It’s a family affair…

It’s fair to say that Aprilia got more than their money’s worth with the development of the 60-degree V-twin motor.

Originally destined for the RSV1000 Mille sportsbike, as well as the Ohlins-suspended RSV1000 Mille R and (altered for racing homologation) the RSV Mille SP, it ended up finding several attractive homes. Firstly there was the SL1000 Falco. This half-faired machine used a mildly detuned version of the motor (claimed 118 rather than 125/128bhp) and a funky double twin-spar ally frame which tantalisingly showed a glimpse of the motor. Ergonomics weren’t as extreme and a lower seat height was useful for the shorter in leg (the Mille always felt tall).

Considering it was up against cheaper Japanese opposition such as the Honda VTR1000F Firestorm, it initially did well but then failed to connect with the bike-buying public. The machine was officially deleted in 2003, but they were still being sold as late as 2005/2006 when the list price was a paltry £6289.

A more sedate use was found for the V-twin engine with the arrival of two tourers – the RST Futura and the ETV1000 Caponord big-trailie/adventure bike.

The Futura featured a strange, if attractive, set of full-fairings with an almost angular look and could be bought with matching luggage: of course it was aimed squarely at the Honda VFR800, using as it did a similarly (to the Falco) detuned Mille engine. Despite great potential for sales and actual performance it bombed and – if you can find one – you’ll see they are bargain basement right now, It’s the same for the Caponord, That wonderful motor was now detuned to around 95bhp @ 8250rpm but producing 72lb-ft as low as 6250rpm. It was held in check in another cool-looking frame – this time called a ‘Double wave twin-beam’ made from aluminium box, even if sometimes the welds looked a bit iffy. The V-twin model soldiered on until replaced by the V4 model in 2013, which itself fell foul of emissions regulations by 2017.