APRILIA TUAREG 660 REVIEW | Is this a Tenere Slayer?

We take a sand-filled, mudslinging, single trail, ride on Aprilia's Tuareg 660.
Does it have what it needs to take on the 890 Adventure R, Tenere 700 or 701 Enduro?
It's a big ask, but Aprilia may have launched the best first attempt adventure build of the modern era. It really is game-on in the mid-capacity adventure market.
We're keen to take the Tuareg on a long ride next.
Thanks to Lee Turner for the epic photography.
THE GEAR THAT GOT US THERE:
Fly Racing Patrol advlife.com.au/review-2022-fl...
Fly Racing FR5 Boots advlife.com.au/fly-racing-fr5...
Arai XD-4 helmet www.araihelmets.net.au/au/col...
Cardo Packtalk Edge advlife.com.au/cardo-packtalk...
Giant Loop Fandango advlife.com.au/inside-the-202...
FULL DETAIL TEST FEATURE:
advlife.com.au/aprilia-tuareg...
VIDEO CONTENT:
00:00 - Damo meets mud
00:16 - Meet Damo
00:37 - Meet the Tuareg
01:08 - Hit the dirt/sand
01:46 - Sandy, single trail
04:25 - Faster open trail
05:21 - Puddle play
06:45 - Back in the sand
07:17 - Open trail run home
09:05 - Bloopers
KTM 890 ADVENTURE R TEST:
If you love the sub-1000cc category, then check out our video on the KTM 890 Adventure R. It was a wild ride and one of us nearly didn't make it back on two wheels!
• KTM 890 Adventure R - ...

[@briangc1972]

You mention reliability as a concern, but the engine in the Taureg has been around for a while in a higher output form. They detuned it from over 100 HP to 80, they installed different cams that give it 20% more torque where an ADV needs it. Aprilia gives it a 2 year warranty which is double what Yamaha offers. KTM has been having many quality control issues. After comparing the Tenere 700, there is no comparison in which has the best out of the box suspension. I just bought a Taureg and I also bought a 5 year extended warranty for a very good price. That give me 7 years of coverage with unlimited miles. I only pay for normal wear items; tires, brake pads, chains, oil, etc,

[@ozadv]

Thanks, great vid - informative and fun. I have the Tuareg, >3k trouble free kms now and absolutely lovin' it 😆 Yes, the suspension/chassis is the star, yet the motor is a blast too with an easy access air filter. Now with a full cat-less system and much lighter can (Arrow /Gabro Upmap), it sounds even better! Electronics are a plus for me though fully customisable and able to turn off TC on the fly in any mode. Tubeless rims and yes the mighty T7 should be worried but won't be - like Guzzis, these great bikes will remain overlooked by most riders out of ignorance and fear of the unknown - suits me! 😁

[@advlife]

Sounds brilliant! Be keen to try an Arrow on the Tuareg someday.

[@steveh100]

Well done to Aprilla for releasing a bike ready to go straight out of the box. Seems its pretty well spec'd. Great review and something I'd consider if I wanted a bigger bike

[@PatchedBandit]

Refreshing to see the ploopers :D I'm not the only one studdering through these videos

[@JabboRockets]

great review as always. Excellent production value. This channel deserves way more subscribers.

[@advlife]

Cheers mate! Really appreciate you watching.

[@adventureswithham2223]

Agreed, bloody good channel

[@cybrnathan]

i can definitely see it giving the 890 Adventure R a run for its money. The price difference is significant and i've been seeing in Facebook groups many issues with new 890 Adventure R and 701 series bikes that really shouldn't happen with new bikes.

[@robsadv2012]

Great review damo! Great footage and a real great insight into what it can do.

[@advlife]

Thanks mate - it's a lot of fun. Going to be intersting to see how its first 12 months are.

[@walleviolencia]

By far the best review on the 660. Actually riders using the bike as intended! Cheers!

[@advlife]

Cheers mate!

[@paultheboxer]

From the jump to the mud to the single track you were clearly enjoying this ride, awesome 👍👍👍👍

[@advlife]

It really is a fun bike. But mud is fun on any bike! It's washing it after that sucks

[@bounceback7597]

Great review...and those outtakes!!! Just purchased one and waiting for my first ride once the dealer finishes bolting on all the accessories.

