Just don't take it to an Aprilia dealer, if you can find one, hoping for "service" and "spare part" Our local KTM, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Husky dealer - finally gave up! Had them come and take all his showroom models back. They were a money loser for him!
Hi Ian, We both agree, this is a cracking mid sized twin adventure packed with quality components and thoughtful design........well apart from that skid plate come engine guard which is as thick as an aluminium baking tray we use for cooking! Look forward to seeing your solution to this one vulnerability of what is otherwise a brilliant bike.
@@BigRockMoto Receiving a comment from Dave at MADTV is an honor as he's renowned for his long-term reviews and epic adventure rides. Big fan of his channel.
@@ChrisSandstorm I decided to go with the V85tt because it fit my needs a little better and is surprisingly confidence inspiring off road. But I still stand by my love for the Tuareg
Excellent review! I had ALMOST as much fun as you did. I would seriously consider this bike if I was younger (82 now). I campaigned a DKW 125 years ago. Would love to had a machine like this to blow off some steam. Keep up the great work. God Bless
Ok have been on the fence for which bike could replace my 990... this is it the debate is over.. Aprilia take my money!! Thanks for these videos I really appreciate your content!
never! 990 forever! can you tell I have one too 🤣. my brother has a 660, its nice and it is indeed very smooth. but I can't let go of the giant dirt bike feel of my 990, and it sounds so good high rpm.
@tron121 I'm not selling my 990. They are great bikes but the fact is they are as good as many of the bikes being produced today. Mine will be there and if the Tuarag is not as enjoyable (this I doubt) then I made a poor decision
@@88greenmachine I think you will like it. I like my brother's. But it's a different kind of bike. Very smooth, high bars, feels like a high chair. 990 feels like a big dirt bike.
Can u update us? Did u get it? How she compares to ktm? I also had ktm950 amd absolutely loved it and still think its best bike in the world but need to try out some of new stuff like this tuareg, cheers ;
Great vid as usual . Very interesting to me - I'm 68, and not really up to handling a 500+ pound ADV anymore. I've had several large ADV bikes over the years. Last summer I rode my friends GS1200 up in the Kennedy Meadows area - man was I careful to not dump it. This bike might end up being my last gasp wack at adventure riding.
Totally agree. I will be 68 next month and with a fused lower back I can’t swing my leg over the up swung back seat or pick up a bike with a high center of gravity or heavy weight.
@@randydewees7338 It's all relative, I guess. I got a KTM 300 because I was concerned about picking up my xr650l. If we exercise and practice, we increase our chances. And we can always seek help if we can't get it up. There's no shame in asking for help especially at our age. That said, we break easier. I wouldn't go off the beaten path alone on a big bike at this stage.
Hi Ian. You should hook up with one of the Aussie youtubers and do a crossing of the Simpson Desert. Would love to know what you think of the sand there.
Thanksgiving of 2021 I lost my 2017 Africa Twin in an on-street accident. Due to the accident I’ve have a LOT of titanium in my legs along with severely damaged ankles and knees. I replaced my 2017 Africa with the bigger 2021 Africa Twin Adventure Sport. Unfortunately it was too much for me to handle in my permanently compromised state. I quickly traded it in for a Tuareg660 and so far I love the bike. I’m restricted now to pavement and basic gravel roads but this bike is an excellent performer for all around riding. With 11,000 miles on it now, I haven’t had any serious quality issues.
I could use some ur advice since u had two bike im currently in market for. Can u compare general quality, power and comfort, especially potholes and offroad hoe they compare? I mean older AT vs tuareg, cheers
@@Angry-Lynx if I could only choose a 2017 AT or the Tuareg, I would choose the AT. The Ergos are close but the AT is more upright and less bend in the knees for me. My Tuareg had a lot of fueling issues and I spent a lot of money to fix it and never got it right. I’ve heard that Aprilla has addressed this issue though. As for quality. Well the plastics are better on the AT. I got a little gas on the Tuareg black plastic and it stained it. I never had a single issue with the engine leaking on the AT but I had to tighten several bolts on the engine covers and oil pan to stop small leaks on the ape. The only issue I had with the AT was the cam chain tensioner. It would slack off about every 15k. I just replaced them. A big plus for the Tuareg was the tubeless rims. That was nice. Also, the Tuareg felt lighter but honestly, the AT ran on rails if you take the time to set the suspension right. Maybe this will help. I had over 45k on the AT when it got demolished in an accident. I told everyone it was my first forever bike. I had 13K on the Tuareg and I traded it in on a Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT.
What a great review..this looks like the best replacement for my old KLR, I have watched your channel for a long time as well as many other channels, you are the best motorcycle journalist out there. I always appreciate the honest down to earth content. Keep up the good work.
Another great video, thanks! Contacting some dealers about buying one today. You should get commission from Aprilia 😅The only question now is yellow or blue 🤔
Love the video!! It’s awesome to see you ride the Tuareg and out out extensive content. I’ve had mine since April 2020 and have taken it on some really gnarly trails! Love it!
The thing that annoyed me a lot on my ex-NC750x '21 was that behavior in the 1st gear which hardly allowed to go below 20km/h (maybe 17km/h after I put 3000 km on it). I didn't mean to ride it off road (for the 2nd and the following times lol) but even in heavy traffic in Moscow during rush hour it was a real pain to feed the clutch all the time. On the dirt I was also cursing like hell due to the mismatch between the lowest speed and the front fork capability. So, Ian, thanks for that part of the video where you focused on near-zero speed behavior! Your in-depth reviews are becoming better and better. PS: and yes I'm very close to buying a Tuareg 660 in Montenegro after all )))
Thanks, Ian. This has to be one of my favorite reviews of yours. What a riot to see this bike perform off-road with traction control enabled. Your demo of slow speed handling looks super fun. If Aprilla could just broaden their dealership presence, that could be a HUGE step in getting Aprilla more exposure in the states. You didn't use the word unicorn, but this bike looks as close as we are going to get! Awesome review.
Thank you Ian, for this good review of that bike. You shortly mentioned it that the Tuareg660 behaves nearly as good as the 890R off-road. Would be interested in your comparison of these 2 bikes on-road on long trips. MAD TV from Australia, that you also follow, made an on- and off-road test of the Tuareg, concluded it was very close to the 890R, but were not detailed for the on-road part. I did bought a '21 890R after testing the Tuareg, for very tiny differences like ergos, and engine capacity for on-road, that I prefered on the 890. Looking forward to hearing your view on this point.
First off.. get back into the gym…at 63 I’m a A lever racer and every now and then I can stick it to the 30 somethins’ … aboard my KTM 300s XC and XCW.. I’ve done plenty of BDRs aboard my GS Adventure.. as well as 75% of the TAT….. I purchased a Tuareg and could not be happier….it’s a solid 150lbs lighter that the GS Adventure and with a proper set of off road tires, not the OEM Pirellis.. they are crap for off road..I installed Tusk DSports ( Rocky Mountain ATV via Ian’s link)… they are just fine for Florida single track….Since 90% of ADV riders are posers who ride/haul a$$ down fire/dirt roads only with $5k worth of gear and accessories just to impress the mopes down at the local pub…put them on a technical single track ride and they fold like a cheap tent… The Tuareg in stock form, aside from tires , is well beyond the skill set of 99% of those who purchase them. A few suspension tweaks and a GOOD set of tires that’s all you need to ride serious single track… as Ian said “this bike is so legit”…. I could not agree more…
Great video Ian. For a mix of twisties and trails ( no highways, no need for luggage), how would you compare this to the KTM 690 enduro. Particularly interested in your view on how they compare on the slower technical stuff where weight, seat height and engine tractability at low revs are most relevant.
