Aprilia Tuareg 660 Review | Better Than The Ténéré 700?

[@speedfinder1]

Thanks for posting, this is a pretty comprehensive review. I have exactly the same machine as you have tested here. I was a fan of the Tenere, however I had a three hour test on both bikes on a day of back to back test riding. I found the Tuareg easier to ride so purchased one of those in September 2022. I believe the "Tuareg people" pronounce their name "Twar .. Regg."

[@redangrevival]

My pleasure and thank you for watching 👍 Glad you enjoyed the review. Both great bikes, but I can see exactly why you went for the Tuareg. Ah thanks, yes I was wondering how exactly it was pronounced! Thanks and enjoy your bike

[@richardhretczak536]

How many miles on it? Have you noticed burning oil issue?

[@speedfinder1]

@@richardhretczak536 Hi, Not many miles, about 500, but the weather is making it unsafe to ride where I live. I haven't had much of a chance to see if it uses any oil. Next spring will be when I get out on some long trips to really use it.

[@1couple4bikes]

That demo bike actually has a slightly lowered seat, we tested it back in June. We ordered ours with the same modification to the seats and picked them up in September. Great fun bike to ride with an addictive induction roar like you said. Good value for money considering the spec compared to the T7. Have to say also that Dearden Motorcycles were fantastic in their customer service.

[@redangrevival]

Hi, thanks that is good to know about the seat height! I was really surprised at how well the bike rode, a great buy 👍 I would personally have it over the T7! Hope you enjoy your's.

[@mart7404]

Nice review mate. Tuareg also has a higher exhaust and airbox, and tubeless tires. I appreciate the traction control and until the electronics fail, glad it has them. I really wanted the T7 (no availability in U.S.) but am glad now that I ended up with the Tuareg. cheers

[@redangrevival]

Many thanks i appreciate it 👍 Yes the electronics are great until they stop working!! I love the T7, but for realistic use I would go for the Tuareg. If I was crossing the desert I would go for the T7. Hope you continue to enjoy your Tuareg. Cheers

[@orange1666]

Why would the electronics fail faster than anything else ? Yamaha also has fuel injection and an ECU with electronics !!! - it just has no option for adjustment but all the similar hardware but a more simple brain .

[@Angry-Lynx]

Funny how everyone talks about electronics failing when it's almost always mechanical issue that'll get u stranded

[@johnroberthanna1623]

I had a 2012 new Yamaha Super Tenere' #117 VIN. Put almost 40K on that terrific iron. Loved how it could swallow up a weeks worth of clothes, gear, stuff without a hiccup. Moved to an MT09 with a love affair with the triple offering from MommaYamaha, loved it and pulled a quick 4000 miles on it before selling it for a lightly used 2014 Yamaha FJR / current bike. Did a long jaunt to WV this last summer and found out that it doesn't really pack that much stuff/gear although it was a presence on the roadway, very fast and very comfy. I now have the urge to go back to a dual sport and thought the T7 would be the answer, and then this Italian beauty raises her eyebrows and winks at me. High Exhaust, possibility for soft bags, Cruise, that infectious Air Intake suck, great mileage per gallon, tubeless tires and TFT and electronics suite that anybody would crave and a very very nice suspension that won't need upgrading.....hmmm, the choice might be very apparent to me just looking down on it from sitting atop the hill. That's a ton of bike for the money. Will be going and throwing a leg over one ASAP. Thanks for the review.!!

[@redangrevival]

It sounds like you are heading in the right direction! Highly recommend a test ride on one to see what you think, what made it for me over the T7 is the electronics suite, sound and power 👍 Good luck with your choice.

[@robertrscott]

The Tuareg has been a great bike for me thus far, great commuter and mild tourer. I've got no regrets on ordering it over the Tenere as its next level!

[@redangrevival]

👍 That is great to hear, glad you are enjoying it and happy with your choice over the T7. I would choose the same. Cheers

[@sspirito3130]

Aprilia did their homeworks with the Tuareg - it's a brilliant bike. Let's not forget that they have been working forever on this project, there were rumors of Aprilia working on the Tuareg back in 2010!

[@redangrevival]

Wow that is a long time! They have done a great job, I was really impressed with it 👍

[@phildaniels1214]

Good, unbiased review, glad to see you back!

