Aprilia Tuareg 10,000 Mile Review

I put just over 10,000 miles on my 2023 Aprilia Tuareg in just under five months. I absolutely love riding this bike and wanted to share my experience with any of you out there looking for a middleweight adventure bike. The ownership costs of this bike will be a bit more than the other middleweight bikes, but I believe the performance of this bike justifies the extra cost in order to have the best riding experience ever.

[@OneOldManRiding]

As the premier USA 390 owner, who inspired most of us, you need a pinned comment letting the 390 owners know that it's NOT the bike you hated riding! 😁 - Frank

[@steveh545]

😅

[@advmatt]

Good point, I have a comparison video coming out those two bikes in a few weeks. It will be clear what I think of them.

[@BroadwayT660]

Matt, I have 11K trouble free miles on my 2022 model. You nailed it on the bike. Such a joy to ride, this bike has a soul, and you can really connect with the bike. So much fun to ride ! Ride safe !

[@advmatt]

So glad to hear your bike has been treating you well. It is a complete blast to ride. I am trying to find longer and longer trips to take on it. You already know how addictive it is to ride this bike.

[@jrdepew]

Hey Matt, really appreciate your Tuareg info. I recently bought a used 2022. After a brief ride on one in 22 I knew the ergonomics and slow handling and seat height were ideal for me. This one has 9,500 miles on it and has been from Virginia to Panama City, Panama. A slight gasket oil leak fixed by snugging up bolts. I love everything about the ride experience on this bike.

[@advmatt]

The ride experience of this bike is second to none. It is such an enjoyable bike to ride. Enjoy it and put lots of miles on it!

[@joshdoddadbod]

If I was going to buy a brand new adv this would be it for me. Ended up with a used T7, but really enjoy it alot. I can see the aprillia being a little better in a lot of ways but I have to say I do love my T7. The combo of low center of gravity, good fuel range, good suspension, and cruise control is a killer combo that noone has matched as of yet for the price.

[@advmatt]

Don't forget tubeless wheels. Its a great value. I have a comparison video between the T7 and T660 coming in a few weeks. When I put the video together I was surprised at how much better the Tuareg is. Stay tuned.

[@TheRoosterGr]

Same color as yours, currently only at 1500miles. I love it it's an amazing bike, and as you said, it's easy to ride both on and off road.

[@advmatt]

Its a fantastic bike, and the best riding experience I have ever had, but you already know that. Ride on and explore!

[@StarWarsTFB]

Hi Matt, I have a 2022 Tuareg same color as you. Bought new have 10,700 miles and love it. Live in CO and did the CO, NM and WY BDRs so much fun. I just recently had fuel gauge issue, and one fork seal is leaking. No big deal for me. The chassis on this bike is incredible, and other features you mentioned as well.

[@advmatt]

I have so impressed with how this bike handles offroad. I feel like I can ride so much more on it. I love this bike so much I want a second one, ridiculous,,,, right?

[@mikemills5144]

I am so glad you got this bike! Life is short, you deserve it. Can you talk about the chain maintenance, how often you do it, adjust it and or replaced it.

[@advmatt]

I have not replaced the chain yet at 11k miles. I have only adjusted twice maybe, and I am not great at chain maintenance. It was a quality chain. I expect to get 20k miles out of it.

[@AdvBrewery]

Fantastic video. I enjoy your straight forwardness and non BS approach to your videos. We have the same color. Im at half your mileage (5100). Ive had zero issues, outside snapping the kickstand spring bolt (weird weird scenerio, basically grinded a rutted hill for 20 feet). I also get phenomenal gas mileage, 2 up in the socal mtns i easily get 55mpg. I had an Africa Twin ATAS prior, and this bike is significantly more comfortable on pavement (wife agrees). I would like to get fork reworked (shims im sure you've heard), i have weird fork action on very abrupt square edges. Very interested in how your valve lash adjustment goes. Many people suggest skipping, but I'd prefer against it as engine is being ran in. Either way, i would request all valves be adjusted to the extreme of spec (generally more loose tho not always) to justify expense and to potentially skip the 24K service. Just my .02, i love the 660!

[@advmatt]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I am agree with you on the valve clearance check. The most important check is the first one since the engine was breaking in. I will take it to the dealer for the first check and then start doing it myself after that. Aprilia nailed it on this bike. Its pretty amazing.

[@cliftonsr]

So true the ergonomics on that bike are spot on, I just would appreciate it a bit more if it would have a 7th gear or a taller 6th gear to keep the vibes down at highway speeds it's geared great in the lower gears though. Awesome video of Tuareg 660 the great off road weapon.

[@advmatt]

thanks for the feedback. I am coming off of a single cylinder bike so the vibes don't bother me and is much better at highway speeds than the Tenere 700 that I also own. Its a great bike.

[@OneOldManRiding]

Deja Vu! - Frank

[@OneOldManRiding]

You should try going up that hill getting chase footage of a famous KZbinr, with your traction control on! 😭😡😜 - Frank

[@advmatt]

Yeah, great idea, oh wait....

[@MrDazza64]

Hey Matt, glad you’re enjoying this great bike. I took a demo bike out about 15 months ago and was blown away with it, basically for all the reasons you rightly point out in this video. Regards, Dazza. 🇬🇧

[@advmatt]

It is a fantastic, truly underrated bike.