I have the 701 and have it setup for lightweight ADV (I'd call the Tuareg a middleweight ADV bike). I've ridden with 790/890 folks but have not ridden or ridden with a Tuareg owner yet. What we found offroad is that weight is the biggest driver of performance, so I'd expect the Tuareg to perform in line with the 790/890 (with small differences here and there... they're both great bikes), and that means it's too heavy (my opinion based on watching riders struggle on similar bikes) for moderate to hard offroad (I'd say Ian was riding "light offroad" in the video). The 690/701 platform at over a hundred pounds lighter is able to handle light to moderate offroad well but will struggle with hard offroad (that's the playground of true enduro's like the 500excf or even the pure dirt bikes which are another hundred pounds or more lighter than the 690's). You mention slow technical riding... that's one area where ADV bikes (and the 690/701) are generally at a disadvantage because of their road gearing... first and second gears are too tall. I'd like to know more about Ian's comment regarding low speed. He demonstrates off idle maneuvers but that's not actually the important bit for me - I want to know how it's lower first gear performs offroad, which means how fast is it moving when you're in the torque of the motor (generally midrange or higher in rpm). For moderate offroad technical riding I want a motor that has a lot of torque in the 5-15mph range in first gear. The 690 with stock gearing has a first gear that is WAY too tall (requires clutch feathering which results in a lot of people saying it has a weak clutch because they burn them out), but when you change sprockets to get a better first gear range, you lose top end so compromise on highway performance (which is still important if you use it as an ADV bike). I'm probably going to buy the wide ratio gearbox for mine... but that adds even more cost to an already pricy ADV build (I've already spent $20k on it, after adding gearbox and cruise I'll be around $23k).
@@kuhndj67 Thanks for the insight. Weight considerations turned me to the 690, but it seems to have shortcomings that require a lot of expense to put right. Tested it mind, on some twisties, and it felt pretty good...
@@kuhndj67 Great comment and spot on. The 790/890 is really fun but when you take it on some gnar single track its fun but is a handful. Dont know about a 690 never ridden one but the 500 can go anywhere if youre a decent rider. That said my 300 would be my choice in 5 miles of h=ll. You really need at least 3 bikes if you like to do it all. Maybe 7!
I really want to make the Tuareg 660 my choice for an ADV bike. Its impressive, capable and a good value on top of it. BUT I can't get past the reliability question to make the leap. Unfortunately, this is nothing you can answer for me. How's this bike going to hold up on real ADV rides after 3,4,5 years after purchase?? Am I going to be dealing with annoying issues and parts availability issues??? Thanks for the vid
Hi, I own a Moto Guzzi Breva 750 2006 that was designed and sold under Aprilia flagship at that time. Since then both companies are under the big Piaggio flag which is a positive thing and explains why we could hear more about these motorbikes worldwide recently (think Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello, Aprilia Tuareg, etc.) They are solid brands, really. I believe you will have less headaches with an Aprilia than a KTM. Look at what owners say about the Aprilia Tuono to know more about the reliability of this engine... I had so many different bikes over the year and I now went over the bad reputation of the Italian ones. This makes no sense anymore. However, if you are a hardcore Honda fan, well yes, there is nothing more reliable...
@@BERZERKERSV4 I live in Cambodia. We don't have any. I want to own one anyway. I then only buy second hand...not a problem at all when bikes have all their problems first under warranty with their first owner. Aprilia sells well in Europe already. The model survival doesn't depend on the US market luckily. Bike lovers don't fear buying exotic bikes I believe. Must be fun to be the only guy with a brilliant Aprilia in the middle of a bunch of KTM and Tenere. I personally enjoy having a different (good) bike.
@@mototomcambodia I own a Victory XC and a Husqvarna TE250. The Victory has 75k miles and has never given me a problem, its even on its original clutch. This is an 850lb motorcycle with performance upgrades. The Husky has 300 hard off-road hours on it. The terrain around here is rough and the bike gets thrashed, outside of normal wear and things that broke in crashes its been rock solid also. This is the kind of reliability I expect from my motorcycles. With the Aprilia, I'm okay with the build quality(I had a quick test ride on one locally a few months ago). What I most worry about is dealing with all the electronic gadgetry and sensors. These are problems that a dealer has to "diagnose" which means the bike could be laid up for weeks or months. As much as I'd like a Tuareg I'm probably going with a Yamaha Tenere' 700. I'll take the slightly lower performance hit for the known reliability of the Yamaha. Besides T7's cost less than a Tuareg, so the money I save can go into tuning the T7's suspension, then the two bike will be very close.
great bike i just wish there was more dealer support but KTM was the same way and now there are more dealers than 10-15 years ago not quit like a honda
Hi Ian, this has been a great series, nobody covers the details and the set-up to make a bike comfortable like you. Maybe you could do an updated video on the tools and repair items you carry when testing bikes or longer rides.
I noticed that the Tuareg is more reliable than a GoPro (which is not difficult) but is still good to know ;) Nice vid again and I badly want a Tuareg. Let's hope one ends up in SEA Asia pretty soon where I live. Also, who loves to drift more, the Tuareg or you Ian? Cheers!
Great real world test vid of what most ADV riding is like. Its fun to watch Chris Birch ride a big ADV like a 250 Enduro but we are not him. Though I love my KTM 790 R, the Tuareg is high on the potential 'switch to someday' list. Problem is the far flung dealer network which makes the choice harder.
As always, very informative. Several times you mentioned the 660 compares favorably with the 890. Which is the better adventure bike your opinion, money aside. Or are they just different purposed? Are there some trails you would take one bike over the other, or some length road oriented trips which is better suited to one or the other? I was convinced on one of your previous video's that the 890 S was the bees knees! Don
I really like tubeless wheels and the bigger suspension travel over my Tenere 700. Only the reliability is uncertain with these. Time will tell I guess..
Thanks Ian, another brilliant review, great 'to the point' information and helpful feedback about the bike in different types of terrain. Those camera angles are fantastic too BTW. I rode one recently and loved it. Is it the ultimate 'do all' adventure machine, do you think? I would like to hear how it compares long term to owning a T7, as it is it's closest rival. It seems to have raised the bar a little higher in terms of spec and ergonomics, ( electronics, seat hight, suspension travel, weight, fuel range) while still coming in at a good price point. It really seems like you get more bang for your buck with this bike. I would love to hear your thoughts. All the best, Grant.
Caminos anchos y algo rápidos, así como algo rotos, es una zona donde la AT660 se mueve con rapidez y agilidad, ninguna de estas semi o maxi trail son para enduro (por su gran peso), pero con una moto de este estilo, con este peso contenido, equilibrio y muy buenos "bajos" de motor, se vuelve muy divertida en estos terrenos. Gracias por el test.
The day a 450lb bike dominates offroad is the day... it's the day... ...well it's never going to happen so I guess I don't need to know what day it will be. Having said that... it's still a top contender in my "if I could only own one bike" list... a nice blend of onroad and offroad capability.
Love your vids mate - another good one here :) Rode the Taureg the other day. It is the first modern bike I enjoyed riding. I thought the rider aides were laughably bad but in the end I was having fun on it. It is deeply flawed in so many ways, but it must be doing something right. I have a review coming out soon. I'm expecting a lot of hate mail LOL. Cheers, Cam from New Zealand.
Great content, the Aprilia Tuareg is on my want list in 2023. I currently have 3 BMW GSA's and 2022Triumph Scrambler SE. The GSA's are 2005,2012 are 1200's and a 2016 F800. My circle of friends tell me to stay away from the Aprilia because of the dealer network is few but when you got multiple bikes that doesn't matter. I like the seating and ergo of the Aprilia for my 6'4" frame. I also use Klim gear but find their sizing ridiculous!!! I'm tall in the mid section and large in the shoulders. I've complained multiple times to their reps at shows and on the net and they just ignore me on building jackets to fit tall men. Areostich will be my next jacket built to fit. So when you're talking to Klim let them know a 3xl tall jacket is necessary in their sizing. Keep up the great content and I'll have that Aprilia in my power barn soon.
