Your videos are great and very informative. I’m looking for a new adventure style bike to use for long commutes year round in Georgia where the weather is crazy. Can you start adding a small section about body protection from wind and rain. Especially leg protection from the waist down?
Hi Ian. Great video and love your content. Going through a rough time caring for my dying father and your videos help me escape from reality and relax. Keep them up.
The GPMUCCI skid plate from Italy is arguably the best skid plate available. Not cheap, but not mainstream either. Check them out. He also provides brake line guards front and rear with his plate. Italian plate for the Italian Stallion. All hand crafted by him. 👍
@@BigRockMoto his site is in Italian, but just navigate to English and its much easier. He also makes the plates any color you choose. Custom colors included. Love the content! Keep it up
Well set up. I am a big fan of the "Go small, go now" approach: not too much stuff so that you can focus on the adventure vs. carrying tons of gear from one location to the next. Great video as always!
The dust is kind of settling in the ADV market. One should be able to find something to fit the needs quite closely without heavy mods and accessories mean one doesn't have to build at home.
If I haven’t said this already, then congratulations on a great series! When I first heard about the Tuareg coming out, I thought it was a niche bike for Aprilia fans… obviously not the case. After researching all the usual mid-weight ADV contenders, T7, TransAlp, DE800, KTM 390, 790 and 890 S’s and R’s … (many thanks for your thoughtful reviews), I bought a Tuareg 660. Do I expect it will be as rock solid as my ‘08 VStrom 650? No, but the Aprilia will be more fun to ride, and probably safer when riding double-track trails solo. The Tuareg comes with a 2-yr warranty which can be extended to yrs 3 and 4, I’ve got a yr to think about it and buy if I want. Thanks again!
Great video on your mods, My only wish is that down here in Australia 🇦🇺 we get left out on so many Great options, back to the internet 😊 Thanks again 👍
Quick note about the Black Dog footpegs, the install pin only works for the right side install. Left side it hits the kickstand so it doesn’t help install on that side at all.
Ian, You are the best. I have loved your videos over the years and yes I am subscribed. I currently have a 2016 Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory and a 2020 BMW R1250 GS both of which I love. By virtue of so many positive videos on the Tuareg including all of yours I went for a ride on a Tuareg-20 mins. on highway and city streets and loved it. I do very little off road riding (Long Island NY has NO availability). Would I be crazy to get the Tuareg to replace the GS which is heavy or would it be better to replace the Tuono which has performance that I barely use. Thanks for your attention and hopefully reply.
Those cool covers are definitely effective air conditioning for the ass & do slightly increase comfort too. Try some Kleen-Flo automotive drive belt cleaner to seal up pesky bead leaks in your tubeless tyres. Stuff worked a charm on my leaky motoz DV even with a minor ding in the rim.
will be interesting to see the view metrics on your Aprilia series compared to the other brands to see the real interest in semi obscure brands versus the mainstream players, as always great work...
Oh ye - the FLEX-BAR ! Great stuff....used to have it on one of my offroad bikes ( 🚲)‼‼ And - is it Citizen CA0641-16X u're wearing ?? 😀😀 - nice, but the glass isn't saphire....
Hi Ian! Are you still enjoying your Tuareg? I am in Italy at the moment and have had a chance to really get to know the Tuareg well. Can’t wait to buy one when I get back home to California. Love your videos and your technical details! Cheers 🥂
My dad and I both have the bike. He got his first and I ordered one after riding his a bit. We mostly have different equipment on ours but one thing we agreed on is that a tank bag isn't really an option. Like you we both have the Giant Loop Zigzag which I find great for putting eye drops,visor wipes etc. He picked us both up the HDB Ultimate Hand Guard after doing some research. They're really robust with color options for the plastic deflectors and they also don't crowd the lever assemblies. I saw someone else post that the stock springs don't fit quite right with the BDCW Footpegs. Have you had any issues?
Hey Ian! Great video, love of all them. I can’t find the video where you say what mirrors you are using. If you could point them out too, that would be very helpfull. Again, great videos! Thanks!
Hi Ian, the Tuareg seems to be missing from your garage. Has it been sold? Will you or have you done a follow up to what happened to it. I'm interested in buying one but am curious of your final thoughts on it?
