APRILIA TUAREG 660 - ADV KING?

[@Outdawrzman]

I own the Tuono 660 for over a year now and the bike has been rock solid. My dealer is in Vancouver and I live in Kelowna 3.5 h away. Any local shop can help with basic maintenence. I will be purchasing this bike, I trust the brand completely.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Good to know that you've had great experiences with the brand. Cheers.

[@kribaska]

I think I have to get one too, even tho I bought a ktm 790 adv S last year.

[@frankgulla8782]

How many miles/ kms do you have on your aprilia?

[@Outdawrzman]

@@frankgulla8782 I have close to 15,000 km with no issues. More reviews are being posted and the response is very impressive bike. At the top

[@bradm7671]

I think you ride by my place on lakeshore and Viewcrest frequently! I’m always looking to see what bike is coming down the road with that glorious sound, and it’s always the tuono 660. I have a tuono 1100, Guzzi Griso and Guzzi V85. Very interested in this Tuareg. Who do you use locally to service your Aprilia?

[@StupidusMaximusTheFirst]

I used to own an Aprilia Pegaso Trail. Oh man, what a bike it was! Miles ahead of its competition back in the day. Easy to ride, good on both tarmac and dirt, fantastic looks, good for commuting with a small compartment ontop of the tank to store everyday stuff, a joystick on the handlebar to control the dash display (totally unheard of back then), the bike was ahead of its time. And while I had heard the reliability fairytales, this bike proved super reliable, no problems whatsoever. Looks like Aprilia has done it again, I bet this Tuareg is miles ahead of the competition. What a beauty! I now own a Yamaha Tracer, and I'm more of a street rider nowadays, but if I was on the market for a dual sport bike I'd be getting this in a blink. I was dreaming of a bike like this some years back, when I had the Pegaso. Well done Aprilia!!

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

Belatedly rode one all last weekend on bad British back lanes. The Aprilia is quite simply incredible. I won't be buying one for all kinds of reasons, not least because I can't afford new bikes. But this would be top of the list. It's so comfy, so torquey, so eager - in short a cracking bike that can reel anything in on rough, technical unclassified roads (my favourite kind).

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes, certainly my top pick for a mid sized adv. Cheers.

[@willyd-adv]

I MASSIVELY wanted the T7 untill I saw the specs on this. Not bothered about electrics but suspension sounds great. I'm lucky enough to live in New Zealand now so reliability isn't an issue due to being a small island so never further than a days (big) ride from home

[@kloppskalli]

haha, NZL is bigger than that.. ;)

[@lylemacdonald6672]

This Aprilia may well turn out to be the best all round mid displacement motorcycle out there once it proves its reliability which, in North America is critical given the very small number of dealerships. That is the beauty of Japanese makes like Honda or Suzuki which are everywhere.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree, Lyle: the major downside of the Aprilia is it isn't a Japanese bike. Cheers.

[@davidrsmith2417]

@@BlueMarbleRider There are really no Japanese bikes in the mid-weight 'Premium ADV' category, since the fine, premium Honda Africa Twin is clearly in the heavyweight category. I have a 2009 Suzuki DR650 with lots of mods but like its nearest twin the Kawasaki KLR650, it is also a single cyl thumper. The stock DR is lightweight but it carries its weight very high and it is a tall bike, its suspension and brakes are mediocre, its engine jerks and bucks under about 2500RPM in tight turns and also it vibrates heavily when cruising at 65MPH, no windshield or wind fairings, poor lighting, no EFI, thus no RideByWire features (engine management and rider modes, lean sensitive anything), no ABS, nor 12V outlet, no TFT dash, no place to carry a separate GPS unit. So forget anything 400-1000cc that Suzuki makes. The older Kawasaki KLR650 thumper was a very similar 'dual-sport' product but it was heavier than the DR and share a most of its traits. The new KLR650 thumper with EFI version does now have a fairing and windshield, a small LCD display, a slightly improved suspension and basic ABS but no rider modes and it is now the same weight as the Tuareg but with no rider modes. Surprise: Both the DR and KLR bikes have about 1/2 the HP of the smooth running twin cylinder Tuareg 660! The Honda and Yamaha now offer smooth running twin-cylinder 'ADV' bikes. The otherwise fine and very modern Honda Africa Twin is over 50-100 lbs heavier than the Tuareg and carries its weight up high, as does the lighter Yamaha Tenere 700 (450 lbs, same as Tuareg). The Tenere is the closest Japanese bike in engine size/type and weight but its 'ok' barely adjustable suspension, and no selectable electronic engine management, basic ABS and simple & vibrating LCD display, non-adj windshield do not put it in the 'premium' motorcycle category. The simple Yam therefore costs about $1900-$2200 less than the premium grade Aprilia while the heavier, taller and 20HP stronger 1100cc Honda costs $1900 - $2400 more than the Tuareg. With regard to Japanese reliability (motorcycles or 4 wheel vehicles), they are BUILT in a reliable manner, but their basic DESIGN limitations and lack of features are part of the package. There are several YT reviews that detail a laundry list of ok-but-not-great and far-from-ideal design points / issues with all of these Japanese bikes along with a huge list of aftermarket, band-aid solutions ($$). Only time will tell if this premium grade ADV Aprilia Tuareg 660 will be poor, average, good, great or possibly frikin' awesome in terms of Design and Build quality and Reliability. I think we can agree they have already nailed the aesthetics and ADV 'on-paper' specifications part - and that is a very, very promising start. Good luck Tuareg.

[@ZERODOSI]

@@davidrsmith2417 bravissimo 👏 Hai fatto centro! 🎯

[@RossiTuono]

I am on my 3rd Aprilia and have found them to be a very well made bike. Looks like I am going to make it a 4th soon. I was even lucky enough to visit the factory back when Max Biaggi was winning super bike racing. I came away thinking this is a company that has passion to make fantastic products. But as this reviewer says, service and sales network could improve. Not that I have needed anything I could not source. But others may be wanting closer dealers. Cant wait to have it parked next to my 2019 v4 Tuono.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Great to hear you've had great experiences with Aprilia - love the v4 tuono. Cheers.