Well I own one. Kinda sad to see especially US riders seem to pass on it because of concerns about the dealer network and reliability. I think this bike has a really good mix of capabilities. Bash plate, hand guards and windshield are just nuisances that rider have to fix on almost all adventure bikes so really that is a none issue.
I'm thinking of one. But yeah, the dealer network and reputations are not the best. Reviews of Italian bikes usually have comments about high service costs and waiting all summer for a part to arrive from Italy. Though I live in NW WI, I have 2 Aprilia dealers near Mpls., both are 2 hours away, which isn't that bad. I see there are only 2 dealers in Texas! I have more Beta dealers nearby than that!
@@captainamerica9353 Yea I mean these are valid concerns. Does't matter if the bike is good if you can't get it repaired or serviced in time. It is not an issue for me as I'm in Europe. Dealer is 20 minutes away and even if they have to order parts it takes maybe a few days to get them. I guess its this viscous cycle: People don't buy it because of bad rep, so Aprilia doesn't expand because of low sales, which leads to bad rep which makes people not buy. The only reliability issue I know about that seems to creep up on all of the Tuaregs is a engine gasket leaking after some time. Apparently the high heat from the engine kills it faster than usual.
I am 64 and gave up motocross a few years ago. I live in Arizona. Can I do long day rides at 75 or 80 to keep up with friends on the Tuareg? Not sure if the Tiger 900 rally pro would be better but I am concerned about not being able to push off-road with the Tiger 24.4 degree front. Which would you prefer.....Tiger or Tuareg?
uni filter standard! I bought one, then found it has one already. Apparently it was a recall in Australia. Agree about pillion pegs. I think I'll take mine off for Dirty Weekend. Love it when you quoted me on my bargain deal cheers (Sideshow). If your up at Tinga, I won't be doing the motocana. She hasn'tgot a scratch on her. You'll have to find another crash bunny! (Clubby) 2 magazinesin a row. I must have made quite the impression last year.
I thoroughly enjoyed this review. The Tuareg really looks at home off the pavement. Just a bit off the topic and technical. I see the compression ratio for the motor is stated as 13.5:1. What are your thoughts on longevity for a engine of that nature say compared to something with a ratio of 12 and lower? If Ian doesn't answer anyone else can give me an opinion.😉
That's beautiful riding terrain. I'm guessing you live somewhere near Idyllwild. It was my favourite hiking area when I lived in Orange County. I'm here to see the views. The bike will probably never come to Mongolia, where I live with my Mongolian wife, and without a dealer support, it's a non-starter. My choices are limited to Japanese, Chinese and Austrian/German bikes.
If you were a woman you would be the biggest tease ever! I have been waiting for this video for sometime. Thanks for the great review! I am looking forward for the next videos.
Great review! Am impressed with the low speed maneuvering, My 690 doesn't like to behave that well on low speed, but it's probably me and not bike like in most cases
I had 690 enduro and found it was too tall and had a poor turning angle. My Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC is easier to handle at low speed and so much more stable on freeways.
Great bike but I sold it after a few months. I ride a heavily modded Honda CRF 450L now because I like a light bike and the Aprilia was just too heavy for me to trust in the woods riding alone.
Thank You! How are the ergonomics offroad, like standing position, effort switching from sitting/standing, easiness to control the bike between the legs, easiness to switch from backward to forward sitting, grip of the seat? Thanks. How big are you. I'm 5.11 (1.80m)
Great series, thank you very much. I have been learning a lot between your Lists about TA, T7, V-Strom and now this one. I want to inform me the best before I take a decision. I gave up with this option because of this next Video, where an owner give his testimony about a Suspension Problem he went through. I let that here: ruclips.net/video/rZ4xqN0xVX0/видео.html I don't know if that happen just to wild drivers or if this happen to average people too. Thanks for your time!
I'm impressed with this bike, but my concerns are it's reliability, specifically electrical wiring. Never had good luck with European wiring, being it automotive or motorcycle, they just don't do it as well as the Japanese, in my opinion. There's nothing worse than tracking down electrical gremlins. The other issues are it's dealer network and parts availability. I'll probably wait to see how this bike shakes out for a year or two. Thanks for your insight , very informative and helpful! Well done as always!
The GS is fun don't get me wrong, its just if I have to commute 120 miles a day to work, it'd be nice to be able to pass the slow pokes lol. The increased weight would suck a little bit but honestly the 2nd gear clutch dump I just saw in that deep sand is about as 'technical' as I can get here in the desert of El Paso haha. Totally looking forward to seeing how screwed I'll get at the dealer.
I went from the 310GS to the Tuareg, but I just couldn't let myself get rid of the 310GS. Though I may have to let it go since I take the Tuareg every time I go riding.
I have 4500 miles on mine now. mechanical issue: I had the same problem that you sometimes hear other owners complain about: one gasket near the water pump (on the "oil-side") was leaking after around 800 miles so there was some oil smear on the outside of the engine (and on my left boot). But it was only a few drops and didn't affect the oil level at all... So it was safe to keep riding until the dealer found time to fix it (of course under warranty). Since then there were no other issues with it. The dealer told me that it looked like the gasket was damaged during assembly. So i don't really expect the problem to pop up again. electrical issues: none. And to be honest: When I installed my GPS (Zumo XT) and had a look at the internal wiring of the bike, I was really impressed by the overall quality of the wire layout and the connectors. It is way and beyond anything you would find on a KTM for example.. everything looks very sturdy and well organized. I don't think you have to worry about the reliability of the electrics. It's not like an italien car from the 90s ;)
Hi Ian. Compared to t7? Your thoughts please. And as far as the 890r is concerned does it justify the higher price or the tuareg is just the right way to go? Thank you in advance.
Am also wondering how the Tuareg stacks up against the 890 or Norden. Not just specs but how it feels to ride. (Also 890 2023 will be real interesting and how that will mix things up)
Interesting video… many of your subscribers will agree that “evaluating” the Aprilia’s “off road “ prowess truly means going off road… as in single track trails… not a semi rutty hard pack dirt road that any 96 Honda Accord could easily handle that poses little to no challenge for the rider. But first and most importantly, you never informed your viewers as to what your suspension settings were.. sag, high/low speed compression, rebound , spring preload all make HUGE difference when properly or improperly set up. Granted suspension settings are as individual as the rider based on their skill level but a bit of insight would be greatly appreciated by your viewers.. As for your technique in tackling sand was spot on… higher gear, off the seat, butt to the rear of the bike and on the gas to keep the front end light . The only helpful suggestion is that the bars will dance at speed, don’t fight them by having a death grip…and as always.. momentum is your friend. Keep up the great work…we appreciate it.
@@BERZERKERSV4 actually.. you don't get. well, give it time.. and maybe you might. For me also everything was black and white a couple of years ago.. but, in the mean time, I got wiser. I hope you'll do it as well. good luck!
I have watched your Tuareg videos twice, I am really enjoying this format and in-depth testing. The Tuareg is on the top of the list for my next motorcycle.
hi could you say something about the torque when you compare it to t7? I've seen few YT reviews where was info about less low ground (torque) on low rpm's on the tuareg660
Hey i got a Question about clothing.. is leather better for street and textile better on offroad? Or leather is generally always better? 🤔 // a noob working on my licence 🤔
Damn Ian - whippin that Tuareg! Yeah that bike has a great sound - and apparently handles low and high speed equally well! That demo of the traction control was brilliant ending at #1 ha! 🏁
I've heard several reports of reliability issues with this bike, including problems with fuel sensors, electrical systems, and oil leaks. Has anyone else experienced these issues?
I just watched Terrence o caffley s review of the tuareg 660 . I really enjoy your videos but I think you should check him out how he does his reviews.