Overall a great series and thorough review of the bike, but this video is pretty disappointing since it doesn't answer the real question - namely how much $$$ "as shown". For those of us that have to pay for our farkles, we would need to add the costs in order to do the "apples 2 apples" to it's competition. For example, I think the add-ons are probably closing the value gap between the 890R, and widening the value gap to the T7. Could you give us the tally of costs in the notes section please?
Hello Ian, I’ve watched many of your reviews on all the bikes I live in the Northeast and I wanna make a loop through the Continental divide and end up in Idaho I like one day loops, and I think this Aprilia is really special. Same with the Husqvarna 501 would you buy the Aprilia 660 again I know that you got rid of. It is the Aprilia that special 50-50 bike
Can you please share which Flexx bars you use on the Tuareg? There is a huge amount of confusing options and no guidance whatsoever on the dealer site.
Thanks for the video, Are the OEM heated grips hot enough? In one review someone was not happy with them. He said iit's like 3 out of 5 power of oxfords
I just got home from a 2000km trip. Norway/Sweden/Aland/Finland/Estonia and back. had between 10-18 C. The grip was good but not impressive. I started with level 3 and went down to 2 when i got the heat in. It doesn't remember that it was on so after every gas refill i had to turn it back on. Not an issue at all but I bet someone will comment. Oh, I also recommend the Bluetooth expansion! music/radio/phone without fiddling a phone or helmet buttons. Absolutely love it. Installed it myself. Seat off. Side cover off. two screws and plug it in. cover on. seat on. finished.
HI Ian, ...what is the antigravity battery model you are using? Is it the ATZ-7 RS? I used your link but the Tuareg is not listed in the sites battery finder for Aprilia. Thanks! your vids inspired me to pick up the Tuareg. Great content as always..thank you!
how does it compare to the 890 ? not the "Rally" but either the the 890 'R' or the 890 'S' ?? that is the gold standard right there that basic 890/901 package is 'THE' measuring stick in that class in my opinion and most , id wager yours as well
Could you please look at Fantic 450 Rally. The "normal Version not the Premium?! Its and ADV looks like a Rally out of the Box! Woudl really like to know your opinion Thnx and Greets from switzerland ^^
I clicked the US sw motech link you have and it took me to the website but it seems they dont have an option for the crash bars only the EU website does
honestly i cant believe you would sell that 890 Rally ? you managed to buy THE holey grail ADV bike and then didnt even keep it a year ?? dont think ive ever even seen one come up for sale ! it would absolutely crush this bike and every other bike by every measure
Thank you Ian for a great series on the Tuareg 660. I bought one last week. Very much looking forward to riding it. You are a key contributor to my decisions. Very much appreciated 👍
Looking at this bike and the triumph tiger 900 rally pro to replace my cb500x. Going to use it for very long country to country tourer with the ability to go offroad in som countries. Would you say the tuareg can hold up to this type of riding? And do it safely enough and not fail on the road. My biggest concern with the aprilia is the reliability. But i like the bike when it comes to what you get for the money. Triumph i know is good. But costs more.
I have ridden both . I have Tuareg with 9.000 klm and my friend have tiger 900 rally . Tuareg can travelling with 150 klm in national road ( where this is legal ) with out any problem it is very stable and have less vibrations in steering wheel than tiger . The tiger have a little bit more power in throttle
@@BigRockMoto Thank you. Which model of "Fasst Flex" handlebar did you put on the Tuareg? On the "Fasst Flex" wewbsite, they don't seeem to carry a dedicated one for the Tuareg.
