All Of My Aprilia Tuareg 660 Mods..…So Far

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Hey everyone! Do you have a favorite mod? What have you done to your bike that I'm missing out on? Let me know! Also, If you like the video don't forget to subscribe! Thanks for watching.

[@2WHEELADVLIFE]

Looks like you got a great set up. That bike really checks off so many boxes and keeps the weight balanced and light for its class.

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Thanks! It’s a work in progress still haha Yeah it’s a joy to ride, great bike!

[@tomasdiaz614]

Hi! Great video. You may want to check skid plate mounting plate (the black plate that connects to the engine) clearance with the water pump. In my first install I used the wrong spacer, one is 15mm the other is 20mm, the 20mm one should go in the clutch side. I also added some extra washers for extra clearance.

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Yeah I’ve heard people had issues with those. I triple checked mine on install to make sure I had it right! Haha

[@WyomingFamilyAdventures]

Nice set up. With the exception of some scratches in the finish, our Outback Motortek crash bars have held up to a few drops so far. We did choose a different skid plate and tail rack.

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Thank you! I see you went with the Camel skid plate, solid choice! They unfortunately did not have one made for the Tuareg yet when I picked up my skid plate.

[@WyomingFamilyAdventures]

@@AstronautAdventureRiders Thank you for the reply. We had to wait a bit to get the skid plates (especially Cody's), but believe that it was worth waiting for. The Outback skid definitely looks good. It will be interesting to see how it looks over time. We've already scratched ours a bit.

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

@@WyomingFamilyAdventures Those are just battle scars haha If I’m ever out in the Wyoming area I’ll be sure to let you know and we can ride 👍🏻

[@WyomingFamilyAdventures]

@@AstronautAdventureRiders Sounds good. Just give me a heads up if you're going to be coming this way and I'll try to get away from work. There's lot of good riding in Wyoming. Late season is often better here because the high altitude trails don't open up until mid to late July. But there are still some good places open earlier in the season too.

[@thedeathguy2]

I found that HDB handguards are much better then the barkbusters, theyre an extra 50 bucks but theyre attachment points doesnt limit the angle of the levers as i personally like mine lower when offroading

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Yeah the Barkbusters have a pretty limited position due to mounting. I honestly didn’t even look at HDB before getting mine haha

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Nice job on the video, man! We have a number of videos on the Tuareg 660 on our channel as well. We have similar taste...glueing the windscreen bolts, OM crash bars, titanium shifter bolt, euro front signal stalks, etc. 🙂 I just ordered the Uni filter from AF1. Would love to see you do an air filter video since nobody else seems to have a good one on KZbin yet! It's on our "to-do" list...but we've got a looong list of videos to do before we get to it...HA! - Chris

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Thank you! Yes, it sure seems that we do haha I am planning to do that video soon. So stay tuned for that. I will have to check out your Tuareg videos as well!

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

@@AstronautAdventureRiders I look forward to seeing it! I'm already subscribed. 🙂 And thanks for checking our out! Cheers!!! - Chris

[@laneturner3350]

Thanks for the video. I am always looking for additions that work and good value. I am really enjoying the Tuareg.

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Glad to hear! It’s a really fun bike!

[@philipbarton2634]

RE replacing shift lever bolt and brake lever bolt- I had a light tip over on pavement and immediately snapped my OEM shift bolt. It should be the first T660 mod and buy the highest quality titanium from AF1.

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Yeah the OEM bolt is not good. I swapped mine out as a preventative mod.

[@scratastic1]

It's easier if you put the fuel cap holder on the other side so the fuel cap stays down, also more convenient with a bag above the fuel cap which you don't have to remove for refuelling each time.

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

I had not considered putting it on the bottom side. I may have to order another and give that a try!

[@andrewpeter6128]

Nicely done. The Tuareg has been on my radar for a while, and all the "weak points" you seem to have addressed. Would you be willing to update us on your current ownership experience?