[@stevelaybutt6566]

Now I really want to test ride one of these!! Great review advlife!

[@advlife]

You should give one go mate. Brisans has them in stock

[@KamikazeJoeNYC]

Subscribed as soon as you slid into home base on the mud. Love it :)

[@advlife]

I'll have to make that a regular thing to grow the channel! 😂

[@brettstone6885]

Love your review mate. Great to see a bike review from someone who can "Really" ride.

[@advlife]

Cheers mate - that bike is a lot of fun ✊🏻

[@BeanieBiker_AutisticRider]

Awesome 👌 review, those outtakes were having me spitting dinner lol 😆

[@advlife]

I nearly didn't beep them but the last one was not OK for kids to hear 😂

[@Prohjia]

Excellent of road riding men !!! Enjoyable review also. I have 5.000 kilometres on my Tuareg right now . 🙏

[@WWADV]

I'd really like to see the manufactures launch these bikes the way we ride them... fully loaded with panniers and top cases in the exact same area you did this video you. To my point, a month ago I wrapped up a 2500 mile ride covering NM, CO, UT and WY. It was 80%+ dirt, sand, gravel, river washout, dry river bed, mountain passes including Black Bear (staircase) and one 14,000 foot high pass, all while fully loaded on my R1250GS, with 3x 890's, 1x 1190 and 1 x T7. All of us similarly loaded out. Have an OEM launch a bike like that with riders like you and I will throw my money at them.

[@kevrenshaw6177]

THat was a really good watch. Thank you for the effort and time you put into that. I used to work in the music industry. I realised that the market isn't as big as I thought it was. Not everyone can afford or wants to buy a new sythesizer and so it is with the motorbike industry. We all feel its massive and all encompassing but in reality its not as big as we all think. I would love a Toureg. I would love a KTM790. I ride an modified WR450F and it does 90% of what I need and I bought it for $5 second hand. My point being, there isn't a reader on any motorbike site who wouldn't love a new go faster beast with do it all specs but in reality, maybe 10% of the readers will be honestly looking to change in the next few months. Life is funny like that 😀

[@suj3919]

Thanks for the information ℹ️

[@jonoj7666]

Brilliant stuff, bloody rippa bike 🤠👍

[@cyclopathic998]

What a sweet sounding engine!

[@Braapncamp]

Cool test of this bike! I have not tested it yet but a friend has got one 👍Thanks for sharing 👌

[@advlife]

Borrow it from your mate - you'll have a blast!

[@Braapncamp]

@@advlife 😂🙌💪🔥

[@AdventureMotoEnduro]

Good review Damo ,nice bike ,

[@advlife]

Cheers mate! 👍

[@Niki_Parvanov]

The commentary sounded like you are reading the brochure, but the RIDING was magnificent! Great job!

[@wazzanose]

I'm keen to take one for a spin. Great vid mate.

[@advlife]

I reckon you'd love it Woz.

[@stevebiron3036]

Well done, finally, a proper thrashing. Everyone seems to agree on the high caliber offering from Aprilia. Longevity is the key and support as well. Nice to see someone giving it the beans!

[@advlife]

Cheers mate - time will definitely tell, but it looks to be very well put together. I think they're onto something. I'm keen to take it for a good long ride over a week or so.

[@humech]

I love mine, hope to own it for a long time!

[@advlife]

So good to hear! Have you fitted any aftermarket or OEM parts on it?

[@vicentetarmarc8949]

Gran maquina va muy bien . Calidad precio no hay competencia. 100% util

[@garrettjohnson2748]

Up in the mountains a true dual sport single track is always a thumper in this kind of terrain I could see a light weight twin being real fun

[@midvarrasso4900]

Great review, yeah looks pretty sorted off-road, however looked like some pretty aggressive off-road Tyers fitted to those test bikes. I'm assuming they weren't the factory rubber?

[@SuperCheesyMan]

that jump tho !!

[@andrewtreloar7389]

Nice one Damo!! The bike seems like a real contender, but would you RTW it ??