If you use these links I get a small commission which I re-invest into content creation and reviews on this channel:
⚡SW-Motech Protection: sw-motech.us/
⚡Barkbuster Handguards: bit.ly/3IvwKvu
⚡Shad TR40: imp.i104546.net/1r9v29
⚡SW-Motech Sysbag WP: sw-motech.us/
⚡Mosko Moto Reckless 40: bit.ly/42oPxSx
⚡Mosko Moto Gnome Tank Bag: bit.ly/42ABlpr
⚡GiantLoop Handlebar Bag: bit.ly/3VJVSWf
⚡ DoubleTake Mirrors: bit.ly/3xczavF
⚡Flexx Bars: bit.ly/3VUQejx
⚡Puig Windshield Visor: imp.i104546.net/ORazYN
⚡Seat Cover: www.coolcovers.co.uk/product/aprilia-tuarey-660-2021-current/
⚡BDCW Footpegs: blackdogcw.com/store/bikes/aprila-tuareg-660/
⚡QuadLock: www.quadlockcase.com/
⚡Garmin Zumo XT GPS: bit.ly/3EGY4Vi
⚡Motopumps GPS Mount/Lock: www.motopumps.com/shop/gps-mount
⚡Antigravity Batteries: antigravitybatteries.com/
Your videos are great and very informative. I’m looking for a new adventure style bike to use for long commutes year round in Georgia where the weather is crazy. Can you start adding a small section about body protection from wind and rain. Especially leg protection from the waist down?
Did you sell it? It has been six months since this vid. Final thoughts?
Hi Ian. Great video and love your content. Going through a rough time caring for my dying father and your videos help me escape from reality and relax. Keep them up.
I'm always paranoid and covering my positive battery terminals. It's rarely a problem, but when it is... Great vid as always, keep em coming
The GPMUCCI skid plate from Italy is arguably the best skid plate available. Not cheap, but not mainstream either. Check them out. He also provides brake line guards front and rear with his plate. Italian plate for the Italian Stallion. All hand crafted by him. 👍
awesome, thanks!
@@BigRockMoto his site is in Italian, but just navigate to English and its much easier. He also makes the plates any color you choose. Custom colors included. Love the content! Keep it up
I’ve been eyeing this one up too. He is clearly passionate about his product!
@@michaelzboray1558 it's worth every penny. Hugs tight to the engine, easy to mount. Tough as nails, and you get extra protection with it.
Nice vid. Aprilia is in my opinion the best bike in adventure/tour enduro class. With its weaknesses, of course, but they aren't so many. Enjoy!
I agree
Well set up. I am a big fan of the "Go small, go now" approach: not too much stuff so that you can focus on the adventure vs. carrying tons of gear from one location to the next. Great video as always!
The dust is kind of settling in the ADV market. One should be able to find something to fit the needs quite closely without heavy mods and accessories mean one doesn't have to build at home.
Thanks for the links. I've been asking about the seat cover. Love your mods and accessories on the T6.
Guys please use the links !! This is one of the best channels for Adv riding on YT
If I haven’t said this already, then congratulations on a great series! When I first heard about the Tuareg coming out, I thought it was a niche bike for Aprilia fans… obviously not the case. After researching all the usual mid-weight ADV contenders, T7, TransAlp, DE800, KTM 390, 790 and 890 S’s and R’s … (many thanks for your thoughtful reviews), I bought a Tuareg 660. Do I expect it will be as rock solid as my ‘08 VStrom 650? No, but the Aprilia will be more fun to ride, and probably safer when riding double-track trails solo. The Tuareg comes with a 2-yr warranty which can be extended to yrs 3 and 4, I’ve got a yr to think about it and buy if I want. Thanks again!
Great video on your mods, My only wish is that down here in Australia 🇦🇺 we get left out on so many Great options, back to the internet 😊 Thanks again 👍
what Aprilia does need is more than @1 dealership per state that actually carry thier motorcycles...
Yesterday I had the chance to see this very motorcycle in Missouri 😀
BDCW just released a bash plate for the Tuareg. Good reputation and made in the USA.
Quick note about the Black Dog footpegs, the install pin only works for the right side install. Left side it hits the kickstand so it doesn’t help install on that side at all.
Yep, I had the same issue when I put the Black Dog's on a few weeks ago! Maybe there's a way to make it work, but I couldn't figure it out.
Ian, You are the best. I have loved your videos over the years and yes I am subscribed. I currently have a 2016 Aprilia Tuono V4 Factory and a 2020 BMW R1250 GS both of which I love. By virtue of so many positive videos on the Tuareg including all of yours I went for a ride on a Tuareg-20 mins. on highway and city streets and loved it. I do very little off road riding (Long Island NY has NO availability). Would I be crazy to get the Tuareg to replace the GS which is heavy or would it be better to replace the Tuono which has performance that I barely use. Thanks for your attention and hopefully reply.
