1991 AF1 Futura UK specification

Back in 1992 I bought my (at the time) dream bike, a 1991 Aprilia AF1 Futura, reg number J671 JOR. This bike was a UK specification machine with the twin headlights, which at the time I thought they were quite ugly (love them now!) compared to the faired in Italian version. The UK version was specific for our market and actually differed quite a bit form the original Italian spec machine which makes it an interesting model. It actually has more in common with the later Italian spec GE and GR models than the FM type Futura, even in the owners handbook the drawing of the Futura had the GR type seat unit.

My original owners manual for the UK spec Futura

Here are the main differences:

Type FM 1990

Type UK - 1991

Type GR - 1991

changes starting from the back:

* Sprocket guard - smaller pressed alloy

* Main frame (lug) - no longer welded externally and plugged. 

* Strengthened swingarm to take wider tyres.

* Addition of the Project 108 decal on the swingarm
* Fork - newer updated 40mm fork (was 38mm) with different brake mount

* Mudgaurd - one-piece extending down to protect the stanchions
* Headlight - twin headlight with rubber surround, also used on the UK Sport Pro

* Mirrors - superficial, but the UK had white mirrors not black

* Tyres - FM were 100/18-17 + 130/70-17, UK changed to 110/70-17 + 140/70-17. Wheels are the same.

The Italian spec FM Futura model is an evolution of the Sintesi model and most of the chassis parts are the same, certainly the sprocket guard, 38mm front fork and mudgaurd are. The frame is Sintesi based but a little wider at the top to accommodate the different sized tank. The updated components used on the UK bike remained the same until the AF1 was discontinued. 

According to the 125 Stradali the type GE 1991 ran from the 25th September 1990 and was updated to GR spec on the 31st Jan 91 for EU Regulation reasons, but in effect GE and GR are the same bikes with an updated type approval. All bikes manufactured after Jan 91 would have to conform to the latest GR spec to meet the latest EU emissions regulations, hence why Aprilia could not offer the Futura to the UK market in the old FM spec as it would no longer conform. 

So UK Futura bikes were actually GR models dressed as the FM model, probably as Aprilia still had good stock of bodywork so decided to produce a UK specific version with the twin headlights to suit our regulations using the original bodywork on the newer chassis. I do remember the Futura being sold side-by-side with the Sintesi replica (type EU), but these were most likely un sold stock bikes hence why even though the Replica is a 1989 model mine own bike was registered is a 1992

Note the UK Futura had a metal fuel tank (I believe plastic tanks were not yet type approved in the UK) while the replacing model (GR) had a plastic fuel tank with a cover.

My Futura

Sport Pro

In the UK the Sport Pro model was also offered along side the Futura. Strangely this model was also designated FM but was in fact a standard GE/ GR model with a 34mm carb in SP colours rather than the real SP (type HC) model that was made to compete in the Italian Sport Production championship, which featured a number of changes specifically for racing.

So in reality both the UK Futura and UK Sport Pro were in fact pretty much the same bikes (GE/GR models) which wore the different generations bodywork.

UK Sport Pro model, note twin headlights

If anybody has any additional info or can confirm any of the above I would love to hear from you?

Links

Brochure - Sport Pro

125 Stradali https://125stradali.com/en

My bike, NOS foot rest

 My right side rear riders rear set had snapped where the heal guide joins the main frame so I have been on a look out for a replacement, however this seems to be a common brake so the part is rare. 

snap!

Recently one popped up on ebay via Ultimate Parts Ltd so I jumped on it, part 81 32 626 (AP8132626).

check the part number is correct for your model!

The replacement part is the correct part number and reference for the Sintesi model, however the Futura and Sport Pro use the same part with a different finish so will have a different part number. An example being, 89 model part number 81 32 626 which is described as 'polished' and for the 90 model 81 35 211 which is described as 'mat polished', but are essentially the same part.

The replacement looks like its a ball burnished finish, so very bright alloy and the challenge will be to match the other three foot rests. I made a quick test polish using a rag and autosol to see what an original foot rest will look like. With a bit of work they will polish up nice, however it will not look like the original part. I need to have a think about this and explore some options...

test polish