[@henryhartley9993]

Looks like a real contender for the adv middleweight crown....

[@erl919]

Quite possibly my next bike of choice.

[@bikelife9905]

The intro is a masterpiece

[@crazyosva]

I have a KTM 790 R. Just test rided Aprillia's Tuareg this mornig. What a bike! For me the best ADV motorcycle in market for now.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Great to hear. The Tuareg sounds like a great option as a great all around lighter adv bike while being better off road than most. Cheers.

[@c.g.c2067]

Personally I reckon that 250kg for a Gs is nonsense; lighter, slimmer bikes are very wellcome and the Aprilia looks like a tough contender. Reliability nowadays is no longer such a critical issue, all bikes are well refined and well made.

[@fcalin21]

" Reliability nowadays is no longer such a critical issue, all bikes are well refined and well made." - KTM does not agree.

[@richardhretczak536]

@@fcalin21and who knows about Aprilia😊

[@fcalin21]

@@richardhretczak536 My point was about KTM.

[@briangc1972]

I did not get to test ride one, but I did get to see one at the dealership and I found it very comfortable, the cockpit is well designed and both sitting and standing positions felt just right to me. The Toureg has a 2 year warranty vs 1 year for the Tenere or KTM or Norton, etc. I ordered one in blue the next day. I am picking it up in 3 hours 😃 As far as durability goes, this is a proven engine designed that has been detuned via a new camshaft profile. That will make it more durable. I also bought a 5 year extended warranty fro $1830. I have full warranty coverage until 2030!!! Covers all electronics, EFI, ABS, engine, etc, I pay for brake pads, chains, sprockets, and fluids. The extended warranty is a no brainer. The suspension alone is worth the price difference over the Tenere. You can not upgrade the Tenere suspension to match the Tuareg suspension for less than $4k. New fork and shocks springs should be considered normal for any off road machine. They are always too hard or too soft for 90% of the riders. So that is a non issue for any experienced rider.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Congrats Brian. IMHO it's the best all round midsized ADV out there - More capable than the T7 on the dirt and more refined than the KTM890R on the road. Cheers.

[@briangc1972]

@@BlueMarbleRider Rode it for 2 hours yesterday, almost 70 miles. WOW! what a suspension for out of the box and not broken in yet. Winding roads and a little hard pack dirt extremely rutted with a million mini whoops and covered with marbles; I thought it would slide on those marbles but it tracked well. The seating position for me (5'8") is excellent and the standing position was very comfortable. The power curve is linear; electric like. It is deceptively quick revving because of that linear power, there is no sudden hit like many engines, it revs quickly and effortlessly. Looking forward to getting past the 600 mile mark. It's only going to get better!

[@davidrsmith2417]

At age 73 I cannot afford to wait for several years until all the bugs are ironed out! I want a middleweight, high performance, good looking, premium ADV bike now! I recently sold my R1200GS, an awesome bike that spoiled me in many ways, but it was just too heavy. The Aprilia Tuareg checks most of the boxes that the BMW did and its over 100 lbs. lighter. In SW Virginia we have a vast system of mountain forest trails, byways, highways and parkways all waiting to be ridden by a great ADV bike. Aprilia, here I come!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Love the enthusiasm, David. Go for it: from what I've heard it's a great bike. Cheers.

[@leeshaw5136]

Dude you win. My favorite motorcycles are the Honda XR650R and the Aprilia Tuareg 660. I’ve owned several XRs way too complicated to explain and my current ADV bike is the Aprilia. Your video is exceptional.

[@itsallabouttheridekeepingi4449]

I l love all the specs and it seems like almost the perfect ADV bike, but as you say it’s new - who knows what issues it may develop ( look at all the issues the KTM 790 had ) were as the T7 was so long in development they sorted all the bugs. To much tech in my option , but the suspension travel , lowish seat , Air filter location is a real plus . All I can say is time will tell .

[@mart7404]

I've waited two years for a T7. Two years for a KLX 300...on and on. Not sure why the Japanese continue to tempt us with new models when they can't seem to build and ship the current models fast enough? I'm happy now that the Aprilia Tuareg will be taking the T7's place. Seems to be the perfect replacement for my DRZ400 and MG V85. I also have a great dealer near bye. This will be the first Aprilia but I've never had a problem with the Moto Guzzis in the past so I fear not. Certainly a much smaller network, but I believe the reliability issues always brought up are a bit suspect.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

With the expanding dealer networks, the bomb-proof engine and electronics, this will be a winner for you I am sure.

[@davidrahbany]

👏 Tested the Desert X and Tuareg 660 back to back. Rode home on the Aprillia.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Now that's a back to back comparison I'd like to try. Think, like you, I'd be riding home on the Tuareg. Cheers.

[@leonperdomo33]

I had a chance to test it last week and I agree with all your points. The sound is astounding! A little piece of knowledge here to take in mind about reliability: Aprilia has been recently absorbed by Piaggio. All the electronics are now entrusted to german Bosch instead of doing it by themselves as before. Being a new bike there’s always a little risk but I will get one ☝️ Terrific bike to ride in Spain

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ZERODOSI]

In realtà sono anni che Aprilia è stata assorbita dalla Piaggio. Piaggio mette i capitali, la tecnologia è tutta Aprilia (e quanti brevetti!). La Bosch è diventata grande grazie ai brevetti FIAT e Magneti Marelli. Purtroppo l'UE è servita alla Germania per mettersi l'Italia sotto i piedi. Hanno realizzato il loro sogno, anni dopo il fallimento di Hitler.