Its a very nice bike indeed, id love to take it for a spin! I am looking forward to when you get a transalp, thanks for sharing!
Those cool covers are definitely effective air conditioning for the ass & do slightly increase comfort too. Try some Kleen-Flo automotive drive belt cleaner to seal up pesky bead leaks in your tubeless tyres. Stuff worked a charm on my leaky motoz DV even with a minor ding in the rim.
thanks
Wooo! Finally, the seat cover! Thank you thank you thank you!
Hi Ian, would engine ice cool this bikes engine? Please let us know. Great work! It ran hot last week when temp was above 80…
will be interesting to see the view metrics on your Aprilia series compared to the other brands to see the real interest in semi obscure brands versus the mainstream players, as always great work...
Looks to be a great bike. Have half a mind to trade my 21 1250GSA for one.
Great video, as usual! How’s the Aprilia holding up so far by the way? I’m considering this bike yet I still have some doubts regarding religion.
Perfect way to start my Thursday. 🤘
Oh ye - the FLEX-BAR ! Great stuff....used to have it on one of my offroad bikes ( 🚲)‼‼
And - is it Citizen CA0641-16X u're wearing ?? 😀😀 - nice, but the glass isn't saphire....
What size anti gravity battery do you have? They don't have the Tuareg in their list on the website.
Hi Ian! Are you still enjoying your Tuareg?
I am in Italy at the moment and have had a chance to really get to know the Tuareg well. Can’t wait to buy one when I get back home to California.
Love your videos and your technical details!
Cheers 🥂
Brilliant…as always Sir!
My dad and I both have the bike. He got his first and I ordered one after riding his a bit. We mostly have different equipment on ours but one thing we agreed on is that a tank bag isn't really an option. Like you we both have the Giant Loop Zigzag which I find great for putting eye drops,visor wipes etc. He picked us both up the HDB Ultimate Hand Guard after doing some research. They're really robust with color options for the plastic deflectors and they also don't crowd the lever assemblies.
I saw someone else post that the stock springs don't fit quite right with the BDCW Footpegs. Have you had any issues?
my pegs went on fine, didn't notice any issue
BDCW footpegs come with new springs to specifically fit their pegs.
Hey Ian! Great video, love of all them. I can’t find the video where you say what mirrors you are using. If you could point them out too, that would be very helpfull. Again, great videos!
Thanks!
Hi Ian, the Tuareg seems to be missing from your garage. Has it been sold? Will you or have you done a follow up to what happened to it. I'm interested in buying one but am curious of your final thoughts on it?
Love your reviews, any chance we are going to see the Suzuki 800DE anytime soon?
yes!
Hi Ian, great vid! Do you have the model number you use for the handlebars?
Overall a great series and thorough review of the bike, but this video is pretty disappointing since it doesn't answer the real question - namely how much $$$ "as shown". For those of us that have to pay for our farkles, we would need to add the costs in order to do the "apples 2 apples" to it's competition. For example, I think the add-ons are probably closing the value gap between the 890R, and widening the value gap to the T7. Could you give us the tally of costs in the notes section please?
Hello Ian, I’ve watched many of your reviews on all the bikes I live in the Northeast and I wanna make a loop through the Continental divide and end up in Idaho I like one day loops, and I think this Aprilia is really special. Same with the Husqvarna 501 would you buy the Aprilia 660 again I know that you got rid of. It is the Aprilia that special 50-50 bike
Hey Ian, Love all your videos. You mentioned in one that you swapped out the rear axle for a 27mm bolt. Do you have a link to that, please? Thanks
Great channel extremely informative. Keep up the great work 👍
Which Flexx bar are you using?
Let's gooo!
Another great review. Tnx.
Can you please share which Flexx bars you use on the Tuareg? There is a huge amount of confusing options and no guidance whatsoever on the dealer site.
Yes I would love to hear this as well
Thanks for the video, Are the OEM heated grips hot enough? In one review someone was not happy with them. He said iit's like 3 out of 5 power of oxfords
I just got home from a 2000km trip. Norway/Sweden/Aland/Finland/Estonia and back. had between 10-18 C.