[@phillalor4913]

This bike is ticking lots of boxes, the test for me will be the support from dealers and the aftermarket - the areas where KTM and Yamaha are well established. Great review - that mud riding looks awesome. Well done on the quality, the content and the narration.

[@advlife]

Cheers legend! There aren't a lot of Aprilia dealers in Australia so it will definitely be a factor that could hold the bike back from big sales. But big sales for Aprilia probably looks very different from big numbers at Yamaha

[@dodzillad185]

8 months later, I can easily say the aftermarket stuff is pretty decent atm and growing

[@ToriMoto]

Nicely done - the review and the test riding :-) It's a spicy segment - the 'little' twin ADV bikes. Plenty of choice, what to choose?! Ducati, KTM, Yamaha, now Aprilia. Happy days 🙂

[@advlife]

Best attitude to have mate - it really is happy days 👍🏻

[@advlife]

Best attitude to have mate - it really is happy days 👍🏻

[@criticalmass181]

Nice video. It's great to see another manufacturer ditching the ludicrous capacity of 'real' adventure bikes. A twin ~700cc seems to be enough, to me. There's only so much you can do with a 'Busa with knobby tyres. After all. The XTZ 750 won Dakar how many times? Bigger isn't always better.

[@grahamgillette5393]

After spending $$on suspension and other improvements there was still something wrong with my T7... it dawned on me it’s too top heavy even wheeling it around the garage it felt like a pig , it’s now sold and I’m not sorry to see it go can’t wait to test ride the Taureg.

[@advlife]

Yep, the Tenere is top heavy. The Tuareg feels very different and has a better stock suspension set-up.

[@Angry-Lynx]

Finally someone not living in denial. Too many t7 fanboys. It's bike with 90 tech for 2024 price. Ridiculous

[@flyingtigers7856]

Did you buy a Tuareg? What did you buy?

[@grahamgillette5393]

@@flyingtigers7856 No I didn’t buy the Tuareg ,I’ve shelved the Adventure riding for a while ,putting the money into other projects ,,ride safe.

[@2dogsstottie]

nice review most items covered well. As for my bike of choice? I have two. 1) 2017 BMW R1200 GS Rallye for my black top days. 2) 2020 Yamaha Tenere 700 (fully modded, see my video) for my off road days. I love the simplicity of the T7, thats why it was my choice.

[@Angry-Lynx]

Why u hide likes. This is very good review. Lack details about suspension but that can be said about any other review out there. Second best after big rock moto. U could say also more about onroad riding weather protection etc

[@advlife]

This is a one day ride mate - not a lot chance to get detailed. Check out my follow up review on the channel.

[@212driller]

I have a cb500x rally raid level 2 and do a mix of on road, adv, and what I would call "light" Enduro (fast off road with limited obstacles, some jumps, etc). Love it btw. Sounds like the Aprilia is pretty good on that front as well.

[@russellborn515]

I've been adventuring on a Vstrom and farkled DRZ. Very tempted to trade the strom for a Touareg, with there was a dealer closer.

[@advlife]

It's nice that the seat height on the Aprilia is actually very similar to the V-Strom 650 and a lot lower than your DRZ. But still offers 240mm of ground clearance.

[@MPLSdunk]

in between a Tuareg 660 and ktm 690 sm. weird bikes to cross shop, trying to decide to keep my klx300 sumo for the track and be able to ride for longer than an hour and not hate it and hit some trails or go balls deep in supermoto and get the ktm and trade in the klx.

[@ride360au]

Apart from the great review, those bloopers were 🤣

[@advlife]

Always have a bleep sound at the ready when I'm doing video! 😂

[@henriknikolajsen262]

More than 10.000 km on mine, no problems what so ever 🙂 (mostly tarmac)

[@flyingtigers7856]

How many k's now? Any issues? Cheers

[@henriknikolajsen262]

Now just over 20K. No issue at all...😊

[@JosepMSala]

Not a lot of people compare It to the Norden. You Who have ridden both, what can you say? Great review!