[@kloppskalli]

the front looks very nice when the normal / low beam is switched on. Much better than the boomerang daylight LEDs : ))

[@okiera]

Very good video! Clear facts and fine comparison. After a 100-mile test ride in the woods, in the field, and on the road, I was hooked. I ordered the Aprilia. My dealer here in Germany is only a mile away. The planned use 50:50 on- and off-road suits the motorcycle perfectly. The Aprilia is a good complement to my Kawasaki Z H2 road bike. Now I can ride a motorcycle even in bad weather and low temperatures. I love it.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

What a lovely pair of bikes.

[@davidbeutz6369]

Really like all this bike has to offer. I currently own a crf 450l. That I love for all my adventure rides but having to transport it before hitting my destination is getting more challenging. I am considering trading in my 450l for this bike.

[@gillesgenete9598]

I agree that this 660Tuareg is the perfect Adv bike, at least on the specs sheet. Cheaper than KTM890ADV, better than T700. Now, as said , what about the reliability ? Also need to prove capacities fully loaded on long tour, and after few years of off-road. Anyway, I'm seriously tempted to test it. Your vid looks like an Aprilia advertisement, until final words on the misses. Thanks.

[@HippoDrones]

Be interesting to see the Ducati and MV offerings, but this does look like a fantastic bike!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes - the Ducati looks very good - particularly with the rear tank; the Tuareg looks like it will be a great bike too. I'm thanking Yamaha for kicking this all off with their T7. Cheers.

[@briangc1972]

The Desert X sits taller and feels heavier. The Scrambler is a slightly different animal, but would make a great ADV bike after a couple add-ons. I think for a person 5'7" or shorter, the Scrambler would be the perfect ADV candidate. The Scrambler Desert Sled is lower and has smaller wheels (17"/19") though it has more top end HP. Watch the Mint 400 video to see it's capabilities. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKiWYZqufK99nrc

[@HippoDrones]

@@briangc1972 I went with the Tuareg 660 in the end, its a better trail bike than the others for someone my shape and size.

[@JBean_COCR]

Great info. I went from a XT500 (sucked on tarmac) to BMW 650 (meh) to F800 (too heavy) to KTM 690 (spent a lot of money trying to make it OK on road), and although I've looked at pretty much everything else, I think the Tuareg is just right. Have to finish getting my kid through school, but I'm on for the 2024 Tuareg 660!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Nice!

[@mrsilbo6499]

Razor sharp and detailed analysis as ever, BMR. This review could almost be part of your 'unicorn bike' series! My Aprilia dealer is 10 miles away, so I'll be looking very closely at this bike at the NEC Birmingham (UK) show in Dec.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks, Hugh. You are definitely at an advantage over in Blighty and Europe when it comes to availability of Aprilias, service, and parts. Assuming it's reliable (no reason to believe it won't be given the reasonable reliability of the other bikes in Aprilia's range), the bike could make a real dent in the market. Cheers.

[@mrsilbo6499]

@@BlueMarbleRider And a real dent in my wallet too! 😆

[@turbolag5107]

I test road one of these yesterday and I was thoroughly impressed. I will happily trade in my KTM 390 adventure for this guy LOL. And yes I can confirm the heat is an issue after riding it around for about 10 or 15 minutes and it got nice and warm, coming to a stop and waiting for traffic my right shit was starting to cook. You might be able to deal with it by perhaps hanging your right leg down or posting up on your right leg instead of your left if you're sitting in traffic for extended periods of time.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Good to know - heat from exhaust, engine or under seat? Some reflective tape/bolt on heat shield to the header etc may help. Cheers.

[@jamesrich9705]

can i just say i have watched 50 videos and only this one showed a cut out and cad drawing of internals

[@UnicornMoto]

Excellent video. Picked up my Tuareg 660 yesterday. Fits much better than the Tenere 700 I sat on earlier this year. I haven’t had it off road yet, but on everything from gravel to highway it’s pretty great.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Great to hear Quinn. Let me know how it all shapes up as an owner - the pluses and minuses if their are any after a while if you can? I get so many emails about it: people afraid of the percieved italien reliability or lack of dealers. Cheers.

[@daveo9844]

Love aprilia’s. Hopefully a test ride finally allows me to let the GS go 😎

[@GLRR03]

Great vid, the only moto holding me from jumping into the Taureg (and ADV segment) is the Lucky 9.5 from MV. I know the price will be higher, but the specs and looks have me hooked.

[@painsrides]

A Tuareg 660 is the perfect machine for my ADV needs, I'm planning to purchase one in the first few months of 2023. The closest dealership for Aprilia is an hour away but I do all my own maintenance and repairs so as long as there's no warranty issues, this won't be a problem for me.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Would love one. Cheers.

[@agp7073]

Everything about this bike is exciting!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree :-)

[@NeilBaylard]

I’ve had a BMW F650 1999. It looks like the same DNA only better I want one.

[@billslicer3203]

Yes, I’m considering trading in my 09 KLR on something. Right now it’s between the T700 and the Tuareg

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Both great bikes - a very personal choice. The trusty KLR is a great bike, but either of these will be a considerable step up. Cheers.

[@admiralbeez8143]

As long it’s reliable the lack of dealerships in North America shouldn’t be too much of an issue, especially if standard chains, tires, brake hoses, etc. can be replaced by any mechanic shop.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes from the consumable side it should be fine; my concern would be a recall on some critical engine part which we would have to wait for given the scant network and the European priority for the company. That said, I'd get over that pretty quickly if the bike turns out -as it should- to be fairly bomb proof. Cheers.

[@-Tme]

I’ve got one on order with heated grips and quick shifter, can’t wait for it to arrive!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Congrats! Let me know what you think when you've broken it in. Cheers!

