Wanna buy » Aprilia Futura to MTS

[clint64]

I currently have a 2001 Aprilia Futura that I have really enjoyed. Overall it has been pretty trouble free. My rides are mainly 200 to 300 mile day rides through the N. GA, NC, and Tenn mountains and 2 to 3 longer trips each year. I ride only 1 up as the bike time is my time.

Long story short, I have been through 4 herna repair operations over the last 3 years and am looking for a bike with more sit up stance. Still needs to be sporty as I am not ready yet to go the full tourer route. And to be honest I just have the new bike bug.

Looking from thoughts from the group about such a move first. Second, since I have been killed on depreciation with the Aprilia, looking for what to look for and beware of in a used MTS.

Any comments would be welcome

Clint

[kneepuck - Moderator]

Clint,

First off - test ride it. For awhile if you can. The upright position may actually be worse for your back. Some members have complained that it stresses their back if different ways.

Okay, once you get back from that and are still interested....

1. There was an Oil Line recall, make sure that was done.
2. on mid '04 and earlier, the sidestand and mirrors suck. A common upgrade is to go with late '04 and on replacements.
3. on '03 models, early reports have engine paint flaking.

Those are the model specific ones I can think of. Other than that, just normal wear and tear. It is a Ducati so make sure valves were checked at the right intervals.

Good luck!

Edit: Oh sh$t! Some models have a slight shudder on the front wheel under braking. It comes at lower speeds. There does not appear to be a consistant reason or fix. Do a search. If the bike you test doesn't have it, don't worry.

[Adventure Rider 2004 1000 DS (Red)]

As far as a 'sit-up' bike, I would say the MTS satisfies that requirement; I have a number of serious back injuries that preclude riding a bike with a sportier stance - the MTS was the first Ducati that I could ride.

As for what to watch out for - there don't seem to be problematic years, although my preference would be for a later year model and one with the Ohlins suspension options. The mirrors and sidestands being the main gripe and those are replaceable.

[2cats 2013 1200S (Red)]

FYI, Touring Sport in Greenville, SC is a good Ducati and Aprilia dealer. They have quoted me reasonable, if not good, trade in values for my Futura on two separate occassions. They've got a couple of Multistrada's sitting there.

They did such a good job fixing my Futura that I'm not ready to trade it, though.

You sound as if you have some particular ergonomic requirements, and Touring Sport normally has demo bikes, so you should be able to get some information that way.

Enjoy.

[vanilla gorilla]

Or you could do what i did. Already have an Aprilia Futura in the garage(absolutely love it). Convince your wife that she needs a new bike. Buy her the Multi and Voila you have both in the garage.

[lotus54 - Moderator]

I had a couple of Ducati ST2's before the Multi- pretty close seating position to the Futura, if I understand (I've never ridden one of those).
I prefer the Multi, even though I really liked the ST2. Like many have heard me say, the multi is better under 80mph, the ST2 over 80mph.
In reality both are good on both sides of 80mph by quite a margin, but after that speed the wind protection on the Multi suffers a bit.
But below that speed I find the Mulit a much better position. It is great all the way to a walking pace.

Like Kneepuck says, go ride one for awhile if you can. The things he mentioned, plus the 05 seat is a big improvement. The sidestand/mirrors are warranty in most places.

Mark

[motoloco]

Clint

Keep the faith. You've got to try an Aprilia Tuono as well (think of all the money you'll save on servicing!)

[XSTRADA 2006 620 (Red)]

Bilateral hernia repairs myself... 620 MTS... no discomfort with upright seating position.

[Scottistrada]

I had a 2002 Futura (red). I put Staintunes on it and also installed the h-pipe. Very fast and great handling but was getting tired of the forward lean.

Purchased a 2005 "S" model with the ohlins. I purchased it brand new and had always dreamed of owning a Ducati. I wanted new just because I wanted new. I did not care about price. I figured my friends spent alot more on Harley's and my 13K was short of their 20K plus. I do not have back problems so I cannot speak to that but.................

Boy I'm the happiest bike owner in the world! I love my bike and can think of nothing else I would rather own. I did 2 650 mile days last summer and have a ride planned for 4 days in July that should net around 2,500 miles. This bike does it all and does it all well.

Mods include full termi system, top case, side cases, GPS, and open clutch.

Join the club at any price it is worth it.

Scottistrada

[MilesB]

Those are the model specific ones I can think of. Other than that, just normal wear and tear. It is a Ducati so make sure valves were checked at the right intervals.

And make sure the valve timing belts have been changed - if these fail it ain't good . If there is no service history (and there should be) then get the dealer to do them, just to be on the safe side.

[nostatic]

I moved from a Triumph Speed Four to an MTS because of an old hip injury (need a narrow tank and some more legroom). But now I'm getting twinges in my lower back. For me I suspect that my body prefers a more stretched out position (I used to ride/race bicycles for many years, so I'm used to it). I'm going to put clipons on the MTS and try that, but I fear I might have to find another ride.

Try to get a serious test ride and see if you have any weird twinges. Your body can adapt to things (this bike felt really weird at first for me), but try to listen to your body and see what it says.

[atwood 2004 1000 DS (Gray)]

If your back is getting twinges, it may also be the low pegs. Higher pegs actually make your torso tilt forward and stabilize your back, so if your knees can stand it you might want to try raising the pegs a little bit up and back. The nice thing about the multi is that its very narrow, something you can't really fix on other bikes. This gives you a lot of options for the bar/seat/peg adjustments.

[Newtfox]

I am also looking at going from a Futura to a Multi. My problem with Aprilia is parts availability. I recently damaged my right side case on a tip over and what do you know Aprilia has quit making them and there are none available in the US or Italy. I just can't believe that a bike thats last model year was 04 and they are no longer offering replacement bags. I am looking at both the Multi and the ST3. Just don't really care for the looks of the ST3.