In Depth Aprilia Tuareg 660 Ride Review - Cycle News

After attending the world launch of the #Aprilia Tuareg 660 last year, we revisit the newest ADV player with a home field advantage. Update - The bike has a curb weight of 450 pounds, not 550 pounds as claimed in the video.
🚨Read Cycle News Magazine: www.cyclenews.com/
🚨Facebook: / cyclenews
🚨Instagram: / cyclenews
#Tuareg #CycleNews

[@advryan1]

After almost a year of ownership, i feel like im falling in love with the bike all over again. It hasnt been without a few small headaches, but my dealer has been great, and the suspension, mpg, cruise control, and being able to switch ride modes on the fly is a huge plus. Love this bike!

[@petermcgarva7207]

One huge bonus over the Yamaha you forgot to mention is tubeless wheels , a breeze to fix a puncture and get back on the road or trail.

[@cyclenews]

Good point

[@GMan38cal]

Wet weight is 450 pounds, not 550. Failed to mention, for the extra $2K compared to the Tenere, the Tuareg comes with tubeless wheels. That was the main deciding factor in getting the Tuareg.

[@cyclenews]

Good point, thanks for noting that.

[@ion123456]

2k package to get tubeless spoked wheels?? That's a standard feature* on 5k adventure bikes.. 🤦

[@GMan38cal]

@@ion123456 Isn't standard option an oxymoron? Anyway, examples, please.

[@ion123456]

@@GMan38cal standard feature*

[@richardhretczak536]

It’s mor like $1500 difference (if you can get T7).

[@mattguzzim1744]

450, not 550 lbs!

[@robertrscott]

I also own a Tuareg 660 and just as an fyi the owner's manual does say (pg 91) the standard suspension settings are adjusted to suit most high and low speed riding conditions weather the vehicle is partially or fully loaded. So, pretty much its stock setting is too stiff for rider only and they offer separate recommended settings for that. If you desire that initial plushness you guys were missing...you can definitely find the sweet spot!

[@alexmoreno8156]

Great review! Thanks.

[@cyclenews]

Appreciate the support

[@Rob-tl9md]

Fricken love my toureg. 2000 miles so far.

[@cyclenews]

Awesome

[@Ridingforsanity]

Thank you, a very good real world ADV bike test!

[@cyclenews]

Glad you liked it!

[@kurtchristopher7392]

Great video! Thanks!

[@cyclenews]

Cheers Kurt!

[@tomdubose3978]

Spot on! I just received my new aprilla from the dealer in Oakland, calif. Excellent purchase experience and even greater Adventure bike. I love this bike. The looks, its performance and Ferrari quality.. It is Italian for sure, but North America is where it shines. Off-road is Aprilla's best asset! I could go on and on, Thanks for your video. It suggests that I'm not biased. lol

[@cyclenews]

Right on, congrats on your new ride.

[@anxiousappliance]

Sounds nice, but are Ferraris known for their quality? LOL

[@Carrier-Daniel]

It’s 412lbs dry 440-450lbs with a full tank. Not 550lbs a good video overall👍🏽

[@CharlieTrevaskis]

Yea i think they mispoke as they said it compares favorably.

[@bighaasfly]

Thank you. I stopped the video. My jaw in my lap. 70 lbs more than the T7 and that compares favorably? 🤯 412-440 sounds better. But still sounds porky to me. How they manage to take a KTM 690 at 325lbs and manage to find 125 pounds of stuff to bolt to it to make one of these bikes is amazing to me.

[@OnurKula]

​@@bighaasfly false😊 only 450lbs

[@oakdalegirl57]

Bought a 2023 red one - much better looking than this red/white/blue one. Fun to ride after coming off a Tenere 1200 and KLR 650.

[@nicoleheaney3090]

I’m from Cottonwood, so seeing this video brought back some nostalgia. ❤❤❤ Also in your review when discussing the price, I think it may be important to bring up availability. Can you walk into a Yamaha dealer and buy a new T7 off the showroom floor? Availability is tough.