I think for around 16-17000 OTD this might be a really good buy, when others are just starting at that price provided you farkle them to be proper for what they should be. Kinda like a Harley🤣🤣🤣🤣 Good stuff Ian.
Ian, once again a thorough and genuinely useful review. I loved this bike (in my mind) even before you reviewed it. It ticks all the boxes - weight, handling, engine etc. The one important box it doesn't tick: it's not available where I live (Indonesia) and there is not much support. So for now I am stuck with my old bmw 800gs. The Honda transalp is coming here next year. But it doesn't seem to hold a candle to the Tuareg. Look forward to seeing your review of the transalp!
Great series, thanks a lot! I’m in the market for a new adventure bike and I do have the Tuareg on the top of my list, thanks to your videos. Living in Europe, I have the next dealer 10 miles from where I live :-) I’m trading in my 690 Enduro R, because I’m looking for something capable to do some bigger miles and I’m a bit tired of the issues I had with the bike, to be honest. I tried a Tenere 700, but it feels heavier than the 900cc bikes and that’s not what I’m looking for.
Never been so excited for a new video on RUclips! God bless you Ian for doing this series on the Tuareg. Really excellent content. You’ve come a long way this year and I’m glad to see your subs reflect that. Based on your videos I think I’m going to pull the trigger on a Tuareg soon and hit up some serious COBDR next year. Can’t wait for the next video. Keep it up!
If Aprilia expand their service around the world, riders will definetely consider to have this one. By the way, when Honda start to sell new Transalp?? I'm looking forward to listening new Transalp from you.
Oh yes! Transalp! And what about the tenere 700 world raid? Next year I hope I’ll be able to afford either one of them…..tenere 700/world raid transalp or new 790 adventure if quality is right…..
@@DisableMe123 doubt he will be doing a review of the World Raid, as they are (I believe) not selling them in the states. At least if you go to their US website, they are not listed.
How did you attach the reckless on the rear without a rack? Looks like maybe you ran a separate strap around the tail end horizontally. Then used the reckless rear straps to lash to that? Thanks in advance
The sound it made when you opened it up got me laughing so hard I almost crapped myself. It reminded me of my first truck. It was a 1977 Datsun king cab without an air cleaner. It always sounded like it was starving for fuel when it was overloaded with firewood, going up hill. Although you can't argue the $12,000 price tag, it's a good bike, until you compare it to the Tiger 900 pro $15,000 - $17,000 the Triumph is a much better bike for the money. To me the Aprilia Tuareg looks like someone didn't give it alot of thought . In a nut shell it reminds me of a bike that Amazon would create. I could see it being delivered from one of there new cargo vans. 50% of buying a bike is the style. BMW, Triump, KTM 890, Yamaha, along with Pan Am got it right. Ok, maybe Pan Am is a stretch. What it comes down to is style and ride The real question is, when you are at a stop light and the person next to you, looks at the bike, do you want them to say, "cool bike" or "where the hell is my package ?"
So maybe this is a bit illogical but i immediately judge a bikes off road capability if it has a high front fender or not. One ride on the right type of wet clay soil and that front tire is locked up, guaranteed as there’s simply not enough room for soil build up which is inevitable. I never understood why the fenders can’t be an inch or two higher.
Thanks Ian great Video, I seem to be torn between the tourag and the Norton expedition, what do you think, I mostly ride similar trails as you did with the Tourag with some Highway as well
Hi Ian. Have you needed to get the software updated on the Tuareg ? Also, have you heard of anyone experiencing problems with the fuel gauge ? My Honda dealer is otherwise trying to slate this bike so that i might buy one of his Transalps (not as nice a bike to be honest)
Awesome video. Loved the camera angles on the sand. You really do add a fantastic and different perspective to your videos. Im between the 890 Adv and this. On paper, once you add the extras you need for the Aprilia, you’re at KTM money.
STAY TUNED FOR THE REST OF THIS SERIES ABOUT THE TUAREG!
🏍 GEAR IN THIS TEST 🏍
⚡ Klim Krios Pro Helmet(RevZilla): imp.i104546.net/WD9gOM
⚡ Klim Carlsbad Jacket/Pants: imp.i104546.net/BXGB5L
⚡ Mosko Moto Reckless 40: bit.ly/3GSOhzh
⚡ Mosko Moto Gnome Tank Bag: bit.ly/3GqhjpV
⚡ Mosko Moto Wildcat 8L Backpack: bit.ly/3OiE5Ss
⚡ Klim Baja Gloves: imp.i104546.net/0Jn2GV
⚡ Klim Adventure GTX Gloves: imp.i104546.net/Eax204
⚡ Sidi Adventure 2 Gore Tex Boots: imp.i104546.net/b3q5kx
⚡ Klim Vented (Summer) Socks: bit.ly/3TsGegD
⚡Puig Windshield Visor: imp.i104546.net/ORazYN
⚡Barkbuster Handguards: bit.ly/3IvwKvu
⚡Garmin Zumo XT GPS: bit.ly/3EGY4Vi
Just don't take it to an Aprilia dealer, if you can find one, hoping for "service" and "spare part"
Our local KTM, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Husky dealer - finally gave up!
Had them come and take all his showroom models back.
They were a money loser for him!
Which size Puig screen did you get? I see there's a SM,MD, LG version. I'm 6'1" any suggestions?
Hi Ian, We both agree, this is a cracking mid sized twin adventure packed with quality components and thoughtful design........well apart from that skid plate come engine guard which is as thick as an aluminium baking tray we use for cooking! Look forward to seeing your solution to this one vulnerability of what is otherwise a brilliant bike.
Agreed. My SW Motech skid plate is on order. And crash bars.
@@BigRockMoto Oops I forgot to mention the crash bars for the radiator
@@BigRockMoto Receiving a comment from Dave at MADTV is an honor as he's renowned for his long-term reviews and epic adventure rides. Big fan of his channel.
Love watching MADtv! Awesome channel.
@@osimnod cool
This series has almost convinced me to get this bike without even sitting on it 😂
Ikr , I'm close , I was worried about tech support , dealerships ect. But I am in so cal. There's something close !
I bought one, without sitting on it, after Ian's initial review and MAD Tv's reviews, I am soo stoked on this bike! It is a total game changer.
@@ChrisSandstorm I decided to go with the V85tt because it fit my needs a little better and is surprisingly confidence inspiring off road. But I still stand by my love for the Tuareg
I just bought mine 2024 blue color and it’s even better then advertised
ikr, when he said blinkers flash when braking hard im sold ;
Excellent review! I had ALMOST as much fun as you did. I would seriously consider this bike if I was younger (82 now). I campaigned a DKW 125 years ago. Would love to had a machine like this to blow off some steam. Keep up the great work. God Bless
Ok have been on the fence for which bike could replace my 990... this is it the debate is over.. Aprilia take my money!! Thanks for these videos I really appreciate your content!
never! 990 forever! can you tell I have one too 🤣. my brother has a 660, its nice and it is indeed very smooth. but I can't let go of the giant dirt bike feel of my 990, and it sounds so good high rpm.
@tron121 I'm not selling my 990. They are great bikes but the fact is they are as good as many of the bikes being produced today. Mine will be there and if the Tuarag is not as enjoyable (this I doubt) then I made a poor decision
@@88greenmachine I think you will like it. I like my brother's. But it's a different kind of bike. Very smooth, high bars, feels like a high chair. 990 feels like a big dirt bike.
Can u update us? Did u get it?
How she compares to ktm?
I also had ktm950 amd absolutely loved it and still think its best bike in the world but need to try out some of new stuff like this tuareg, cheers ;
Great vid as usual . Very interesting to me - I'm 68, and not really up to handling a 500+ pound ADV anymore. I've had several large ADV bikes over the years. Last summer I rode my friends GS1200 up in the Kennedy Meadows area - man was I careful to not dump it. This bike might end up being my last gasp wack at adventure riding.