[@MrDazza64]

@@advmatt- Absolutely buddy! So why haven’t I bought one? I’ve been looking and testing a few bikes over the last 2-3 years as a possible replacement for my 2009 Tenere XT660Z. The Tuareg just felt right as soon as I threw my leg over it. The ride and balance of the bike was fabulous, the switches and gadgets were intuitive to use and TFT was brilliant. The induction roar was music on the ear! I still pine for one….But, I suspect like a lot of others my concerns are the low service intervals and more importantly the sparsity of dealership support. 🤷‍♂️

[@adventuremulemoto]

Excellent review. I am now down to two choices...T660 or a 690R. I know, different animals. I have time to ruminate over my choice as I am shut down for the rest of the year to heal up. I really appreciate your content Matt. Take care and I will see YOU out there! 😁

[@gbner9991]

690 is a terrible ADV bike, if any longer road rides are required.

[@adventuremulemoto]

@@gbner9991 I concur that the 690R is a terrible road bike. For me, trucking it to a BDR, riding the BDR and then taking 2-3 days to road ride it back to the truck is acceptable.

[@advmatt]

Make sure you get a test ride on a T660 before making any decisions. The experience will likely sway your decision.

[@jimscaffido6531]

Thanks for making this video, your experience with the Tuareg has pushed me to purchase one yesterday. I’m curious about how your luggage is attached to the rear, is it reckless?

[@advmatt]

Glad to hear you will be having a blast on your new bike. It will be hard to get off of it. My luggage system is a DIY setup. Rhinowalk makes a harness and I picked up some less expensive bags and attached them. I am currently using the Wild Heart bags with smaller bags on the front. I will be doing a review of luggage setup in the next month or so. I spent less than $250 for the luggage setup and it has worked remarkably well.

[@chriscleland7008]

Just like me, I love my Tuareg. 7k miles.

[@advmatt]

Nice, you getting some miles on it!

[@OneOldManRiding]

I am willing to help you with the maintenance costs. I will fly to NM ride back to the dealer here in NY for the valves, then bring it back to you. Eventually. I mean, you can ride that BLUE bike while the Tuareg is gone. 😎 - Frank

[@advmatt]

You are so kind!

[@PatchedBandit]

I hope you have gotten the forks fixed. I have a video about it on my channel. Nice video ✌️

[@advmatt]

Hey, I have not gotten into the forks yet. I have seen your video and other posts. Its on the list of projects for winter. I might replace the entire cartridge, haven't decided. I saw your review of this bike. I liked it. I should have left a comment!

[@bretthawton]

I have 20K miles on mine... I know you're aware of the fork shim problem- How's your oil consumption? Mine still eats 300Ml of oil every 1,000 miles but runs great. Also keep an eye on the sidestand. the brass bushing gets sloppy which can cause the stand to rub on the swingarm (Altrider makes a good adjustable height stand with more clearance).

[@advmatt]

I am aware of the fork issue. I am considering new cartridges this winter. Still thinking. My bike doesn't use oil. I have kept a close eye on it after your comments. I continue to watch it. Thanks for the tip on the side stand. I did notice it has a squeak. It must be the bushing. I will take a look at the Alt Rider kick stand. Thanks.

[@Hammy56]

4500 on mine....absolutely love it. But yea, not looking forward to the valve service cost.

[@SuperCheesyMan]

Just save money biweekly for the big service. Been doing that for every bike that I owned. Easy peasy

[@advmatt]

Yeah, I have decided the cost of ownership is totally worth it.

[@Hammy56]

@@advmatt it stings a bit, but I agree. I love this bike.

[@LabModzso]

Just had the break-in oil change. Also think this is the best performing middleweight bike for my purposes...

[@advmatt]

This is such an underrated bike. I don't know why anyone would any other bike.

[@kevinsterner9490]

Nice video Matt what riding pants are those? I’m looking for a pair like that that go over the boots and not have blousy legs

[@advmatt]

I am wearing Scorpion riding pants. I don't remember the model. They have a grey version that like better on hot days. I had my grey pair replaced under warranty and had to get black. The vent zippers are a bit of pain, the liner gets snagged in them really easily. They have not been my favorite pants.

[@Warerdog24]

Can you adjust a valve yourself ?

[@advmatt]

Yeah, I could do it myself, but for the first clearance check I want the dealer to do it. It is most likely to need an adjustment on this first one. After the first one I plan to do it myself.

[@mitchwiebell2785]

$2k for a valve check?! OUCH!!

[@advmatt]

Not sure the actual cost. I know of one quote that $1200. I am hoping its there.

[@adv_addict]

Do you think your 2023 bike has the same fork issue as reported at kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZa9dmd_fK2Hd8Usi=aTIidwWIOlAY14Hc? I have read that it affects all bikes up to 2023 and some 2024.

[@iamjdag]

All our tuaregs are affected. Many haven't fixed it. It seems to only be a problem for really gnarly off road

[@advmatt]

I suspect my bike likely has the fork problem, but I haven't not noticed any issues in its performance. I am planning to get the forks serviced this winter, and possibly install new cartridges. I will keep everyone posted.