[@redangrevival]

Thanks so much Phil I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the review 👍 Definitely on the mend, not 100% better yet but getting there! Cheers

[@MeerkatADV]

Reliability will still remain a question until people get to put some serious mileage on these. The support network compared to basically any other major manufacturer just isn't there.

[@redangrevival]

Yup very true, it needs to be tried and tested before we know how they will perform 👍

[@lilynorthover8378]

The Italians make good bikes. Aprilia makes slightly more powerful bikes. Everyone I know who has one, loves it. The electronics are a bit of a worry but you'd have to look into it. Altogether, a nice bike.

[@redangrevival]

The first Aprilia I have ever ridden and definitely not let down 😁 Very nice bike, think I will try to schedule in a few more Aprilia rides 😉

[@lilynorthover8378]

That would be cool😎

[@philipbarton2634]

Great review and what gorgeous countryside!!! I really want to ship my bike to the UK and ride the UK and over to the European mainland. My god the riding must be incredible. I rode my KLR for 6 years and it is set up really well, particularly with excellent suspension. Much better suspension package than the new KLR. I have amazing memories and riding on that bike. I wanted something different and I went back and forth between the T7 and the T660 and ended up going with the T660. IMHO, you just cannot compare a KLR to the T660. The T660 is superior in every way (of course except purchase amount and parts and most likely reliability). One thing your excellent review does not mention is how the T660 carries its fuel. It sits very low (not KTM low, more like splitting the difference between the KTM and the T7) and you can REALLY tell the difference. It rides totally different than a KLR because of this, and I have been told that the T7 carries its fuel too high as well. Geometry and weight distribution are so important and Aprilia just nailed it. I am 60 now, and old injuries ache after time in the saddle on a given ride. An easier ride is very important to me. The real kicker is slow speeds, say around 6mph. I use energy trying to keep my KLR tracking vs the T660 is just soooo easy to manage. Technical stuff say out in the desert takes much less energy to just manage the bike which matters to us older riders.

[@redangrevival]

Well said, yes I forgot to mention the relatively low centre of gravity. It really does help the bike feel easy to ride. The technology is brilliant as well

[@bobbyharries2858]

Ill be riding that very bike around the same place this week , cant wait 🏍

[@redangrevival]

👍 Hope you enjoy it and please send my regards to Dearden motorcycles

[@bobbyharries2858]

@@redangrevival will do 👍

[@Alexander-of7ny]

Another great review Angus. Very comprehensive comparison with the Yamaha, however, I wonder how the Triumph Tiger 660 would do against those two? Jealous of your weather compared to us here in Scotland. Chow Bella.

[@redangrevival]

👍 Thanks so much really glad you enjoyed the review. I think the Tiger is great, but aimed at a slightly different market. There Tuareg and Tenere are both really capable off road bikes, however I wouldn't want to take the Tiger 660 off road! Love that 660 triple though 👍 I would say the Tuareg 660 feels faster than the Tiger! Haha yes I got really lucky with the weather. Cheers

[@kuhndj67]

Yea it's a LOT better than the T7... who's primary advantage is price (if you could get it for list... which you can't). It also has a much better dealer network which will be of importance to some... but other than that the Tuareg is (IMO) better in nearly every way you can judge. (I like the 270degree parallel twin... but it really doesn't mimic a twin well (wish they'd just start saying "It's a great motor full stop"). If you are really looking for a twin you're not going to be happy with at Parallel Twin IMO.

[@liamtuthill4683]

When you say twin, do you mean V twin?

[@redangrevival]

I think it is closer compared to the T7 World Raid really! However I would still personally go for the Aprilia because of the engine and electronic suits. I agree if you are trying to mimic a V-Twin then just use a V-Twin. The 270 degree parallel is a great engine in its own right. Cheers

[@kuhndj67]

@@liamtuthill4683 Sorry for the late response... this thread JUST popped back on my feed. I'm MOSTLY used to L's (Ducati & Suzuki) or 90 degree twins. Weird thing is the big thumper on my 701 feels more like a Ducati twin to me than the similar sized parallel twins. Of course that's not taking anything away from that great Yamaha motor (which is crazy versatile)... it just feels different to me for some reason (maybe it's TOO smooth ;-) ).

[@kostasrestas]

what if we compare Tenere World Raid with Tuareg ?? what suspension is greater then ????

[@redangrevival]

That is a good point! I think the WR would beat the Tuareg

[@james8518]

And you're definitely gonna pay for that upgrade.

