Potential Newbie is asking ...........

[Amsel]

Hi all,

been lurking around and reading lots of favourable things about the Futura, but .......... there seems to b e a number of "issues" regarding the electrics and ECU with them, so before I commit to ditching my bloody awful Blackbird for a Futura, what goes wrong, and how often ??

regards

amsel

[Clint64]

I have a 2001 Futura with Staintunes and Tuneboy remap. To date I have had no ECU problems or electrical problems of any kind. You need to be sure to let the ECU go through its complete cycle after turning on ignition before pressing the starter.

Good Luck
Clint

[BossBob2]

Hi, welcome aboard.
issues . . what a good term
"there are no known recurring problems" thats a quote I put on another board, and i stand by it. And this is one of the few bikes that can be said about.
That said, There is no such thing as the perfect bike, and it can't suit everyone in every way.
It is a cracker of a bike, the electric/ECU issues commented on at the moment are nearly all on new bikes, probably down to the supplying dealer and set up/knowledge of the bike.

It has a lot of soul, but it is NOT a blackbird . . . . . .

It turns corners too :rollin:
(sorry couldn't resist it)

enjoy

Rab

[PaulZX9R]

Welcome Ansel, I go with Clint on this one. Most electrical 'issues' seem to have been about not letting the ECU work its full start up cycle. '01 bikes had a poor map from the outset, but this was changed under warrenty for all owners who reported it. You would not be affected if you are buying new.

[Amsel]

Thanks for the reponses, bloody glad its' not like the Blackbird, I hate mine.

The bike is not new, a 2001 model with 4000 miles recorded.

So it seems it would be a good buy, just got to set the deal right I suppose.

regards

Amsel

[Dan]

...and I have not had any problems, ECU or otherwise in 20k miles.

[mnrstrider]

I only had one problem with the bike not starting, which was later traced to a wire shorting out on the valve covers, shortly after my first checkup, I suspect it was the dealer who accidently loosened the wire during the check up, checking the valve clearances, no big deal in the end. 7K miles on her now, no other problems, keep in mind most people don't post when everything is running fine, I would say there has been very very little problems with Aprilia's, nothing atleast to say problems across the board, affecting/plagueing any particular model.

[WDavid]

This is a coincidence. I too have been visiting this site because of my desire to replace my Blackbird with a Futura.

The Blackbird has almost 50,000 miles on it and it ran fine until the electrical system decided to burn itself out at 47,700 miles. To add insult to injury the dealer who repaired it the first time neglected to check out the voltage regulator and I got stranded by the side of the road a second time. I think the regulator may have caused the initial problem. That was it for me.

The Futura is goreous and also fits me like a glove. haven't yet taken one out for a test though. The nearest dealer is 100 miles away and that is a hurdle. Any service would require 400 miles of riding/driving.

What turned you off your Blackbird? I'm in Santa Barbara, where are you?

WDavid

[Amsel]

Well ever since I bought the 'Bird last August, I've never been 100% happy with the handling, and to cut a long story short, last week I was proved correct. The frame and headstock were all twisted, not enough to be immediately obvious with the naked eye, but just enough to give you the old "something ain't right" feeling.

Any way once proved correct, the dealer gave me a full refund. So now I'm looking around, obviously a straight Blackbird is an option, but I'm also thinking of my licence !!! cos they are damn quick, and with the number of cameras around now, speed has become a thing of the past (well almost !:lol: )

So I'm looking at the Futura, a non VTEC VFR, ZZR1200, Triumph ST, Blackbird, etc etc ......

Have money, will buy .............. soon !

regards

Amsel

[Amsel]

sorry meant to add ......

Peterborough .......... UK, bit far to meet up on a Sunday afternoon !!

Amsel

[2up]

8,500 miles here on a 2001 and no computer problems to report.