[@dmsentra]

This has a full compliment of riding modes, a good more hp and the tubeless wheels that the T700 doesn't. The price difference is right about on par for the upgrade values.

[@cyclenews]

Good point

[@jakaberdajs4378]

I mean shure, but you downgrade on the engine, suspension+swingarm setup and balance. If hp and tubless wheels are what youre looking for then mid adv market aint for you, i suggest bigfer bikes then. If you want an mid adv that rips offroad then nothning comes close to the T7. And i think all the world record being broken with many riders on T7's speaks for itself.

[@dmsentra]

@@jakaberdajs4378 Of all the videos I've watched on the comparison and specifically the 660 there was only one that mentioned the 660 engine had less bottom end than the T700. Everything else mentioned in the videos the 660 came out on top. The comment about records being broken with the T7 isn't very relevant when you're comparing a bike with several years history to a newcomer to the scene. I personally don't care for tubeless, but it is a valuable feature that the market does want. The only thing about that 660 that puts it behind the T7 is lack of dealer network. The bike itself leads the T700.

[@jakaberdajs4378]

@@dmsentra ah child, you say "newcomer" and "several years of history"... Lol... Aprilia has been in the adv game almost as ling as yamaha... Second to that, Aprilia has pretty much the same dealer network, adleast in EU, 3rd off the engine dosent just do with "lower thump" or "higher top end" you need to see the whole picture or theres no sense compareing. And to top it all off, youre watching these reviews that just co.pare side to side. Most of these guys dont actually review from a riders perspective but more of a buyers. Thats where it all comes down to features and specs... Like your tubless argument, you do know that tubeless, while they cant get pinched , have a MUCH higher % of flats? Ye shure the Tuareg and the 890 amd such have all the dodads... But in the end when we rally and ride this bikes as what they were ment to do, thats when im walking away on a pure adv bike that is the T7, while everyone else spins the rear and looses controll and grip... Afcourse revievers cant ride the bikes as such as theyd be returned demolished, but thats also the problem, they get the bikes for a few weeks at best, soend most of their time on pavement getting shots and traveling to shooting locations, dont get nearely enouf seat time and so on. So in the end its the batlle of the tech, and thata the problem. Thats why the Super Tenere 1200 was so porly reviewd as nobody actually had the seat time to relise just how much better it was at the time against the GS. Or that the 800GSa was the superior bike to the 1200GSa. Or hoe Triumphs first nakeds were god send, that we only respect now, as at the time revievers put those nakeds down as they were different, and now you can pick up a STriple for like next to nothning and everyone wants one... Like i said youre lost in the world of data, but go actually ride the bike/bikes. And also do some researche, as i can see you dont know about motorcycle times before 2010. That should also tell you why we knew the Tenere 700 was going to be a beast before it even came out. Yamaha owned rallies, they defined the category. And nowadays all bikes are built the same for rallies so brands dont matter as much.

[@dmsentra]

@@jakaberdajs4378 I stand by my statement, sonny. You can't compare a records made on a bike that's around a decade old to a bike a year available.

[@francescoporcari8597]

There has been an ECU mapping update, giving more low-end grunt. Big Rock Moto has talked about this.

[@gillesgenete9598]

Thank you for very informative review on Tuareg 660. Part of your video showing the riding on challenging rocky section beside good handling on road, helped me think this is a bike for me. An interesting comparison would be with a Husqvarna 701E/KTM690R, another one would be with the promising while very expensive Ducati Desert X.

[@cyclenews]

Thanks for watching, more comparisons coming!

[@prophet8photo]

Beware the engine heat! If you live in the south you will not be able to ride it in the summer without insulated pants. I found this to be as hot or hotter than the tiger 800s from triumphs. And that was a miserable bike during Texas summers.