We might as well keep at it until we just plain can't!
@@elgringoec Indeed, time slips by and the body gets more fragile. I just can't pick those heavy bikes up anymore!
Totally agree. I will be 68 next month and with a fused lower back I can’t swing my leg over the up swung back seat or pick up a bike with a high center of gravity or heavy weight.
my dad is 65, he got a ktm exc 350. very light weight. he has no trouble picking it up. I forget the weight but its
@@randydewees7338
It's all relative, I guess. I got a KTM 300 because I was concerned about picking up my xr650l. If we exercise and practice, we increase our chances. And we can always seek help if we can't get it up. There's no shame in asking for help especially at our age. That said, we break easier. I wouldn't go off the beaten path alone on a big bike at this stage.
Hi Ian. You should hook up with one of the Aussie youtubers and do a crossing of the Simpson Desert. Would love to know what you think of the sand there.
Thanksgiving of 2021 I lost my 2017 Africa Twin in an on-street accident. Due to the accident I’ve have a LOT of titanium in my legs along with severely damaged ankles and knees.
I replaced my 2017 Africa with the bigger 2021 Africa Twin Adventure Sport. Unfortunately it was too much for me to handle in my permanently compromised state. I quickly traded it in for a Tuareg660 and so far I love the bike. I’m restricted now to pavement and basic gravel roads but this bike is an excellent performer for all around riding. With 11,000 miles on it now, I haven’t had any serious quality issues.
I could use some ur advice since u had two bike im currently in market for.
Can u compare general quality, power and comfort, especially potholes and offroad hoe they compare? I mean older AT vs tuareg, cheers
@@Angry-Lynx if I could only choose a 2017 AT or the Tuareg, I would choose the AT. The Ergos are close but the AT is more upright and less bend in the knees for me.
My Tuareg had a lot of fueling issues and I spent a lot of money to fix it and never got it right. I’ve heard that Aprilla has addressed this issue though.
As for quality. Well the plastics are better on the AT. I got a little gas on the Tuareg black plastic and it stained it. I never had a single issue with the engine leaking on the AT but I had to tighten several bolts on the engine covers and oil pan to stop small leaks on the ape. The only issue I had with the AT was the cam chain tensioner. It would slack off about every 15k. I just replaced them. A big plus for the Tuareg was the tubeless rims. That was nice. Also, the Tuareg felt lighter but honestly, the AT ran on rails if you take the time to set the suspension right.
Maybe this will help. I had over 45k on the AT when it got demolished in an accident. I told everyone it was my first forever bike. I had 13K on the Tuareg and I traded it in on a Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT.
@@zyonsdream currently the only used tuareg in Poland was sold so its out of question.
But thanks for answer ill keep that in mind for future
What a great review..this looks like the best replacement for my old KLR, I have watched your channel for a long time as well as many other channels, you are the best motorcycle journalist out there. I always appreciate the honest down to earth content. Keep up the good work.
Lets Go Down to #1....YEAHHHH.. I love this bike ! ....# Me2 and I own one because of you ..Thanks Brother
Another great video, thanks! Contacting some dealers about buying one today. You should get commission from Aprilia 😅The only question now is yellow or blue 🤔
Great series Ian. Really appreciate the integrity and completeness of your reviews. A Tuareg is in my New Year plans for 2023. Thank you.
Love the video!! It’s awesome to see you ride the Tuareg and out out extensive content. I’ve had mine since April 2020 and have taken it on some really gnarly trails! Love it!
The thing that annoyed me a lot on my ex-NC750x '21 was that behavior in the 1st gear which hardly allowed to go below 20km/h (maybe 17km/h after I put 3000 km on it). I didn't mean to ride it off road (for the 2nd and the following times lol) but even in heavy traffic in Moscow during rush hour it was a real pain to feed the clutch all the time. On the dirt I was also cursing like hell due to the mismatch between the lowest speed and the front fork capability. So, Ian, thanks for that part of the video where you focused on near-zero speed behavior! Your in-depth reviews are becoming better and better. PS: and yes I'm very close to buying a Tuareg 660 in Montenegro after all )))
Do you know how Honda AT DCT behaves at low speeds like at those you're explaining?
@@MS-ji6oj no idea - never ridden one with dct
Thanks, Ian. This has to be one of my favorite reviews of yours. What a riot to see this bike perform off-road with traction control enabled. Your demo of slow speed handling looks super fun. If Aprilla could just broaden their dealership presence, that could be a HUGE step in getting Aprilla more exposure in the states. You didn't use the word unicorn, but this bike looks as close as we are going to get! Awesome review.
Thank you Ian, for this good review of that bike. You shortly mentioned it that the Tuareg660 behaves nearly as good as the 890R off-road. Would be interested in your comparison of these 2 bikes on-road on long trips. MAD TV from Australia, that you also follow, made an on- and off-road test of the Tuareg, concluded it was very close to the 890R, but were not detailed for the on-road part. I did bought a '21 890R after testing the Tuareg, for very tiny differences like ergos, and engine capacity for on-road, that I prefered on the 890. Looking forward to hearing your view on this point.
You can't beat an 890R. The Aprilia is as good off road, but doesn't have the big power for the high speed stuff.
Mad TV commented on this during the question/answer. On road, get the Husky901 over the 890. They had not tested the Taureg at that time.
First off.. get back into the gym…at 63 I’m a A lever racer and every now and then I can stick it to the 30 somethins’ … aboard my KTM 300s XC and XCW.. I’ve done plenty of BDRs aboard my GS Adventure.. as well as 75% of the TAT….. I purchased a Tuareg and could not be happier….it’s a solid 150lbs lighter that the GS Adventure and with a proper set of off road tires, not the OEM Pirellis.. they are crap for off road..I installed Tusk DSports ( Rocky Mountain ATV via Ian’s link)… they are just fine for Florida single track….Since 90% of ADV riders are posers who ride/haul a$$ down fire/dirt roads only with $5k worth of gear and accessories just to impress the mopes down at the local pub…put them on a technical single track ride and they fold like a cheap tent… The Tuareg in stock form, aside from tires , is well beyond the skill set of 99% of those who purchase them. A few suspension tweaks and a GOOD set of tires that’s all you need to ride serious single track… as Ian said “this bike is so legit”…. I could not agree more…
Great video Ian. For a mix of twisties and trails ( no highways, no need for luggage), how would you compare this to the KTM 690 enduro. Particularly interested in your view on how they compare on the slower technical stuff where weight, seat height and engine tractability at low revs are most relevant.
I have the 701 and have it setup for lightweight ADV (I'd call the Tuareg a middleweight ADV bike). I've ridden with 790/890 folks but have not ridden or ridden with a Tuareg owner yet. What we found offroad is that weight is the biggest driver of performance, so I'd expect the Tuareg to perform in line with the 790/890 (with small differences here and there... they're both great bikes), and that means it's too heavy (my opinion based on watching riders struggle on similar bikes) for moderate to hard offroad (I'd say Ian was riding "light offroad" in the video). The 690/701 platform at over a hundred pounds lighter is able to handle light to moderate offroad well but will struggle with hard offroad (that's the playground of true enduro's like the 500excf or even the pure dirt bikes which are another hundred pounds or more lighter than the 690's).
You mention slow technical riding... that's one area where ADV bikes (and the 690/701) are generally at a disadvantage because of their road gearing... first and second gears are too tall. I'd like to know more about Ian's comment regarding low speed. He demonstrates off idle maneuvers but that's not actually the important bit for me - I want to know how it's lower first gear performs offroad, which means how fast is it moving when you're in the torque of the motor (generally midrange or higher in rpm). For moderate offroad technical riding I want a motor that has a lot of torque in the 5-15mph range in first gear. The 690 with stock gearing has a first gear that is WAY too tall (requires clutch feathering which results in a lot of people saying it has a weak clutch because they burn them out), but when you change sprockets to get a better first gear range, you lose top end so compromise on highway performance (which is still important if you use it as an ADV bike). I'm probably going to buy the wide ratio gearbox for mine... but that adds even more cost to an already pricy ADV build (I've already spent $20k on it, after adding gearbox and cruise I'll be around $23k).