[@advlife]

There’s no direct comparison really. The Norden is more Adventure Tourer in stock trim with soft suspension, low-ish ground clearance and a very comfortable seat. The Tuareg is more suited for aggressive off-road riding than the Husky. The 890 Adventure R is a closer comparison than the Norden. 👍🏻

[@ericviera5120]

What tires were on the bike? It doesn't look like the Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires that come stock on the US bikes. I'm looking at getting one of these and taking a back road discovery trails with my brother sometime next year and looking for good tire options for that trip.

[@advlife]

From memory, I think they were Continental TKC80s mate.

[@Showtek100]

Thoughts vs the 890 R? Was pretty sold on an 890 but this being a fair bit cheaper and this good off road I'm starting to lean more towards the Aprilia 🤔

[@advlife]

I LOVE the 890 R (check out my vid on this channel) and I'd like to ride the two back-to-back. The KTM has more electronics including a 6-axis IMU - the Tuareg doesn't have an IMU at all, but kinda doesn't need it. And the Kato has more power and I suspect a longer fuel range + more dealer support. But the fact that the Aprilia is immediately being compared to the Tenere and the 890 R says a lot. It is a lot more expensive though - especially if you spring for Rally mode.

[@Showtek100]

@@advlife Just checked it out. Great vid mate really enjoyed it 👍 Every time I read or watch anything to do with the 890R I'm reminded by how good it is, it's such an awesome machine. I'm sure it's great value despite being expensive because you get so much but this Aprilia is really making my life/decision difficult haha. Good problem to have I guess!

[@holisticaustralia]

A Poshpective Arated review of the sis-sisty... An Italian bike.. Commentating in an Asian dialect.. well done Damo 😂✌️

[@robertstrasen573]

I am very much looking at this bike looks great . Dealer support scares me

[@kostasrestas]

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

[@advlife]

Should be a good comparison, but we haven’t seen one in Australia yet.

[@turbolag5107]

I'm really interested to see how the bike looked after that last spill through the mud puddle lol.

[@advlife]

I bent the brake lever, but that's all. The ground was pretty soft. Bent the lever back into place with a shifter.

[@Hammy56]

Good looking bike…but I’ll keep my T7 until any other manufacturer has the equivalent reliability and service intervals. Greta job with this review! Cheers.

[@burkaanc]

i have a t7 with 3k km on it, but im considering tuareg for tubeless and better suspension, cant decide if i made the correct choice with yamaha

[@advlife]

The T7 is a great bike and the Tuareg still has to prove its durability over time. But the lower weight on the Aprilia makes a big difference and the Kataba is tuned beautifully. Also - I'm with you on the tubless...

[@ozadv]

The engine is a < HP / > torque version of the 660 in the RS and Tuono. They're basically race bikes that get thrashed by squids and have proven reliable over the last few years. Engine is the same 270° crank of the T7 with very similar set up. Quality of finishes is first rate I had no hesitation pulling the trigger on one sight unseen and since late July I'm >3k kms trouble free with a number of drops - Hepko & Becker guards and all's well.

[@advlife]

@@ozadv Good points. The RS660 puts out 100Hp too so there are more ponies in there to play with. Good to hear you're loving the Tuareg.

[@finnsxc3610]

That kind of trail would be perfect for 950 Super Enduro R , had a ride yamaha Tenere 700 and its a street bi compared to my SE-R .....

[@kevf500]

I would like to know if this bike or Norden 901 Expedition , which one would be the best over all ???

[@Angry-Lynx]

901 is blue KTM 790. Lot of issues with engine and not only. Imo Tuareg wins by default just for that alone

[@adventureswithham2223]

Hey mate, currently on an 890R, tried the T7 also, which was / is a good bike save for the pitiful suspension from factory. Good to see another option out there now. The beak is ugly as fuck though. Great work in the mud cobber!!

[@advlife]

Cheers mate! I agree on the beak. I'm not so sure it's a good looking bike overall, but the handling makes up for it. Always up for some mud!😄

[@ozadv]

Yeah, looks ain't everything - but coming from an 890 rider.. 🤣🤣🤣

[@adventureswithham2223]

@@ozadv ha! Yep, they ain't pretty, but damn they go good 🤙🏼

[@FreedomRider1982]

💯💯👍👍

[@CheradenineZakalwe]

Thanx. Compared to DDX?

