Best Crash Bars and Skid Plate - Aprilia Tuareg 660

[@sergiot3143]

Looking at both setups, I think I like the T-rex upper. Looks like better protection for some of the off-road I plan on doing. I agree, it is a personal choice. I'm going with the Thor gpmucci ski plate with the T-rex upper. Just think I'll need the extra protection but the SW do like sleek. Cheers

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

I saw your post on the forum. Sounds like you've made an informed decision. Enjoy!!!

[@OneOldManRiding]

A much cleaner look. An improvement IMHO. - Frank

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Thanks Frank!!!

[@salomp1452]

Nice tutorial. I didn’t like the fact that OM’s installation videos were separate.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Glad it helped! They make a great product.

[@AdvBrewery]

I went with this same setup for my taureg, couldn't be happier, they work great, though I think I have a tiny bit more vibration after install. Par the course, my africa twin had same thing.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

That's cool! I haven't noticed any extra vibration...but that may be because I had a different brand of crash bars on before these.

[@AdvBrewery]

Would you mind if I use a screenshot from your video? I'm noticing there is very little clearance between driver side bracket at water pump housing. Something I would like to share in my quick review of them. Thanks!@@MotoPhotoAdventures

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

@@AdvBrewery you are welcome to screenshot and share whatever you like, my friend. You might have noticed that I reversed the two (left and right) bolts for that reason.

[@Lhotse510]

Any additional vibrations with the T-rex bash plate? I was thinking I would go with the T-Rex engine guard because of the oil filter access. I dread the idea of having to drop the entire engine guard just to get to the oil filter. I plan to change the oil every 3000 miles in between the scheduled maintenance intervals which seemed a little to long for this engine IMO. I don't plan to run the lower T-rex engine guards (bars) just the bash plate. At least the added weight is down low.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

I didn't notice any extra vibrations from the T-rex bash plate. It's solid! If you aren't installing the lower crash bars, that will save some weight. So you could afford the heavier bash plate. And I did really like the feature on the T-rex bash plate that allowed you to change the oil filter without removing it. I think you will too.

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Nice work. PS your garage is so clean and organized…I need an intervention lol. Have a great day

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

HAHA!!! Thanks Bill! We park both cars and my motorcycle in our garage. So I HAVE to keep it tidy!!! 🙂

[@daves.6778]

It seems like you prefer the TRex skid plate and the Outback engine guards. Did you by chance compare weight on the skid plates? Thanks for the content!

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Now that I've had the Outack Motortek kit for a while, I DEFINITELY prefer it over the TRex. I do like the fact that the TRex skid plate has the cutout for the oil filter. But honestly, I'll take the inconvenience of having to drop the OM skid plate once ever 6,500 miles over the having that extra weight and bulk every single day I ride! I didn't weigh the two for a direct comparison. But I'm sure you could get the "specs" from each company. I just know that the TRex felt significantly heavier than the OM when I took it off.

[@daves.6778]

Good to know. Thanks!

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

@@daves.6778 Happy to help any time! I've got a clever video coming out soon about storage options, where I show how easily my Givi engine guard bags attach to the Outback Motortek engine guards. Stay tuned...

[@nateklinner9780]

Nice tutorial Chris

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Thanks Nate!

[@matmar11]

when you turn the handlebars all the way to one side, do the Outback forks touch the horizontal tube of the bars? Thanks

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

The forks come very close...but stop about a millimeter or two before actually touching the horizontal cross-bar.

[@anadventureoutdoors]

Ive heard mixed reviews about trex racing products. How was your order experience if i may ask.

[@oakdalegirl57]

I picked my Tuareg up a couple weeks ago but just can't bring myself to put all this gangly heavy protection stuff on it... The bike is just too nice looking (and fairly light) stock. I may do the SW Motech radiator guards and a rear rack.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Sounds good! Customizing your bike the way YOU want it is part of the fun of ownership.

[@URBANAMERICANTAC]

Good job.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Thank you so much! Sorry we blew the focus on my "intro". But who wants to see my ugly face in crisp detail anyway, right?!? 🙂

[@redrideradventures]

Would the T Rex skid plate work with the OM crash bars?

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

I'm not sure. I think it might. It's probably worth asking T-Rex...they have good customer service.

[@newgetway]

What about the tank volume? Mine only fits 15.5L after the tank has run dry.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

I haven't had a problem with the tank volume. I can get 200+ miles on one tank. Usually by then I need a break to stretch my legs and relieve my back-side anyway!!! However, if you need more reserve fuel, I always carry one of these on our big trips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2qrZ4eeh5h6gtUsi=1oETaifZlsScB5UT.

[@URBANAMERICANTAC]

Ok, where’s Jays Norden.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

HAHA...it's coming soon! It takes a minute to edit these videos after we shoot them. 🙂

[@billwaterhouse5894]

URBANAMERICANTAC, I gave a thumbs up for your comment…but then I noticed your thumbnail…nice taste sir 368 member myself

[@OneOldManRiding]

Right? New bike content! 😁 - Frank

[@BoBoBrappins]

i wish these didnt go up in price by 130$

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

Inflation affects us all. I wish gas wasn't so high. But hey...at least we're still out riding, right?!? 🙂

[@BoBoBrappins]

@@MotoPhotoAdventures yes sir fortunate enough to afford a hobby been loving the videos on the Italian t6

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

@@BoBoBrappins thank you, my friend! - BrapBrapBrandolf (aka Chris)

[@Snezhana_ph]

The exhaust pipe does not need to be wrapped with any tape, because the exhaust pipe is cooled just like the rest of the metal parts of the bike, if you wrap the exhaust pipe you will only make it worse, if you don't believe me you can read about it on the internet.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

That's interesting to hear! I've never heard that. Do you have any recommended sources I should read? I'll definitely check into this. I'd heard the opposite...but not specifically about this bike.

[@Snezhana_ph]

@@MotoPhotoAdventures I talked to a highly qualified welder from Washington state, she works in a studio for tuning exhaust systems, so she told me what happens to the exhaust system and engine cooling, what leads to wrapping manifolds and exhaust pipes, the whole conversation unfortunately I can not pass on, but one thing I can say, if you want the engine to work well, it is better not to subject it to such experiments.

[@MotoPhotoAdventures]

@@Snezhana_ph thank you for your assistance, and for sharing her contact information with me!