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Thanks, it’s a great bike. I’ve made a few more modifications since this video. I’m over 6k miles on it now and it’s been a really fun 6k, I put 70/30 tires in it a bit ago and it’s transformed the off road handling. Road handling is still quite good even on knobbies. As long as the dealer network doesn’t concern you then absolutely pull the trigger on a Tuareg.

[@andrewpeter6128]

@@AstronautAdventureRiders my nearest dealer is about 2,500 miles away, thus, I’ve stayed away….time will tell

[@awesomerene6814]

Great video I may have to get that little protector for the break fluid too and relocate my phone mount to where you have mounted and push up my fandango tank bag upwards my big belly gets in the way and it feels like it’s pushing me back when I go incline lol i’m also will be adding some grip on the side of the bike

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Yeah I notice the tank bag a bit when I’m standing up as well, At some point I may try a different style. But this one is a great fit for my camera gear.

[@difiore92]

Awesome video, i wanted to ask, would you recommend this bike as a first time rider? just got my permit and really love the looks of this bike and everything about it. Thanks!

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

It’s an easy bike to ride and could certainly be a good first bike. The learning curve for a bigger bike like this would be shorter though if you started off with something a bit smaller/lighter. Even for 6 months just to nail some of the basics and to feel comfortable on two wheels. Having said that, my first bike was a zx-6r 636 haha

[@frank_jk]

Good summary, thanks!

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Thanks for watching!

[@mac001texas]

I got the CamelAdv skid plate because it is much more robust and intelligently mounted/designed than the simple Outback one, although I'm sure that one probably works ok. I also got the aprilia crash bars to match the silver skid plate I got, mostly to match frame/engine componentry, but honestly I thought the Outback crash bars were ugly so I couldn't get em lol.

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Camel didn’t have theirs out on the market when I got mine, and I wanted it in white haha See I like how the Outback crash bars look haha We all have our preferences.

[@mac001texas]

@@AstronautAdventureRiders you should check out their youtube video on it, shows them sledge hammering it and how their absorption plate saves the engine/frame

[@CodyAsh86]

@@mac001texas Outback “crash tests” there’s in their parking lot. Camel beat the living hell out of their products doing heavy enduro. I love watching Corey take adv bikes in places they have no business for most riders 😂

[@chodaboy9674]

you mentioned the kriega foot rest eliminator being from the T7, was that because you had a T7 before? i’m wondering if the kriega OS Tenere base will fit decently on the Tuareg. i might be switching between the two bikes shortly.

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

No, the reason I purchased one for the T7 was because at the time Kriega did not make a Tuareg specific eliminator. I believe they do now though. I can’t help on that second question regarding the base though.

[@lyubengeorgiev1751]

I really love the white crash bars! They really match the bike. About the skid plate...only time will tell as it looks powder coated in white and if this is the case sooner or later the paint behind the front wheel will be damaged as well. Btw, have you tried to measure the weight of the bike after all the mods and add-ons?

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Thanks! Yeah we’ll see how well the powder coating holds up. I have not weighed it after everything yet. That’s something I can look into. I’m imagining it’s similar to stock weight, as the stock exhaust was quite hefty.

[@lyubengeorgiev1751]

@@AstronautAdventureRiders it would be interesting! I am really considering buying one low mileage second hand…just there are some worries - the premium fuel in 3rd world countries, the reliability for long distance travelling, eventually the electronics. Few years ago I almost bought Aprilia Pegaso 650 Trail with the Yamaha 660 cc engine. Unfortunately it had some electrical problem. Long story short - honest long mileage review for the Tuareg bike will be well admired.

[@jamesklauzner6938]

Where did you buy the 27mm axel nut, can you provide a link please?

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

I got mine from Belmetric. Part number NFF20X1.5CLZ. I believe KTM rear axle nuts will also fit.

[@SupermotoCentral]

Why do you mount your phone on the bars when there is a nice nav mount above the dash😅

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

I’ve considered moving it there, but I plan on getting a Garmin at some point as a dedicated nav unit. The closer location on handlebars is easier to use Spotify as well. But yeah, I may try it out on the nav mount haha

[@SupermotoCentral]

Trust me it works great, also wth would you get a Garmin 😅 Just use your phone

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

you said you changed the rear axle nut to 27 mm, what size was there original one. How you like that MSR outfit, thank you V!