[@advlife]

Much better suspension for me than the DDX.

[@petermclennan2416]

Looks like a great bike but nearly $23000 australian is a bit much. For another few grand you can get a ktm 890 adventure r, norden 901, ducati desert x, or a triumph tiger 900 rally pro.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

The problem with this bike is lack of dealerships here in the USA

[@advlife]

Same in Australia mate. Here's hoping this is the bike that helps them grow their dealer network.

[@gabrielkopp2036]

@@advlife well that is the very reason I purchased a tenere 700.. I was actually easier to get than the toureg

[@rodotzen4933]

I'm tossing up between a Tuareg and Desett X. Head says Tuareg, balls say Desert X.

[@shanebrown2963]

As far as this bike goes against the Yamaha it’s gonna have to come down to two things…. Price and dependability. Yamaha will hard to beat there! my next bike will be the 2023 ktm 890 R.

[@paulvandervyver4223]

Is it going to rival the Tenere in reliability?

[@Victor-vf1fi]

Nope

[@Al-ie9ob]

@@Victor-vf1fi pathetic comment

[@ryanmalone2681]

It really could be, but then try to get some parts when you’re in the middle of nowhere outside of Western Europe or America, perhaps even there.

[@mabecka]

It's NOT a Parallel twin. It's a 270 degree inline twin. There's a huge difference!

[@Angry-Lynx]

Tried to be smart backfired huh 😂😂😂

[@Angry-Lynx]

I mean In Ur case

[@allbadtillthunker.employee2363]

Wow. My vfr400 had 62 hp. 82 that's a very big amount. What a bike. Pillion no problems. Grunt like Vladimir putin

[@tomas7367]

✌️ Kvalitet T7 🤙

[@TheWanderingGeezer]

I'd take the T7 for dealer support alone.

[@ozadv]

Well, that will be your unknown loss, c'est la vie

[@sspirito3130]

If you test ride the Tuareg and the T7 back to back, and then you go and buy the T7, you don't deserve a motorbike - you should buy a Toyota Camry for better dealer support :-) Seriously, the Tuareg is just a better bike, and the engine is a proven platform

[@Al-ie9ob]

@@sspirito3130 100% agree

[@BillyBoblovesthedirt]

The pronunciation of Tuareg is the only reason I would not buy one. It is doing my head in.

[@advlife]

Mate I got it wrong so many times 😂

[@richardhretczak536]

That’s really valuable reason😂

[@donniebunkerboi9975]

1 week fun for 3 weeks in shop. Can't beat Italian bikes.

[@Al-ie9ob]

Seriously? Pathetic comment at best.

[@Jungleland33]

I wish Aprilia well with this but I doubt anything European will ever outclass anything Japanese .

[@Al-ie9ob]

Have owned Japanese and European. Even par when it comes to reliability and parts.

[@Jungleland33]

​@@Al-ie9oblolz. Good one 😃

[@francescoporcari8597]

In terms or reliability you may be right, but in term of pure class, today's japanese bikes (with a few exceptions) really lean towards the budget more than toward the class.

[@sasbar187]

Sorry am not rich am stuck with a cheap ass adventure bikes

[@martyn_g]

Nup. Reliability. I’d trust Japanese engineering over European every single time.

[@Al-ie9ob]

Then best stick to your white goods

[@erkful]

Just about anything is a Tenere killer, underpowered, overpriced, under-specced, top heavy piece of shit.

[@Angry-Lynx]

Finally someone with common sense

[@grego10r]

t7 Slayer lol planty on dealer floors u wont find any t7 s there

[@francescoporcari8597]

Thia is because of pure bias.

[@SharetheJourneyUSA]

One comment. Long term will show Aprilia sucks! Example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3ikhqJumrqLm7c

[@sspirito3130]

Seriously, that is one of the dumbest clickbait videos made by Fortnite. Everything in that video is simply wrong, from start to the end - that is not how you run a research.

[@beppebb4969]

Lol. I sold an aprilia pegaso of 1996 with no issue at all.and i say never had a problem... Sold for buy tuareg...

[@SuperCheesyMan]

Share the journey my butt, more like Share the BS 😂