I bought my Aprilia Futura new in '02, and it was last touched by the hands of a 'mechanic' in '04. After that, I did full maintenance myself, helped by a superb support forum over on ApriliaForum. It had minor issues with reg/rec, wiring and a quick release on a fuel line, all of which could be quickley (and cheaply) fixed. Its achilles heel was the rear axle bearing. Like our EXUP valve, if lucky or looked after, it did its job and never intruded on your awareness. If unlucky, or not looked after, well... need I say more?
I ran the Futura until 2010 as my main (and only) transport, and it was inexpensive, reliable and a hell of a lot of fun. It had the most comfortable saddle I have ever used and combined with its near perfect riding position, wind protection and handling meant you could ride for 500 miles to reach the roads you wanted to go mad on, unclip the panniers and ride like a loon. Go to bed happy then do it all again the next day. In the twisties, it could keep up with all but the best ridden sports bikes, helped a lot lashings of torque from very low revs.
After 8 years I knew I needed a change as the Fazer was begining to show its age and I suspected another Irish winter would begin to make it struggle. I only bought the Fazer because I knew no matter what I got to replace the Futura, I wouldn't like it because was not another Futura, and I hoped the Fazer would be the practical option until I found my next love.
Fortunatly, I was wrong about the Fazer and I have grown really fond of it. Comparing the two, the Futura is probably the better all-rounder, aided by better wind protection, better seat, and built in (removable) luggage. The Fazer provides better power, better milage, smoother engine, and a top end that would give a corpse a stiffy.