[@-Tme]

Update with 400 miles on the clock, so not broken in yet, but it is a fantastic machine for solo adventuring or in a group. Feels light and maneuverable on the road with plenty of grip for riding 10-15mph over the limit on any backroad, is comfortable and smooth on the highway, and has more than enough power to keep up with larger displacement cruiser & adventure bikes. Off-road the factory tires feel abit slippery on loose gravel or grass compared to a proper knobby, you definitely notice the extra bulk compared to a dirt-bike as well. Two-up riding has been an experience. It gets wheelie happy with a passenger so you have to temper your throttle hand or put it in the lazy Urban riding mode. There is also the issue of your shins being directly behind the radiator vents when sat forward to comfortably fit a passenger on the back, it gets toasty and its not even summer yet, would not recommend it for someone who primarily rides with a passenger.

[@catmate8358]

I think Yamaha took the right road going for simplicity. Switchable ABS and that's it. Keeps the price somewhat lower I guess. Just my two cents. Other than that the Touareg seems to be a well thought out bike.

[@oknevals]

T7 is overrated and overpriced for what it is. To me, Tuareg at least on paper looks the best to me in its category but, reliability and durability are to be seen as well as possible flaws not addressed in early reviews.

[@crazyosva]

just test rided Tuareg today - what a motorcycle! T7 is far far ...somewhere from this bike. I my opinion the best ADV motorcycle at the moment, and what a pleasure to ride it on and off road :))

[@FirstnameLastname-pe3ky]

I don't know about the rest of the world but in my neck of the woods the Tuareg is 10% cheaper than the T7. This is insane. Shows how incredibly overpriced the T7 is. If a bike this good and with this much electronics and stuff like brembo breaks costs significantly less, why in the world is the T7 so expensive. What justification is there? Absolutely none.

[@MotoPassport]

Great vid! I own an Aprilia Caponord 1200 and it’s been a brilliant bike and I’m now an Aprilia fan. If I had the money then this is my next bike.

[@billslicer3203]

Let me see if I can get this right, same, or lower weight,lower center of gravity,more electronics, a usable skid plate , Standard, 2020 rear turn signals- not the 1980’s on the T-7,same swing arm pivot, higher airbox (which lowers the CG & maintenance), slightly more power, more fuel range. For a little more money

[@BlueMarbleRider]

You summed it up nicely. A slightly upmarket, better performing, more off road capable T7.

[@mototurkey5289]

I’m very excited, but I’ll have to wait a few more months to see what issues could arise. I’ve moved off of the Tenere 700 completely now as it now feels like an Easter bunny or unicorn which we might have believed in as children though we could never really believe in it because it was so difficult to imagine seeing it in person. I now anticipate some similar preordered wait times for the Aprilia, but I have to admit more than enough excited patience for this 660 than I had for the T7. Oh well, it seems that I’ve found another mystical unicorn/Easter bunny type of bike to stay up late and watch for the during the next however many months. Good luck! Great video!

[@proracing99]

Best ADV bike i ever got. It's amazing motorcycle

[@Sj1bby]

that intro about the Norden riders. 🤣🤣 Seriously contemplating this bike, over the expensive and arguable unreliable KaTooM Norden, Husky 890S/R and unavailable T7. been looking for a bike to replace my CRF1000. The Hoonda is a really good bike but there is just no excitement. Even the 1st gen Baby(800) GS had excitement.

[@BlazinBlades]

The T7 is very hard to beat Especially when the buyer needs to take into account Yamaha vs. Aprilia durability… Love your channel 🍻🍻

[@BlazinBlades]

“Diabolically soft Tenere suspension”…😁😝🤣

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree great bike - it's a done a lot to move ADV in the right direction. Cheers.

[@mattguzzim1744]

Aprilia makes some of the most reliable bikes to come out of Italy. I owned a 2015 Caponord 1200 and put 37000 trouble-free miles on it. I am seriously considering the Tenere.

[@BlazinBlades]

@@mattguzzim1744 I think you probably sold it just in time…😁 Modern Japanese twins do 5 times that and keep on ticking… But what you are describing is indeed rare because quite a few folks have a gazillion “little” issues before engine meltdown occurs. It’s refreshing to hear that there is an improvement reliability wise.

[@mattguzzim1744]

@@BlazinBlades Are you sure you are not talking about the old Caponord?

[@TheRisto2]

I'd love KTM to release an adventure bike based around the 690 enduro bike. Slap a windshield, additional tank and a saddel suited for longer trips it would be a great contender with a weight just shy of 180kg.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Not a bad idea!

[@gillesgenete9598]

I modded my Husky701E, with a rally tower, a comfort seat, lowering kit, light crashbars, rear luggage rack. It's a decent adventure bike, no vibration, good torque at low revs. Tank of 13liters is enough for 220km of trail off-road. Only 160kg wet.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Would like to see a picture or two of that - sounds like a great Enduro/ADV combo. Cheers.

[@noahlambrou3729]

I already have my Tuareg pre ordered for Feb and can't wait. Might even trade in my RSV4 for it but haven't fully decided if I want to give that up yet

[@BlueMarbleRider]

That's awesome - love to hear what you think about the Tuareg after you've run it in. Cheers.

[@igorga82]

Congrats. Waiting more vids with new Taureg on you tube

[@tombrown6329]

I still have my 2000 RSVR. I put Cyclecat adjustable bars on it and ride it around Chcago. What a fun bike and still reliable. Had one issue with the wiring to fuel pump...It wore out from lifting the tank. Once it was diagnosed, the part was cheap.

[@ernieschatz3783]

I will track reliability data before even considering a purchase. Very tempting specs, with cruise control in a midsized engine to boot, makes it very tempting. The big negative for where I live is parts availability, which I think will cancel all of advantages...for me.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

You might want to follow the progress of Hippodrones motovlog channel on youtube. He has recently bought one, selling his MG V85. He is an experienced motorcyclist and will call the Tuareg like he sees it. Cheers.