[@daveo9844]

Love aprilia’s. Fantastic bikes 😎🍻

[@redangrevival]

Have to say this is the first Aprilia I have ever ridden and am very impressed 👍

[@orange1666]

I don’t understand why so many waffle on about electronics - every premium bike has far more ! All bikes have electronic systems including the Yamaha - what’s controlling the fuel injection on the T7 🤔 , there is no more complicated hardware on the Aprillia than the Yamaha so the electronics argument is over played , simply some extra scope for adjustment with the big A , reliability at this stage is mostly speculation and from what I have seen the Aprillia seems more trouble free than the KTM variants , the Aprillia engine is well proven and able to handle much more power in its sport bike versions so with sensible operator use should be no issue , I don’t see any reasons to be concerned and if so get an extended guarantee . Buy the bike you prefer to ride and of course dependant on a good local dealer for servicing etc .

[@thodoris3790]

slayer,is legendery thrash metal band

[@Avensur]

Yepp, absolutely amazing off-road bike. Nice move Italy, you guys did it. She has it all. From an outstanding engine to tubeless tires, love it ❤. Got my eyes between Vstrom 800DE, T7, the new KLR, and now focusing more on the Toureg 🤔 think is gonna be the winner 🏆👍

[@redangrevival]

A great selection of bikes, may I also suggest the Ducati Desert X (however very pricey!) The Tuareg is brilliant fun and comes with all the modern tech one needs. Good luck with your decision 👍

[@Brian-tb1zs]

I really like the looks, paint and color scheme on this bike. The red backbone from the tank continuing into the seat. Seems like a good sized motor. 👌sounds like you’re doing well!

[@redangrevival]

I wasn't too sure at first, but I like the looks more and more! Aprilia know what they are doing 👍 Yes thanks, I am starting to feel a bit better now. Not 100%, but definitely improving! Cheers

[@11breaper68]

Cant beat the Tenere's look and reliability, Ever!

[@kevinnashskitchen3517]

Not much about wind on the highway.. I have seen larger windscreens on the Aprilia but non adjustable like the standard.. Just wonder if the wind buffeting is doable all day?

[@redangrevival]

I would recommend an aftermarket add on to the top screen. However it is not bad!

[@Swedeonamotorcycle]

I own none of them but i have tried them both. I think the Aprilia is better in pretty much every way than the T7.. Except maybe reliability?

[@redangrevival]

I think you maybe right, however I am not too sure about off roading. Think perhaps the T7 maybe easier to ride off road. Reliability the T7 is fantastic

[@Swedeonamotorcycle]

@@redangrevival To be fair i have never tried the T7 offroad and the Aprilia just a little but the Yamaha feels more top heavy and is a little higher therefore i just assumed the Tuareg would be a little better offroad too. But anyway both would be great offroad.. Not everyone like it but personally I am a fan off electronics and would never buy a bike without atleast Quick shifter and cruise Control so for me The choice is simple between these two... The T7 looks better in my opinion though..

[@redangrevival]

@@Swedeonamotorcycle 👍

[@kostasrestas]

damn!! 4 days ago i rode standard t7 and i didnt like it. i had 4 years xt660z tenere and i sold it 1 month ago with the idea in my mind to go for t7. BUT the siting position was very uconfortable and i had to bent front a little bit to handlebar. i said no.. i didnt ride WRaid but i thing there will be match warst, more higher sitting position and have same handlebar. And for these 4 days of terible headache im thinking that ill try Tuareg.. i dont like the design of Tuareg so much ,but if i sit on it and feel more comfy and have straight siting position insted to bent front, im afraid that ill go for it!! im 185cm tall and i know that maybe with some risers handlebar would be closer to me at t7, but man, i felt that is so much gap bitween seat and heandlebar that would be very dificult to set it comfortable to me. Next week ill see and maybe ride the Tuareg, and if i like it ill go for it without searching uround to test WRaid. And cause i made other coment about reliability of Tuareg, i just heard that Aprilia can give you 4 years of waranty, and one dealer is 30 minutes from my home!!

[@redangrevival]

You have to really consider comfort as a priority, nothing worse than an uncomfortable bike. Sounds like you maybe going for the Tuareg, I think you will like it. Such a great ride. Good luck with your decision 👍

[@scotthilleard4969]

How can you give a point to the Tenere for off road riding compared to the Tuareg when you haven't ridden the Tuareg off road.You will find the Tuareg much more balanced off road and not top heavy.