I sold my 690 and 890 and got the Aprilia. I prefer the Aprilia over the 690. The 690 is just not a good dirt bike or a good tourer.
@@BigRockMoto Does this mean you prefer the Taureg over the 890, why?
@@kuhndj67 Thanks for the insight. Weight considerations turned me to the 690, but it seems to have shortcomings that require a lot of expense to put right. Tested it mind, on some twisties, and it felt pretty good...
@@kuhndj67 Great comment and spot on. The 790/890 is really fun but when you take it on some gnar single track its fun but is a handful. Dont know about a 690 never ridden one but the 500 can go anywhere if youre a decent rider. That said my 300 would be my choice in 5 miles of h=ll. You really need at least 3 bikes if you like to do it all. Maybe 7!
Loved the tips for riding on sand!
Just found out suzuki 800 price in usd it will be $12,700. I would get your 660 all day long over the suzuki..
I really want to make the Tuareg 660 my choice for an ADV bike. Its impressive, capable and a good value on top of it. BUT I can't get past the reliability question to make the leap. Unfortunately, this is nothing you can answer for me. How's this bike going to hold up on real ADV rides after 3,4,5 years after purchase?? Am I going to be dealing with annoying issues and parts availability issues???
Thanks for the vid
Hi, I own a Moto Guzzi Breva 750 2006 that was designed and sold under Aprilia flagship at that time. Since then both companies are under the big Piaggio flag which is a positive thing and explains why we could hear more about these motorbikes worldwide recently (think Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello, Aprilia Tuareg, etc.) They are solid brands, really. I believe you will have less headaches with an Aprilia than a KTM. Look at what owners say about the Aprilia Tuono to know more about the reliability of this engine...
I had so many different bikes over the year and I now went over the bad reputation of the Italian ones. This makes no sense anymore. However, if you are a hardcore Honda fan, well yes, there is nothing more reliable...
The near complete lack of Aprilia dealers/support in the US will spell its doom….
@@BERZERKERSV4 I live in Cambodia. We don't have any. I want to own one anyway. I then only buy second hand...not a problem at all when bikes have all their problems first under warranty with their first owner.
Aprilia sells well in Europe already. The model survival doesn't depend on the US market luckily. Bike lovers don't fear buying exotic bikes I believe. Must be fun to be the only guy with a brilliant Aprilia in the middle of a bunch of KTM and Tenere. I personally enjoy having a different (good) bike.
@@BERZERKERSV4 I do my own repairs and maintenance, no bike I own will be going back to a dealer unless its a warranty repair.
@@mototomcambodia I own a Victory XC and a Husqvarna TE250. The Victory has 75k miles and has never given me a problem, its even on its original clutch. This is an 850lb motorcycle with performance upgrades. The Husky has 300 hard off-road hours on it. The terrain around here is rough and the bike gets thrashed, outside of normal wear and things that broke in crashes its been rock solid also. This is the kind of reliability I expect from my motorcycles.
With the Aprilia, I'm okay with the build quality(I had a quick test ride on one locally a few months ago). What I most worry about is dealing with all the electronic gadgetry and sensors. These are problems that a dealer has to "diagnose" which means the bike could be laid up for weeks or months.
As much as I'd like a Tuareg I'm probably going with a Yamaha Tenere' 700. I'll take the slightly lower performance hit for the known reliability of the Yamaha. Besides T7's cost less than a Tuareg, so the money I save can go into tuning the T7's suspension, then the two bike will be very close.
great bike i just wish there was more dealer support but KTM was the same way and now there are more dealers than 10-15 years ago not quit like a honda
Hi Ian, this has been a great series, nobody covers the details and the set-up to make a bike comfortable like you. Maybe you could do an updated video on the tools and repair items you carry when testing bikes or longer rides.
I noticed that the Tuareg is more reliable than a GoPro (which is not difficult) but is still good to know ;) Nice vid again and I badly want a Tuareg. Let's hope one ends up in SEA Asia pretty soon where I live. Also, who loves to drift more, the Tuareg or you Ian? Cheers!
I dont like the engine sound 😕 maybe seems a bit like it doesn't want to do it 🤔
Great real world test vid of what most ADV riding is like. Its fun to watch Chris Birch ride a big ADV like a 250 Enduro but we are not him. Though I love my KTM 790 R, the Tuareg is high on the potential 'switch to someday' list. Problem is the far flung dealer network which makes the choice harder.
Great riding! I have been eyeing this bike and you are making a convincing case :)
Still waiting for the ducati multistada v4s review, I'm having a blast watching your vids one after another, new subscriber.
As always, very informative. Several times you mentioned the 660 compares favorably with the 890. Which is the better adventure bike your opinion, money aside. Or are they just different purposed? Are there some trails you would take one bike over the other, or some length road oriented trips which is better suited to one or the other? I was convinced on one of your previous video's that the 890 S was the bees knees! Don
I really like tubeless wheels and the bigger suspension travel over my Tenere 700. Only the reliability is uncertain with these. Time will tell I guess..
I’ve put 15,000 miles on my Aprilia and absolutely no issues at all
The bike looks very interesting, but .............WHAT'S THE "ADVENTURE" BEHIND ALL THAT BUNCH OF ELECTRONIC ASSISTANT FEATURES ????
Thanks Ian, another brilliant review, great 'to the point' information and helpful feedback about the bike in different types of terrain. Those camera angles are fantastic too BTW. I rode one recently and loved it. Is it the ultimate 'do all' adventure machine, do you think? I would like to hear how it compares long term to owning a T7, as it is it's closest rival. It seems to have raised the bar a little higher in terms of spec and ergonomics, ( electronics, seat hight, suspension travel, weight, fuel range) while still coming in at a good price point. It really seems like you get more bang for your buck with this bike. I would love to hear your thoughts.
All the best,
Grant.
Caminos anchos y algo rápidos, así como algo rotos, es una zona donde la AT660 se mueve con rapidez y agilidad, ninguna de estas semi o maxi trail son para enduro (por su gran peso), pero con una moto de este estilo, con este peso contenido, equilibrio y muy buenos "bajos" de motor, se vuelve muy divertida en estos terrenos. Gracias por el test.
The day a 450lb bike dominates offroad is the day... it's the day...
...well it's never going to happen so I guess I don't need to know what day it will be.
Having said that... it's still a top contender in my "if I could only own one bike" list... a nice blend of onroad and offroad capability.
Looks like an absolute animal off road. Looking forward to the hardtop video and hearing about its prospects for distance riding. :)
Love your vids mate - another good one here :) Rode the Taureg the other day. It is the first modern bike I enjoyed riding. I thought the rider aides were laughably bad but in the end I was having fun on it. It is deeply flawed in so many ways, but it must be doing something right. I have a review coming out soon. I'm expecting a lot of hate mail LOL. Cheers, Cam from New Zealand.
Great content, the Aprilia Tuareg is on my want list in 2023. I currently have 3 BMW GSA's and 2022Triumph Scrambler SE. The GSA's are 2005,2012 are 1200's and a 2016 F800. My circle of friends tell me to stay away from the Aprilia because of the dealer network is few but when you got multiple bikes that doesn't matter. I like the seating and ergo of the Aprilia for my 6'4" frame. I also use Klim gear but find their sizing ridiculous!!! I'm tall in the mid section and large in the shoulders. I've complained multiple times to their reps at shows and on the net and they just ignore me on building jackets to fit tall men. Areostich will be my next jacket built to fit. So when you're talking to Klim let them know a 3xl tall jacket is necessary in their sizing. Keep up the great content and I'll have that Aprilia in my power barn soon.