[@urbanadventurer5]

Great review. I would love to see a shootout with the Tuareg, Tenere, 890, Norden , and Ducati Desert X. Heck, bring them to Colorado and see how they cope with varying altitude levels and some of best mountain roads, trails, and BDR sections in the country!

[@cyclenews]

Would make for a great review

[@frankpinion4937]

great review-but I wish they gave a little time to sit down & go through the ergonomics of how easy it is to service & maintain. Looks like a well set up bike for adventure riding.

[@prathapsingh5195]

Its 450 pounds not 550pounds …

[@jamesdumas6602]

What's the Scoop on the Maintenance Lite having to be reset Only by a Dealership? I do my own maintenance. How difficult are the Valve Adjustments compared to my KLR650?

[@allans7281]

Great thorough review! Handsome bike

[@cyclenews]

Thanks for watching

[@milhousevh4445]

It vibrations at 60mph and above should be mentioned. Mostly in the footpags

[@packfan1946]

Nice bike. Is the center of gravity lower than the Tenere and what is the maintenance schedule intervals? The reason I ask is that an Aprilia dealer is a half mile from my house that has one for $10900 new and I like it quite a bunch.

[@andrewkitchenuk]

Or you could just stroll down to the dealer and ask. 🤷‍♂️

[@podunkman2709]

All has lower center of gravity than Tenere 😅

[@serwhit2490]

The point to and conversation of 660 vs 701 husky is if husky can make a 700 cc less than 350 lbs what can be made in a rally in a 400 to 600cc bike by any company especially Japan and Europe

[@jayzee1968]

550lbs?? You mean 450

[@angrytuareg4344]

Love my Tuareg ..cruise control anyone ?

[@trout_man]

I think comparing a 701 to this is apples and oranges. One's a thumper and the other a twin. Good review though, I feel I know more about the bike than before. Still waiting for the Norden to fix it's suspension issues.

[@cyclenews]

Thanks for watching.

[@stephenwitte8783]

Would like to see a nice adventure bike w twin cylinders under 400 lbs some day. Probably better on road then all the single cylinder dual sports and very nice off road. Better off road then all the above mentioned adv bikes.

[@francescoporcari8597]

Just fo you to know, back in the 80's there was the Moto Morini Camel 500, but it wasn't really a good bike

[@serwhit2490]

Husky 701vs the Aprilla 660 comparison

[@cyclenews]

That will be a good one

[@serwhit2490]

@@gbner9991 it's about handling the highways at 80 for one to two or three hours then hitting some medium technical single tracks and going back with out feeling like you have been ridden by the bike.

[@SuperCheesyMan]

Wait how did get the warning lights on? Mine doesn't have that

[@GMan38cal]

I was wondering that, too.

[@baklcdcvdfv3434r4]

@@GMan38cal they Are turning on in hard breaking

[@GMan38cal]

@@baklcdcvdfv3434r4 I could see that being useful on the rear signals, but the front?

[@SuperCheesyMan]

@@baklcdcvdfv3434r4 the rear brake light will pulse but not the turn signal lights

[@carni6319]

Sure wish Honda would reveal their middle weight contender.

[@cyclenews]

Us too

[@pgkr67]

Spoiler alert, it will be underpowered, under-sprung and overweight…

[@carni6319]

@@pgkr67 Don't forget overpriced.

[@Angry-Lynx]

@@pgkr67 tradition must be upheld! 😂😂👍🏻👍🏻

[@rickvann3489]

I'll take the stiffer suspension because you didn't factor in luggage etc. That adds weight

[@paulvanhout9695]

I believe the T7 is about the same wet weight.

[@robertrscott]

no, its heavier!

[@drewiliffe4855]

Did you say the weight is 550 or 450 pounds?

[@robertrscott]

he said 550 but meant 450

[@zyonsdream]

I traded in my 2021 Africa Twin Adventure Sport for the Taureg 660. I had a 2017 Africa Twin that was destroyed in an accident. I would choose the 2017 over the Taureg but I’d take the Taureg over the 2021 ATAS. The Taureg is lighter, has the same acceleration as the ATAS when you consider weight/power ratio.