[@MarcelWalser-s6n]

Thanks, great video! I have the Aprilia Tuareg and the Suzuki V Strom 800DE on my shortlist. Need to test ride both of them and make up my mind. I mainly ride on tarmac no offroad or max a little gravel road. I am based in Switzerland, hence dealership for both makes are not an issue. Have you compared those two bikes against each other?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I haven't done a side by side. Both seem very attractive, but the Aprilia is something special, I hear.

[@philsteele3158]

Some concerns for me are the reliability, small dealership numbers in the U.S. The small fuel tank (under 5 gallons), the small non-adjustable windscreen and some what disappointed in the headlight set up. But the low weight, riding modes, cruse control, low seat height are of interest. I have all but made up my mind on the triumph 900 tiger but will look into this bike further before final purchase.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes weight will be one consideration, with 412lbs dry for the Tuareg vs Tiger: STD 423.3 lb; GT 427.7 lb; GT Pro 436.5 lb; RALLY 432.1 lb; RALLY Pro 443.1 lb. Not a huge difference in the STD Tiger and Tuareg, but worth considering when you compare the Tuareg with its natural competitor - the Rally or Rally Pro (21 inch front) which are conserably more expensive. It will be interesting to hear the ride reviews between them. Thanks for the feedback. Cheers.

[@ZERODOSI]

La migliore descrizione della Tuareg. Bravo! 👏 La ritieni ancora la migliore Adventure? Oppure ora pensi che la nuova KTM 890 Adventure sia superiore? (Hai visto i prezzi di KTM? 😳)

[@jamesmegill]

I love the bike, but will probably wait for a smaller Africa twin.. Mainly because we have no Aprilia dealers within 200 miles of where I live.

[@ruff_tape]

Would love to see a dyno test run of a Touareg. Aprilia's love to overstate their HP a bit. I've got a Dorsoduro 750 which on the paper states as a 92hp, but its more around 82hp on the rear wheel.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Like most companies, they quote their hp figures at the crank, at cooler temperatures with winter mix fuel.

[@5725Hurley]

I own one... it's KING . PERFECTION

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Lots of people praising it; was surprised by the April Bike News evaluation of it compared to the T700; just goes to show that street riders don't know much about dirt...

[@2loulucas]

I’d buy one in a hot minute except lack of dealers in the states

[@BlueMarbleRider]

As Aprilia are affiliated with Moto Guzzi, and Guzzi are expanding their dealer network...let's hope that Aprilia follow suite.

[@DB-me3jt]

I’ve been riding a KTM 990 Adv for 9 years and 60.000 km. It’s a fun bike but pricy to maintain with short service intervals and parts getting hard to get, even a liter of oil can be challenging. The T700 would be none of that but I doubt if it is as much fun as the KTM. The Tuareg does sound like a fun bike but I wonder if it has the same maintenance/parts downsides as my KTM.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

The Aprilia would be a fun bike. It has one oil filter. Oil/filter change every 10,000km/6,200 miles; valves every 20,000km/12.5k miles.

[@christopherbeddoe406]

I was looking real hard at the tenere 700 but it lacks some range. I want to do a combo of touring for moto camping, and off road trail riding. On paper this the Tuareg 660 is about 20% better than the tenere 700 in every way plus you get modern electronics and some useful traction control features.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree, but then again, you can now get the world raid tenere...for about the same price. Cheers.

[@christopherbeddoe406]

But can I?🤔 Waiting for the US release for that. Looks like a blast. Having a Japanese bike with that dealer network would be very advantageous. Nearest Aprilia dealer to me is in another state, a 4 hour drive on the freeway. I'm hoarding cash. This spring we'll see who gets my money I guess after test driving some them.

[@cullennowell7813]

It can never compete with the T7. With Yamaha you get what euro bike brands can never provide: Dealer network, parts availability, simplicity, reliability, affordability, no ride modes (good thing), no TC (good thing). We love Yamaha, because they trust us to ride their bike the way we want...as a tool for adventure. Not a status symbol for overcompensating at Starbucks.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Some valid arguments there, but perhaps a bit harsh to write it off as a starbucks trinket (although no doubt some will pose with it). It is pulling riders from both the T7 and the 890 combos, being very T7 like - and so far reliable - with better suspension. T7 is a great bike and fills a niche, but the price has increased substantially over the past two years. The dealer network is a valid argument, but Piaggo are making noises about expanding both Aprilia and Moto Guzzi dearler networks in North America now that they have a new array of more modern models to sell. I guess we'll see. Cheers and thanks for the feedback.

[@kurtchristopher7392]

Great video!

[@060racing8]

The tuareg 660 seems like a tenere 700 with a engine tune , better suspension and an Electronics package personally I think I would have a tenere 700 still . I don't care for electronics on motorcycles other than the ones that make them go I would rather pay less for a tenere 700 and then spend the extra money on an exhaust system for the sound and suspension tuning setting it up for my weight

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes, or get the Tenere World Raid edition which does all that for you, but keeps the same electronics package (except for the upgraded screen). Cheers.

[@richardvalitalo3670]

Getting closer to ideal 600 twin , I would prefer Honda but looking for a test ride except I've never seen a dealer yet!

[@MultiOutdoorman]

Tested one ...fab bike, and i ride a GS1200

[@adisadewa1337]

It's pain in the ass to get parts of this cool bike here in Indonesia 😥

[@mannybaah8567]

Agree with you 100%

[@RajA-wi2ut]

Thanks for the intro to the Aprilia Tuareg. Looks to be a good all round bike. Do you have nay news on the Honda Transalp? I believe that will fall into the same segment?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

None, yet, but hopefully soon. Cheers.

[@todddonaldson2822]

I hate to say it but I wouldn’t expect anything ground breaking from Honda. Nothing but letdowns in the last 20 years. They are happy living of the Honda name. Would love to see them return to 1990’s form.