Motoport also custom tailors their gear.
Well I own one. Kinda sad to see especially US riders seem to pass on it because of concerns about the dealer network and reliability.
I think this bike has a really good mix of capabilities.
Bash plate, hand guards and windshield are just nuisances that rider have to fix on almost all adventure bikes so really that is a none issue.
I'm thinking of one. But yeah, the dealer network and reputations are not the best. Reviews of Italian bikes usually have comments about high service costs and waiting all summer for a part to arrive from Italy. Though I live in NW WI, I have 2 Aprilia dealers near Mpls., both are 2 hours away, which isn't that bad. I see there are only 2 dealers in Texas! I have more Beta dealers nearby than that!
@@captainamerica9353 Yea I mean these are valid concerns. Does't matter if the bike is good if you can't get it repaired or serviced in time.
It is not an issue for me as I'm in Europe. Dealer is 20 minutes away and even if they have to order parts it takes maybe a few days to get them.
I guess its this viscous cycle: People don't buy it because of bad rep, so Aprilia doesn't expand because of low sales, which leads to bad rep which makes people not buy.
The only reliability issue I know about that seems to creep up on all of the Tuaregs is a engine gasket leaking after some time. Apparently the high heat from the engine kills it faster than usual.
@@Praxics0815 , I can tell you the dealer network and reputation is poor in the U.S., yet Beta is expanding and ships parts fast from California.
I am 64 and gave up motocross a few years ago. I live in Arizona. Can I do long day rides at 75 or 80 to keep up with friends on the Tuareg? Not sure if the Tiger 900 rally pro would be better but I am concerned about not being able to push off-road with the Tiger 24.4 degree front. Which would you prefer.....Tiger or Tuareg?
uni filter standard!
I bought one, then found it has one already. Apparently it was a recall in Australia.
Agree about pillion pegs. I think I'll take mine off for Dirty Weekend.
Love it when you quoted me on my bargain deal cheers (Sideshow).
If your up at Tinga, I won't be doing the motocana. She hasn'tgot a scratch on her. You'll have to find another crash bunny! (Clubby) 2 magazinesin a row. I must have made quite the impression last year.
I thoroughly enjoyed this review. The Tuareg really looks at home off the pavement. Just a bit off the topic and technical. I see the compression ratio for the motor is stated as 13.5:1. What are your thoughts on longevity for a engine of that nature say compared to something with a ratio of 12 and lower? If Ian doesn't answer anyone else can give me an opinion.😉
I'm not educated enough to answer, but I imagine there are tons more variables at play
That's beautiful riding terrain. I'm guessing you live somewhere near Idyllwild. It was my favourite hiking area when I lived in Orange County. I'm here to see the views. The bike will probably never come to Mongolia, where I live with my Mongolian wife, and without a dealer support, it's a non-starter. My choices are limited to Japanese, Chinese and Austrian/German bikes.
Nice riding, Ian. Your slow speed work is impressive. Must be that BMW school! 🙂
If you were a woman you would be the biggest tease ever! I have been waiting for this video for sometime. Thanks for the great review! I am looking forward for the next videos.
Great review! Am impressed with the low speed maneuvering, My 690 doesn't like to behave that well on low speed, but it's probably me and not bike like in most cases
I had 690 enduro and found it was too tall and had a poor turning angle. My Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC is easier to handle at low speed and so much more stable on freeways.
Great bike but I sold it after a few months. I ride a heavily modded Honda CRF 450L now because I like a light bike and the Aprilia was just too heavy for me to trust in the woods riding alone.
Thank You! How are the ergonomics offroad, like standing position, effort switching from sitting/standing, easiness to control the bike between the legs, easiness to switch from backward to forward sitting, grip of the seat? Thanks. How big are you. I'm 5.11 (1.80m)
Great series, thank you very much. I have been learning a lot between your Lists about TA, T7, V-Strom and now this one. I want to inform me the best before I take a decision. I gave up with this option because of this next Video, where an owner give his testimony about a Suspension Problem he went through. I let that here: ruclips.net/video/rZ4xqN0xVX0/видео.html I don't know if that happen just to wild drivers or if this happen to average people too. Thanks for your time!
I'm impressed with this bike, but my concerns are it's reliability, specifically electrical wiring. Never had good luck with European wiring, being it automotive or motorcycle, they just don't do it as well as the Japanese, in my opinion. There's nothing worse than tracking down electrical gremlins. The other issues are it's dealer network and parts availability. I'll probably wait to see how this bike shakes out for a year or two. Thanks for your insight , very informative and helpful! Well done as always!
Went to the aprilia dealer yesterday to trade my 2021 R1250GSA for a taureg, they offered $12.5k for the GSA. Walked away.
Thinking about trading in my 310GS for one of these. Seems to be a better jack of all trades for me!
Great review as always brother thank you.
Haha. Me too!
Good step up I would suggest. Is a lot more bike though.
The GS is fun don't get me wrong, its just if I have to commute 120 miles a day to work, it'd be nice to be able to pass the slow pokes lol. The increased weight would suck a little bit but honestly the 2nd gear clutch dump I just saw in that deep sand is about as 'technical' as I can get here in the desert of El Paso haha. Totally looking forward to seeing how screwed I'll get at the dealer.
I went from the 310GS to the Tuareg, but I just couldn't let myself get rid of the 310GS. Though I may have to let it go since I take the Tuareg every time I go riding.
Nice video Ian. I really think, the lasr episode of the series should be a head to head comparattion with 890 and T7. Merry Christmas
Any mechanical or electrical issues yet on this bike? Not sure how many miles you have on it at this point. Thanks
I have 4500 miles on mine now.
mechanical issue:
I had the same problem that you sometimes hear other owners complain about: one gasket near the water pump (on the "oil-side") was leaking after around 800 miles so there was some oil smear on the outside of the engine (and on my left boot). But it was only a few drops and didn't affect the oil level at all... So it was safe to keep riding until the dealer found time to fix it (of course under warranty). Since then there were no other issues with it.
The dealer told me that it looked like the gasket was damaged during assembly. So i don't really expect the problem to pop up again.
electrical issues: none.
And to be honest: When I installed my GPS (Zumo XT) and had a look at the internal wiring of the bike, I was really impressed by the overall quality of the wire layout and the connectors.
It is way and beyond anything you would find on a KTM for example.. everything looks very sturdy and well organized.
I don't think you have to worry about the reliability of the electrics. It's not like an italien car from the 90s ;)
Thank you for a top video!! I ride a t7, is the tuareg also good on the highway??
Grtz from Holland
Thanks a lot for very intensive (best) review. How would you compare the aprillia to the 900 rally pro?
Hi Ian. Compared to t7? Your thoughts please.
And as far as the 890r is concerned does it justify the higher price or the tuareg is
just the right way to go?
Thank you in advance.
Am also wondering how the Tuareg stacks up against the 890 or Norden.
Not just specs but how it feels to ride. (Also 890 2023 will be real interesting and how that will mix things up)
I've narrowed it down to the Tuareg or the 890 Adventure(non R).
It blows away the T7 in every aspect. The 890 is faster and has slightly better electronics. But the Tuerag is a better value for money
Interesting video… many of your subscribers will agree that “evaluating” the Aprilia’s “off road “ prowess truly means going off road… as in single track trails… not a semi rutty hard pack dirt road that any 96 Honda Accord could easily handle that poses little to no challenge for the rider. But first and most importantly, you never informed your viewers as to what your suspension settings were.. sag, high/low speed compression, rebound , spring preload all make HUGE difference when properly or improperly set up. Granted suspension settings are as individual as the rider based on their skill level but a bit of insight would be greatly appreciated by your viewers..