The grip was good but not impressive. I started with level 3 and went down to 2 when i got the heat in. It doesn't remember that it was on so after every gas refill i had to turn it back on. Not an issue at all but I bet someone will comment.
Oh, I also recommend the Bluetooth expansion! music/radio/phone without fiddling a phone or helmet buttons. Absolutely love it. Installed it myself. Seat off. Side cover off. two screws and plug it in. cover on. seat on. finished.
A while back, you mentioned gel grips to reduce vibe and grip fatigue. What make/model where those?
HI Ian, ...what is the antigravity battery model you are using? Is it the ATZ-7 RS? I used your link but the Tuareg is not listed in the sites battery finder for Aprilia. Thanks! your vids inspired me to pick up the Tuareg. Great content as always..thank you!
Same question, which battery? Great channel! Just picked up a used Taureg last weekend because of your review.
how does it compare to the 890 ? not the "Rally" but either the the 890 'R' or the 890 'S' ?? that is the gold standard right there that basic 890/901 package is 'THE' measuring stick in that class in my opinion and most , id wager yours as well
Could you please look at Fantic 450 Rally. The "normal Version not the Premium?! Its and ADV looks like a Rally out of the Box! Woudl really like to know your opinion
Thnx and Greets from switzerland ^^
I clicked the US sw motech link you have and it took me to the website but it seems they dont have an option for the crash bars only the EU website does
black dog foot pegs on the last 3 bikes ive owned👍👍👍👍
honestly i cant believe you would sell that 890 Rally ? you managed to buy THE holey grail ADV bike and then didnt even keep it a year ?? dont think ive ever even seen one come up for sale ! it would absolutely crush this bike and every other bike by every measure
Thanks!
Thank you!
Thank you Ian for a great series on the Tuareg 660. I bought one last week. Very much looking forward to riding it. You are a key contributor to my decisions. Very much appreciated 👍
Looking at this bike and the triumph tiger 900 rally pro to replace my cb500x. Going to use it for very long country to country tourer with the ability to go offroad in som countries. Would you say the tuareg can hold up to this type of riding? And do it safely enough and not fail on the road. My biggest concern with the aprilia is the reliability. But i like the bike when it comes to what you get for the money. Triumph i know is good. But costs more.
I have ridden both . I have Tuareg with 9.000 klm and my friend have tiger 900 rally .
Tuareg can travelling with 150 klm in national road ( where this is legal ) with out any problem it is very stable and have less vibrations in steering wheel than tiger .
The tiger have a little bit more power in throttle
If that 2nd positive battery terminal is hot, I would think you would want to cover it up.
What bend/size did you use on the flex bars? Thx!
You've owned both the 890 adventure r and this tuareg 660. Out of the two which one would you choose for 50 50 riding.
890, because I am a power junkie
Any idea what the weight of the bike is after the upgrades?
According to airflow they don’t sell a cover for the Tuareg!
Hey, Ian do you still have the Tuareg?
Please tell me he discusses the exhaust mount…🤞🏼
How much additional wind protection height do you gain with the puig extension? I’m a tall guy and considering either that or a taller screen. Thanks!
quite a lot
I am 6'5'' and have the Puig touring screen installed - still not quite enough to prevent buffeting - thinking about getting the extension still
@@MarkusDorseyHirt wow that’s a lot. I’ll take a look and decide
Looks like you changed the mirrors, can't remember what those are called but another great mod
Double take mirrors.
@@Petesmotoadventure that's it, and I see now they're in his comment with the links 😅
What is your thought between Barkbuster and Sw-motech hand guard ?
barkbuster is stronger
Ian, loved the video and the joke!😅
Awesome.
This or KTM 890R?
Did you sell that Aprilia?
Double take mirrors
Do you think the handlebar you are using on the Tuareg helps filter the vibrations?
yes
@@BigRockMoto Thank you. Which model of "Fasst Flex" handlebar did you put on the Tuareg? On the "Fasst Flex" wewbsite, they don't seeem to carry a dedicated one for the Tuareg.
Your house and property look like $1 million. You must have a great day job.