[@dionoliveira4058]

and still i'd have the T7 over this anyday, as i'll be buying it to last a long time without interference from electronics or all the complications that come with it. Keep it simple.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes, there is something about simple that appeals when going off road. The next step is for a lighter weight T45 (450 twin based on the CP2 that's in the T7 would be great.)

[@MultiOutdoorman]

I already want a Touareg

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Best of the middleweights for me. Cheers.

[@Tashyncho-Sapa]

I would get this aprilia over the tenere anytime

[@darrenwindle3592]

Picked one up last week. Fantastic bike

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Slightly envious - enjoy it. :-)

[@seanfarley8382]

I’m waiting for a Norden 701

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Me too. Cheers.

[@porkchop2723]

Was considering T7 before this Tuareg was announced. Both are still too heavy IMO. Had a CRF250 Rally but that was too under powered once loaded up with camping gear. First world problems eh?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes, but you have a point - time for a solo 450-550cc ADV at under 300lbs wet. Perfectly doable, and lots of demand; I'm just waiting for the first manufacturer to realise it.

[@nikos-giorgos]

@@BlueMarbleRider A CRF 500 rally with 60-70hp and 170kg wet would be really nice, but I don't see it ever happening . Until then this one is probably the best of the bunch...

[@nose2wind872]

Dealer support is an issue in the USA

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes, you have to be near a dealer. I'm lucky enough to have one a ferry ride away, but it's not ideal.

[@CrosisQ96]

The front brake calipers only have two pistons.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Yes thanks for that, perhaps I should have said double opposing pistons per disk. Cheers.

[@kevf500]

Reliability is number one issue with this bike ? would want one if it could prove to be DRZ 650 reliable

[@BlueMarbleRider]

So far its reliability is looking pretty good. Perhaps the low numbers of dealers in North America are its biggest issue?

[@defylifeadventure]

The T700 Outselling the KTM? I'm not so sure. Last I checked for new registrations from 2019-2021 they were nearly neck and neck in the UK not counting the 890 at the time. The Tuareg looks good. If I didn't have an 890 I would consider it. I think you get more for your money with the 890, which is pretty much ready go as is. The Tuareg still needs a little work, we'll see how the aftermarket fills that.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks for the feedback. A couple of points on the T7 outselling the 890. First, the only reason the T7 has taken a while to outsell the 890 is availability - it took forever for Yamaha to actually deliver the bikes that many riders had put deposits on; second, the UK is only one market... It's well on its way now... Disagree with the Tuareg needing much work compared to the stock 890 adventure. If you want to compare it to an 890 adv R, then I agree, it will need some upgrades, but being 20lbs lighter and well over a grand cheaper, you have the room...

[@mrjay4000]

How can the rear shock be sprung for a 165-pound rider when it has passenger carrying capability?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Softer spring rates will allow more grip off road. Preload will raise/level the bike the more weight that is added, damping will slow compression and return. You can spring a bike for a solo rider's weight and add a passenger: all stock bikes are sprung this way. It's a compromise. If you are riding 2 up with luggage the majority of the time, install a spring with a higher spring rate.

[@ianross225]

You hit several nails on the head here. I’m riding a GSA which I love but it’s a hefty lump. The rear subframe issue is surprising for a premium bike and a failing for sure. Where I struggle with all ADV bikes is the dreadful, bulky and intrusive silencers. Only Ducati does a neat job. Why not tucked in and then allowing decent luggage close to the frame? The Norden luggage looks dreadful, soft and hard variants. BMW boxes at least look integrated if bulky. The Aprilia 660 luggage actually looks quite good but there seems little detail which, bearing in mind the target audience, is odd. This is currently top of my GSA replacement options which needs to deal with urban roads, shopping (yes, really) and further afield though unlikely off-road. My GSA has just 1,200 miles when I got it and had mud in odd places which suggested an adventurer wannabe who realised it’s not really for that. Ultimately, I like the riding position which you don’t get on much else. A “sporty” riding position means cramped and uncomfortable. Roll on a test ride!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Great feedback there on the GSA and newer ADV bikes, Ian. Thanks.

[@MrFreezook]

Hurray indeed

[@frankgulla8782]

Toureg is only 30lbs lighter than the 901, but the 901 has 105hp compared to 80? For the 660. Also I highly doubt the aprilia will get 59mpg. With that said it does look like a really good overall package, I like it!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Agree, for an ADV bike it's a great package - and for me a large part of that is the reduced weight and mass centralization compared to the Norden and other larger capacity and heavier bikes. Perhaps you are looking strictly from an road riders perspective? I ride off road a lot, and for me 37lbs lighter is like gold dust; weight is the most important factor when it comes to riding off road. My average speed on the dirt is far slower than on the tarmac - and that is where weight counts; riding a bike slowly on the dirt and I will notice every excess lb - riding off road is far more work than on the road. For me, every lb saved, the suspension works better, the balance, agility, and the ability to tackle technical single track is enhanced, as is the rider's endurance - not only while travelling, but while potentially picking the bike up... 59mpg (imperial) is what riders are getting while running the bike in, it's a 660; the heavier Vstrom650 does 60mpg plus easily. As for hp, for me 80 is plenty for a lighter adv bike on the road, and anything over 60hp off road is a waste - loose substrate (dirt, rocks, mud) make it irrelevant, as does TC. Cheers. Thanks for your feedback.