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Factory size is a 26mm for rear axle nut. The MSR gear is great! I have a review of this specific kit on my channel as well 👍🏻

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

@@AstronautAdventureRiders thank you

[@robertcoe3627]

Great video

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

Thank you!

[@caputo116]

Where did you order the shift support bracket from?

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

MotoMachines.com Solid piece, I put Bel Ray Waterproof grease on the needle bearings for it. Been great so far.

[@krulidn]

Did you do any fuel re-mapping with the new exhaust?

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

I have not done any remapping yet. Dominator states it’s not required, however I will eventually be doing a Gabro Upmap.

[@krulidn]

@@AstronautAdventureRiders I got a Dominator exhaust too. Partially due to not wanting to have to muck around with re-mapping. But I've noticed some stuff related to the bike running lean, such as slight popping when downshifting etc. Searching around on forums, Gabro did mention that the Dominators runs a bit lean according to his testing, but is fine. Still recommended his mapping for ideal performance and fixing overheating. Hard to trust Dominator because of course they'd say it's fine. Gabros of course wants you to buy his re-mapping too.

[@volvogt21]

N​@krulidn I was in the same boat with my dominator system. In the end I installed a funnelweb pre air filter. It restricts the airflow a little as a side effect and I now get a very slight sooty exhaust tip. I'd rather have it running slightly rich than slightly lean.

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

@@krulidn The popping is normal and is tuned like that from factory with the exhaust recirculation system they use to burn unused fuel. You just can’t hear it with the stock exhaust as much. I did receive the tune this week and will be making a video for that though 👍🏻

[@krulidn]

@@AstronautAdventureRiders good stuff! I'll be looking out for it

[@Shori_-_83]

How tall are you mate? Just trying to work if the Puig visor will work for me…Cheers

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

I’m 5’ 11” (180cm)

[@MaxUtley]

This is bike I want next

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

It’s a great bike!

[@gsxrkz]

I am really struggling to decide between the Suzuki and the Aprilia I really love the apralia, but it's the reliability of the engine that worries me so much. So I was just wondering in your experience. Has the bike been very reliable for you?​@AstronautAdventureRiders

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

@@gsxrkz I’ve had no issues at all and from what I’ve seen on Aprilia groups it’s very reliable for everyone else. Of course there will be a few that have issues, but that seems to be the case with every bike. I haven’t seen anyone yet have actual engine issues though. Suzuki does tend to make some very reliable motorcycles, can’t go wrong with either I suppose.

[@gsxrkz]

@@AstronautAdventureRiders Thanks for your response. I am really leaning towards the aprilia I think I will pull the trigger on this bike.

[@volbeat676]

The most important thing that has to come off are the tires. Shit on the road and even worse off-road

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

I found the STR's to be pretty good on road, but yes off road they were not good at all. I've since switched to the Tusk 2Track. I will be doing a review of them at some point once I have enough time with them.

[@philipbarton2634]

I have had very good experience with STRs on my T660 on road. I did switch over to Motoz Adventure for offroad, they are not good on road. All is a compromise............

[@spencervidal3168]

You should check out HDB off road for hand guards. A FAR superior set up..

[@AstronautAdventureRiders]

I will look into them, If my current ones go down for the count I may have to switch!

[@spencervidal3168]

@@AstronautAdventureRiders The HDB guards also come with a trick folding mirror up grade as well..

[@awesomerene6814]

I agree with the gentleman ☝️ I have the bark busters on my t660 took a few drops had to replace one side and the other side is already bent I’m looking to upgrade to the HDB’s hopefully soon

[@spencervidal3168]

@@awesomerene6814 The HDB are a superior set up, including the flip out mirrors. They really clean up the handle bars as well..

[@powertrip1050]

@@AstronautAdventureRiders barkbusters never let you down, don't worrry.