As for your technique in tackling sand was spot on… higher gear, off the seat, butt to the rear of the bike and on the gas to keep the front end light . The only helpful suggestion is that the bars will dance at speed, don’t fight them by having a death grip…and as always.. momentum is your friend.
Keep up the great work…we appreciate it.
I bet you're fun at parties and have a lot of friends.
Reality sucks Karen especially when you consider the price of these bikes….being an informed consumer benefits everyone….
@@BERZERKERSV4 actually.. you don't get. well, give it time.. and maybe you might. For me also everything was black and white a couple of years ago.. but, in the mean time, I got wiser. I hope you'll do it as well. good luck!
I have watched your Tuareg videos twice, I am really enjoying this format and in-depth testing. The Tuareg is on the top of the list for my next motorcycle.
Glad you like them!
hi could you say something about the torque when you compare it to t7? I've seen few YT reviews where was info about less low ground (torque) on low rpm's on the tuareg660
Hey i got a Question about clothing.. is leather better for street and textile better on offroad? Or leather is generally always better? 🤔 // a noob working on my licence 🤔
I was hoping to watch this bike where you went with the XL750
😂 anyways thanks a lot for all your videos.
Ian u really drive so good....i like this video but u have wrong tyres for that place STR are 70 road 30off... it would be nice to see a right tire!
Damn Ian - whippin that Tuareg!
Yeah that bike has a great sound - and apparently handles low and high speed equally well! That demo of the traction control was brilliant ending at #1 ha! 🏁
I've heard several reports of reliability issues with this bike, including problems with fuel sensors, electrical systems, and oil leaks. Has anyone else experienced these issues?
Ha. The adventure bike Flex bars. I'm doing it.
What kind of bars & lever protectors are installed on this bike? Looks like the lever protectors are by Tusk, and the bars maybe Flexbars?
I just watched Terrence o caffley s review of the tuareg 660 . I really enjoy your videos but I think you should check him out how he does his reviews.
The best channel of its kind.
Ian i find it difficult to imagine you ride alone off road.I would dread to think what would happen if you were to crash and be immobilised.🤔
I think for around 16-17000 OTD this might be a really good buy, when others are just starting at that price provided you farkle them to be proper for what they should be. Kinda like a Harley🤣🤣🤣🤣 Good stuff Ian.
In the US the Tuareg is about $14-15k OTD right now.
@@BoogiemanMoto well yeah but a couple farkle a would make it 16-17 🙄
@@BoogiemanMoto I show a retail of $11,999 for a 2022.
Ian, once again a thorough and genuinely useful review. I loved this bike (in my mind) even before you reviewed it. It ticks all the boxes - weight, handling, engine etc. The one important box it doesn't tick: it's not available where I live (Indonesia) and there is not much support. So for now I am stuck with my old bmw 800gs. The Honda transalp is coming here next year. But it doesn't seem to hold a candle to the Tuareg. Look forward to seeing your review of the transalp!
Question is how good is the reliability
Excellent review Ian ! Keep going , we wait for the next part already 👍
Man you are really committed, best adv bike channel on the net.
Great series, thanks a lot! I’m in the market for a new adventure bike and I do have the Tuareg on the top of my list, thanks to your videos. Living in Europe, I have the next dealer 10 miles from where I live :-) I’m trading in my 690 Enduro R, because I’m looking for something capable to do some bigger miles and I’m a bit tired of the issues I had with the bike, to be honest. I tried a Tenere 700, but it feels heavier than the 900cc bikes and that’s not what I’m looking for.
sounds like it will be perfect
Suit with the hi vis is awesome. Very nice…
Never been so excited for a new video on RUclips! God bless you Ian for doing this series on the Tuareg. Really excellent content. You’ve come a long way this year and I’m glad to see your subs reflect that. Based on your videos I think I’m going to pull the trigger on a Tuareg soon and hit up some serious COBDR next year. Can’t wait for the next video. Keep it up!
If Aprilia expand their service around the world, riders will definetely consider to have this one. By the way, when Honda start to sell new Transalp?? I'm looking forward to listening new Transalp from you.
Oh yes! Transalp! And what about the tenere 700 world raid? Next year I hope I’ll be able to afford either one of them…..tenere 700/world raid transalp or new 790 adventure if quality is right…..
@@DisableMe123 doubt he will be doing a review of the World Raid, as they are (I believe) not selling them in the states. At least if you go to their US website, they are not listed.
@@csolivais1979 true....my bad i forgot that....dang it! I need to travel the world so he can make a review next year!
How did you attach the reckless on the rear without a rack? Looks like maybe you ran a separate strap around the tail end horizontally. Then used the reckless rear straps to lash to that? Thanks in advance
You should change the Thumbnail for the Log Moto part
It’s a grate video and made my mind for getting this as exchang to my g650gs - thanks
It’s 20 degrees in Virginia…nothing like a virtual ride through Cali to warm up the heart!
This is the best colour by far. The blue and white looks very cheap in my opinion.
Dear mister i have one question. Wich tires , in your opinion , are the best for Tuareg in off road ?
Thank you
The sound it made when you opened it up got me laughing so hard I almost crapped myself. It reminded me of my first truck. It was a 1977 Datsun king cab without an air cleaner. It always sounded like it was starving for fuel when it was overloaded with firewood, going up hill. Although you can't argue the $12,000 price tag, it's a good bike, until you compare it to the Tiger 900 pro $15,000 - $17,000 the Triumph is a much better bike for the money. To me the Aprilia Tuareg looks like someone didn't give it alot of thought . In a nut shell it reminds me of a bike that Amazon would create. I could see it being delivered from one of there new cargo vans. 50% of buying a bike is the style. BMW, Triump, KTM 890, Yamaha, along with Pan Am got it right. Ok, maybe Pan Am is a stretch. What it comes down to is style and ride The real question is, when you are at a stop light and the person next to you, looks at the bike, do you want them to say, "cool bike" or "where the hell is my package ?"
What others think of my ride, is none of my business...it doesn't affect my enjoyment.
Good job, great to see a reviewer proving his skills physically as opposed to all talk.
Thems some mighty fancy duds you got there cowboy.
Where is this at? I know you said mt san jacinto, but more details it looks fun to try my bike.
Great video ! I see your joy in the T660 !
Seems to tractor as well as the T7’s CP2, which is excellent for technical sections.
So maybe this is a bit illogical but i immediately judge a bikes off road capability if it has a high front fender or not. One ride on the right type of wet clay soil and that front tire is locked up, guaranteed as there’s simply not enough room for soil build up which is inevitable.
I never understood why the fenders can’t be an inch or two higher.
May I ask the name of the trail or Forest number you are on? Thanks!
From which bikes sit barkbuster for Aprilia ?
Love the exhaust sound, notes.
I am going to look into buying one.
It is now on my list to Santa.
Excellent sand riding segment. Next up, the GS
What have you got clamped to the handlebars??
Just signed the contract with the dealership, can't wait 🥺
Which handle bars are you running and why?
Thanks Ian great Video, I seem to be torn between the tourag and the Norton expedition, what do you think, I mostly ride similar trails as you did with the Tourag with some Highway as well
I prefer the Tuareg and it also costs a lot less
Hi Ian.
Have you needed to get the software updated on the Tuareg ? Also, have you heard of anyone experiencing problems with the fuel gauge ?
My Honda dealer is otherwise trying to slate this bike so that i might buy one of his Transalps (not as nice a bike to be honest)
Yes to software update, no to fuel gauge issue, but others have had that problem
Awesome video. Loved the camera angles on the sand. You really do add a fantastic and different perspective to your videos. Im
between the 890 Adv and this. On paper, once you add the extras you need for the Aprilia, you’re at KTM money.
Perfect angles.