[@redangrevival]

I think I did say it was just my assumption from the very tame gravel tracks I had ridden. I still stand by the T7 being better off road I am afraid!

[@shardie78239]

I just watched a pod on a guy that bought a 660Rs. He said that Aprilla recalled the 660 engine but because of lack of parts he could not get the bike back for 4 months. Not sure what the recalls were about. Nice bike though

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

Recalled for breaking con rods requiring engine replacement.

[@shardie78239]

Wow well I can see how people would be selling. I bought a Ducati once and I think the parts situation is better now but years ago it was terrible. Europe builds some great bikes though

[@redangrevival]

Ah now that is unfortunate! Such a great engine, but that is something that the Yamaha wins over the Aprilia. Reliability!!

[@daveo9844]

Always had prompt warranty fixes with my aprilia’s 🍻

[@redangrevival]

@@daveo9844 👍 That is good to know, cheers

[@muppdog390]

A little story here. In the beginning there were Enduro bikes, simple singles, not scarily powerful, light and easy to ride and maintain. Along came a manufacturer and added more cylinders and more power. The race had started. More and more power, more gimmicks, more weight was added and we were told we need all that. In the end these bikes were so big and powerful that they could only be ridden safely with electronic intervention. Decades went by when one manufacturer dared the world and created a lighter, cheaper, simpler easier bike and started the middleweight adventure bike, along with a couple of others. Everybody loved them. Only a short time later the competition offered more power, more electronics. We were told we need that. The next bikes were bigger still, more powerful still, more electronics still, See where the mid class is heading? Try to ride any of these bikes without any electronic aids and see how you like them then! And 10mm more suspension gives it to one bike or another? Sorry, please have a look at a ruler. I have got one of these earlier adventure bikes and thoroughly enjoy riding it. But my favourite ride is still my XT600 Tenere, simple single, no electronics, not scarily powerful but plenty for what is needed, suspension travel all these modern bikes can only dream of. Call it nostalgia if you like but you should try it one day, when the middleclass adventure bikes have grown to silly sizes again that can only be funded by loans. Enough of that. Enjoyed your vid. Thanks.

[@volt8684]

My sentiments exactly

[@redangrevival]

Yes well said and with this power for off road you definitely need the electronics!! They are getting so powerful as well, which also adds to the weight. However I suppose because of the advancement in technology, manufacturers are able to increase the power of the bike and not make it un-ridable off road. For a true adventure bike I agree the old school may be better, however let's be honest most people buying these bikes will use them on the road most of the time and that is when the extra power is nice. A great point though, it is so refreshing to get a nice simple and lower powered bike these days. Things are starting to get a bit complicated! Many thanks really glad you enjoyed the vid, cheers 👍

[@muppdog390]

@@redangrevival Cheers, but how much power do you really need even on the road? Assuming we all stick to the speed limit!? 70 is your max. A Himalayan will just about do that and will happily chug along country lanes and even trails. On the TET it will perform better than the T700. Or at least it will not be left behind. Admitted, for me it is underpowered, my oldie has more grunt, but it is enough. The bike world is not alone in this. Remember when there were cars with 34hp? 800cc? Would anybody buy those today? Not a chance because we NEED more power and performance, so they tell us. I am starting to sound old now. Have to leave it at that.

[@redangrevival]

@@muppdog390 Yup there are definitely some crazy and unnecessary powerful vehicles put there. Perhaps one day we will head in he other direction (less power). 👍

[@adamanderson8838]

Options are great. Thank God none of us are all alike with our interests. Light is great but this seems just right for me.

[@Mac_okee]

The seat looks different than the stock seat?

[@redangrevival]

Having learnt since riding it, I believe it is the low seat seat height model! 👍

[@Mac_okee]

@@redangrevival hmmmm… I do not think so. There is a „comfort seat“ in three different heights but as far as I know this comfort seat is all black. Maybe someone else can clear this.