[@JC-nx5xx]

Review looks like official Aprilia made. 😀

[@fotodesignpt]

For a 1993 Honda Africa Twin rider this bike check all the boxes for me for upgrading and give some rest to my trusty companion. This is the bike honda should had build and not the adventure looking Varadero edition (i had 2). i'm very glad that aprilia took the same air intake solution my bike as, raised and ready access is a plus in a true allday roundon the week and adventure bike in the weekend (or is the other way around?). 1993 africa twin was 205kg dry, 750cc and 62hp new africa twin 1000cc, not even talk about weight and 98hp. why? beside highway or a tarmac race track where did you need 100hp in a adventure bike? aprilia for me is the real evolution from the 90's adventure bikes, 10 to 15 kgs lighter and 15 to 20hp higher. perfect!!! that's what everybody is asking but marketing keep giving us bisonte bikes. i bought the first africa twin in 1996, after that i bought 2 varaderos (fabulous in confort and engine but too heavy, 100k in one and 50 in another. lack of offer by brands i returned to the 750 africa twin in 2015 and gone keep it forever. Aprilia may realy be the one that gone be in the garage parked beside the @twin very soon. PS: Loved the video, good information, funny, your knolege about the market, consumers and brands are very acurate. regards from shiny Portugal. If you ever visit this part of the world feel free to ask for info

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks Victor: I do want to ride in Portugal - and likely I will come asking in the next few years. Great feedback. Cheers.

[@Canoneosmiami]

Why don’t they make some adjustable seat so tall riders can hardly reach the ground and small riders could lower it ,wish they made a 450 cc 500cc or 550cc light enduro ,rally more dirt looking bike for heavy tall riders ..

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Some good questions. I think we are going to see smaller lighter ADV/dual sport bikes coming soon. The T7 and Tuareg have shown that people want smaller, lighter...someone is going to venture a 450/500 in the market place soon, surely. Cheers.

[@emoservedwithfries]

I don't get why you keep talking about the husky 901. Isn't the 901 the street based 890? The 890 R was the offroad based and the normal 890 is the best of both, or the worst of both.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

The 901 was launched as "the most dirt capable ADV on the market". With the laungh of the Aprilia, that claim is dubious at best. The 890R is not a true ADV bike, in that on black top at speed, it is uncomfortable (wind buffet, twitchy), although it is a better dirt machine than the 901. The 890 is a neutered 890R - lowered, softer sprung and more equivalent to the 901 with less wind protection. The Aprilia has likely stolen a march on the 901 being lighter, better off road and likely not too far behind on road (certainly more comfortable than the 890R).

[@emoservedwithfries]

@@BlueMarbleRider is the 890r bad on highway because of the tires or the springs or both? Ignoring the buffeting

[@TsterMr63]

You have a blind spot for Tigers.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

I think they're great bikes...check out the next video this weekend...;-)

[@kloppskalli]

you missed to mention that APRILIA doesnt offer lean sensitive ABS.. Thats a real bummer. It's on the Tuono and the RC 660, KTM has it, YAMMAHA has it on their dirt cheap MT09!!! it can save your ass ... so why is it not available?

[@Dp3.16]

Wait until it breaks in the middle of NO were,then you'll wish you bought the tenere 700

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Like any bike, it's unproven. All I've heard from Aprilia owners is positive comments about the reliability of the bikes, particularly the 660 owners. The 660 has been around now for a couple of years in other models and is well proven. I ride a 12 year old Euro Enduro off road bike on Vancouver Island sometimes 100s of km from anywhere; it's never crossed my mind that it would fail. No doubt the Yamaha is also well proven with its fabulous CP2 engine. Putting a few thousand dollars into it, upgrading suspension and brakes would produce an amazing bike as it weighs the same dry as the Tuareg does and has the same fuel capacity. But there is one fundamental difference: the Tuareg carries its weight lower as the tank sits behind the engine; the Tenere carries all its fuel high, although this is set to be remedied with the new long distance ADV version coming out soon... Thanks for the feedback. Cheers.

[@blakeberlin6295]

And when you break down on a T7 you'll be happy?

[@aaronkratzmann9703]

I'd love one of these as a second bike to go with my 2014 Caponord 1200.

[@munawir5302]

How's the Caponord II? I own the 04 old model, thinking of trading in for the 1200 version. Would appreciate your advice as I am currently looking at a couple of them on sale, 2014 model. Thank you in advance

[@aaronkratzmann9703]

@@munawir5302 It is a really good bike. Great fuel range (24L), comfortable riding position, plenty of power and sounds great. Cruise control is not very useful as it's hard to operate and not possible to adjust up or down once set. I find the seat isn't the best for long rides but plenty of people disagree with that. The standard screen is terrible and neds to be modified or replaced for long distances. The standard version is not suitable for off road, the Rally is much more capable off road. Luggage looks nice but the side pannieres are odd shaped so fit less than you would think. Top box is good though but uses a different key from the sides and ignition. Headlights aren't too bad, but the high beam is terrible. There is a mod to join high beam and standard ights together but some people burn their headlight housing doing it I believe. I don't do a lot of night riding so it isn't an issue for me, but if I did I would upgrade lights or fit accessory lights to my crash bars (aftermarket, Rally comes with them and lights standard).

[@munawir5302]

@@aaronkratzmann9703 grateful thanks for the useful information.

[@MotoPassport]

@@munawir5302 I've owned a 2014 Caponord 1200 for 5 years and its been a brilliant bike. These days Capo's are selling cheap and you get a lot of bike so I think they are a bargain and hopefully you purchase one with many accessories already fitted as some bits can be hard to find these days. Its my first Aprilia and I am now a big fan which is why I am looking at the Tuareg. I have many videos on my channel riding my Capo if your interested. G'Day from Sydney.

