

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Yes, I was reading in Bike that they reckoned it was one of the best all rounders, as well as a good "fast road bike". (Ha ha, just went and looked at the copy of bike on my mates desk and it's the issue I was talking about!) Also, that you can currently get brand new ones for £5500!

I quite like the look of them with fairing lowers too. Only thing that puts me off is the nu15 insurance rating (could get a falco or something for that, or a vfr for less).

600 supersports are group 15 these days (CBR, new ZX6, new R6 - although some class the GSXR as 14). My insurance is £450 FC with 2 years NC and 2 years experience (past test Sept 2002). Garaged, alarmed in UB7 postcode. However, I am 43 (I know I look younger but it's true) which helps.

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Originally Posted by Jelster

600 supersports are group 15 these days (CBR, new ZX6, new R6 - although some class the GSXR as 14). My insurance is £450 FC with 2 years NC and 2 years experience (past test Sept 2002). Garaged, alarmed in UB7 postcode. However, I am 43 (I know I look younger but it's true) which helps.

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Coo, not bad at all!

I notice you're an ex-falco owner, why did you change it for a sports 600, if you don't mind me asking? Also, did the falco seem a "real" sports tourer to you (ie comfy, decent riding position, good pillion seat, useable luggage tie down points, decent mpg, etc.), or was it just a softened semi-faired Mille?