[@redangrevival]

@@Mac_okee I am not too sure then! Apologies

[@crumblymal8479]

Not overly keen on the looks Red but the motor sounds to be a goodun would you swap speedy for one that's the big question I am noticing a definite liking for the adventure bikes .Ideally If you had the funds to have say 3 bikes what would you have in your garage ??😉👌👍

[@redangrevival]

I agree, at first I didn't like the looks too much. They have grown on me after riding it though. Definitely not swap for Speedy atm! However I really do like the adventure segment, I do for see one on the horizon at some point 😁 GS/SPEEDY/Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS and a big Harley as a forth 😉

[@crumblymal8479]

@@redangrevival Cool I'd maybe give the Speed triple a miss in favor of Z900RS 😁

[@redangrevival]

@@crumblymal8479 👍 yea fair enough, it is so hard to choose. So many great bikes 😁

[@davidmallia628]

All the experts agree that the Tuareg is better. Maybe it is superficially less reliable, which is understandable seeing that a smaller cc engine produces more performance, and thus fun. There is a price for fun, that is partly due to power to weight ratio. Lower centre of gravity also. Proper, effective, electronics to play around with, too.

[@redangrevival]

Yes I think the Aprilia really does take the win. However I do love the T7, I also prefer the looks of the T7 and think it will be more reliable off road.

[@davidmallia628]

@@redangrevival The headlight on the Tuareg is a love or hate visual, but I have seen aftermarket kits that dress it up on the lines of the Africa Twin. I have seen Tuareg videos where they are bashed about off road, and keep going. Only time will tell on the relative reliability.

[@neilcole3406]

The only thing to put me of this bike is………what’s the reliability like?

[@redangrevival]

Time will tell I guess!

[@PeterR0035]

Q; If the suspension is on par with the standard T7, it would bias me more towards the T7 World Raid. Mainly because the T7 standard has a -too soft- suspension that is not capable for 2 riders or 1 rider + heavy luggage. It seems even barely fit for 1 rider without luggage if the rider is +90kg, when I read the reviews. Shame, because I was in doubt about the Aprilia vs the T7. The T7 world raid is what Yamaha should have put on the market to start with , not with all these little standard T7 defaults 😞 (suspension, lower point of gravity, fuel capacity, steering dampener, footpegs,...) 😞 The markup price of the WR is just marketing, sadly.

[@redangrevival]

Yes if we are comparing the T7 WR to the Aprilia then it is a much closer comparison! I personally would still go for the Aprilia because of the electronics suit. However I think the Yamaha definitely has its benefits over the Aprilia. Yes Yamaha have certainly made a few extra pennies on the WR!

[@PeterR0035]

@@redangrevival thanks for your reply 🙂 PS.; Fortnine Ryan made a nice video about why the T7 is special and I get that too. Have a nice day!

[@redangrevival]

@@PeterR0035 My pleasure, yup love his video on it 👍Same to you, cheers

[@volt8684]

That is one attractive machine

[@redangrevival]

I wasn’t too sure at first! Really like it now 👌

[@chrishart8548]

Actually the standard T7 only has 210mm not 230mm and only 200mm In the back so even less

[@redangrevival]

Ah yes, I slightly got my figures mixed on that! Believe the World Raid model has 230mm travel 👍

[@chrishart8548]

@@redangrevival I believe it does. Its a similar story with the bmw f850gs the 220mm front 205mm rear. The GSA version has 230mm front again.

[@mabsbry1318]

Cruise is standard btw. Good review

[@redangrevival]

Ah thanks! Cheers I appreciate it and glad you enjoyed the review 👍

[@kostasrestas]

Slayer t7?? No no no no !!! Some owners of tuareg maybe slayed themselfs when time come for maintenance or dealer services!!!

[@redangrevival]

Yes that is a big bonus of the T7, reliability and simplicity 👍

[@porter5877]

Reliability is king especially if in the middle of nowhere... Aprilia cant compete with yamaha especially after the recall from aprilia

[@redangrevival]

I agree, for serious adventures and off road exploring I think the Yamaha wins hands down! However for what I would realistically use the bike for, I would have the Aprilia.

[@Farsightful]

I came in a little bit skeptical « title of your sex tape »

[@SkuStyle]

LOL, Of coarse it's better!

[@phil6347]

Have a look at the Australian reviews, there so much better than you guys just riding roads, and just putting along 😅 we're as the Aussie stuff has the engine rev-ing out and sliding the ass out, Not a true review you blokes, pick your game up 😮😮

[@redangrevival]

Must say you guys have the space over there!

[@nessuno7071]

cheap overpriced bike

[@ts-cj2ym]

You say that on sll T660 reviews with nothing else. DB