[@munawir5302]

@@MotoPassport thanks again for the honest feedback.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

No I am getting a t7 because aprillia does not have good reliability history and for the extra 3000 us I am saving I can mod the heck out of the t7 I do not need all those gadgets on a bike..that is why the t7 is so popular..because of its simplicity

[@BlueMarbleRider]

You have a point with the money saved over the 660 - you could upgrade the suspension and create a worthy competitor to the 660. Cheers.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

@@BlueMarbleRider where I live the nearest dealer is 5 hrs away in Seattle Washington and they quoted me nearly 16k us and the tenere is 12,500 after taxes and fees

[@jakaberdajs4378]

Just leaveing a comment, so i remeber to come laugh at the video after the tuareg is out for a while. Also youre paying 2 grand ower the T7, for that money you can upgrade the T7 to an absolute unit. And thats what people keep forgetting. The engine on the T7 rules the offroad world for a twin as well. Oh dont forget to mention reliability. Or the swingarm setup made to dig an bite, and not to roost...

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Your scorn may be premature. Same swing arm idea on the Tuareg... Don't think we can write a bike off until it's actually had some time on the dirt...

[@jakaberdajs4378]

@@BlueMarbleRider true... So why praise it beforehand?

[@BlueMarbleRider]

@@jakaberdajs4378 I’m an optimist; you?

[@mattrolls1765]

Giusy, the price is too high!

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Certainly higher than the T7.

[@AlexEllwein]

Seriously, KTM and Husqvarna are also full of plastic and overpriced. Plus the have a bad habit to offer stuff which can be unlocked for money. Tuareg is much more bike for the money value. P.S.: I heard from other folks, that the heat issue comes from catalytic converter and can be solved by applying an aftermarket exhaust system (i think it was the Arrow one).

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Thanks for the feedback, Alex. Cheers.

[@tonebonetones]

...the strangest Canadian accent I have heard, methinks. I detect another escapee from Boris Johnson's broken Britain, perhaps.

[@BlueMarbleRider]

You do, indeed. Mid Atlantic twang. Cheers.

[@RadRaven]

Mid weight?! They are all over 200kg… 😤

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Wind your neck in...t's a middle-weight: Aprilia Tuareg Dry 187kg/wet 204kg BMW R1250GSA: 248kg/wet 268kg HD Panamerica 228/245kg KTM 1290 229kg/271kg Husqvarna Norden: 204kg/218kg Lighter even than the ktm 890 ADV R @ 197kg dry/210kg wet. So, yes, not a lightweight, but a mid weight adv bike. Thanks the feedback.

[@RadRaven]

@@BlueMarbleRider that’s what the brands are trying to shove up our skulls! What do you call a 690 then?! A Light Weight?! Mid weights are the bikes that the brands don’t want to produce, like the Dominators, DR 650, KLR (the real one), etc What do you an EXC 500 then?! A feather light?! Oh… I forgot… a “high performance dual sport”… 🙄 Funny ti think Daniel’s Sanders won the 6 Days on a “Dual Sport”… My critique is not directed at you, and having comments on your video, only helps you! But we should think for our selves and not let the marketing wash our brains! Even the Africa Twin Adventure Sports is being called a mid weight these days… 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@BlueMarbleRider]

With all due respect, I believe you are comparing apples with oranges. And for what it's worth, you'll see that we agree: lighter is where we want to be. But first: the Tuareg is an ADV bike, not an Enduro bike. - and as such it is going in the right direction (not a heavyweight ADV bike; but not a middleweight Enduro). And therein lies the rub. As an off road, enduro rider, I am acutely aware of ISDT, 6 days etc. I ride a 70 degree 242lb husaberg FE. This is an enduro bike (note the E), as is the EXC 500. The 690 is a bloated enduro. These are not ADV bikes, although some have tried to modify their rides to become that. An adventure bike is supposed to be able to munch tarmac in reasonable comfort for long periods of time carrying some camping gear etc (not something I was able to do on a 690, or my Berg with any sort of comfort) and then be able to tackle off road light technical B trails, with perhaps the odd single track. Ideally a 450-550 cc bike would be perfect for this in a rally style for wind protection at highway speed, but with off road suspension and a decent sized fuel tank and some ability to carry luggage (a decent subframe). An oversized fuel tank and fairing are not well suited to technical single track, nor is 150kg plus weight. If you watch my videos, I am always harping on about lighter adv bikes, but there are restrictions, as Enduro and ADV have a small overlap but can never be the same thing, without real compromise, either in comfort/load (enduro) or tight single track technical ability (ADV). However, I am celebrating the fact that with the Tuareg and to some extent, the Tenere, we are heading in the right direction: agreed, Rad Raven, we are not there yet, but I'm seeing an industry just start to wake up to the fact that bloated over-weight, over-powered, under suspended litre+ bikes are all show and no go when it comes to off road. With the way that the Tuareg and the Tenere have been adopted by riders selling their big R1250s etc, the industry is waking up to the fact that there is a profit to be made in making smaller adv bikes. I would not be surprised to see a Tenere 450, and I know that Husqvarna and KTM are coming out with a 450 Norden/Adventure bike soon; Good times are ahead. Cheers.

[@kloppskalli]

say: "Hüsqvarna"!

[@grego10r]

nope nope nothing beats made in japan t7 ftw end of story

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Love your enthusiasm. Cheers.

[@aramparonian7914]

Just be a man and get the aprilia 😬

[@mawloudhamdokh4492]

Ugly expensive Tenere, waiting for the Desert X

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Preview coming soon. Cheers.

[@johnherrera792]

Propaganda piece?

[@phil6347]

Well from all the reviews, information, Specifications, German equipment fitted electronic!! I just had to go for a test ride, Jumped off the T700 straight onto the Tuareg hit the black top and twisties even found some dirty roads. That was it for me Bye bye T700 ~~~~Hello Aprilia Tuareg, You just know when you're on a Great Bike ❤ And for all the people out there that are worried about Dealership's you can't be much of a bike person if you don't know how to work on your own machine 😢😢 I always have spares before i need them chains, sprockets, fork seals basic stuff """ SO I WENT And BROUGHT ONE .❤🤌

[@BlueMarbleRider]

Fantastic - I think it's by far the best ADV bike out there, bar none. And, given the price jacking on the T7, a bargain! Enjoy!