[@cyclenews]

Congrats on the new ride

[@Blockbuster2033]

Now you got my attention! What you are basically saying is that the 2017 Africa Twin is better than the 2021. That's something that I suspected for a while, but you were the first person to mention it. Does the weight make the difference, or why would do you prefer the 2017 model?

[@zyonsdream]

@@Blockbuster2033 this is a loaded question. My 2017 AT was more inline with the base model of the newer AT, not the ATAS. When I had my accident they had to put a rod in from my knee to my ankle and four nails that go sideways through my leg. On my other leg, I crushed my heel into small fragments that basically coagulated back together. My knee was basically destroyed and both my ankles are shot now. The ATAS was so heavy that when I was holding the bike up at red lights, the pressure the rod put on my leg was very painful. The 660 is much lighter and doesn’t put pressure on my leg at all. Thats the main reason I traded. However, the bigger ATAS lost its “enduro” feel that the 2017 had. The 660 really feels the same. The engine power is the same as the 2017 I guess due to weight. Incidentally today is the 1 year anniversary of that wreck. Also, I’ve been shopping for a tri-color 2017 Africa twin that’s got less than 5k miles on it. I like the 660…I absolutely loved my 2017 AT and I think I’m ready to be back on one again.

[@Blockbuster2033]

@@zyonsdream Oh man, that's sad to hear about that wreck. What a weird incident, that it was exactly a year ago. And only a year ago. I guess it still causes you lots of inconvenience. On my last knee injury it took over a year 'till I could use that knee again to it's full extent and that was much less severe than what you have to go through. I hope it will heal as good and fast as possible. Very interesting what you have to say about the Africa Twin. Obviously there is a big difference between the base model and the adventure sports, but I think the difference between the older and the newer model might be just as big. I'm not really in the market for an Africa Twin actually, I'm rather looking for something smaller and lighter. Obviously the T7 and Tuareg come to mind there, but even those are kinda to heavy for my liking. Then again, they are kinda the lightest twin-cylinder adventure bikes.

[@2wheels.are.better.than4]

I have the 2017 AT. It’s fantastic. Was your 2017 DCT or manual?

[@uguraykar]

Ktm 790 adv , Tenere 700, Toureq 660 ? Witch one ??

[@damytzeus]

it depends

[@Almecho]

I had the same dilemma 3 years ago. Finally, I went to 790 adv. and it was the best of the bunch on everything except reliability! Right now I am changing camshafts (14k km, 2019 - right out of warranty) for 1500 EUR. So, pick Tenere. You will trade a little less positive driving experience for superior reliability.

[@AlpineTreeCare]

Tiger 900 Rally

[@podunkman2709]

Tuareg. We are not in 2000 anymore to buy Tenere. Tiger is road bike mainly (this "rally" is just marketing)

[@podunkman2709]

​@@AlmechoNo surprise about reliability 😅 You had no Internet access?

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

Noone buys this in the uk, there only 42 currently on British roads compared to about 2000 T7s.

[@anxiousappliance]

Well at least 42 people seemed to have bought it. But what's your point?

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

@@anxiousappliance They've dropped the price to £9000 new here, that's less than a new T7 to try and sell them. And some of those 42 bikes registered on the road here will be demo bikes. I think the problems the 660 engine has had had puts people off.

[@williamrae9954]

Something about the looks puts me off...got a feeling if it was wintered under a cover, it would age about 7yrs before Spring?(not a T7 fan either, a 6x2 for a seat, bought the Tracer7 to convert instead).

[@robertrscott]

@@JohnSmith-ef8nr Not true in USA, I've had mine since may. Had a pre-order for a white Tenere that came in last season and I'm glad I held off. Seeing and riding both bikes the Tuaregs on a whole different level. The Tenere is a nice cheap bike and when you go from one to the other it clearly shows. The Tenere is heavily flawed and unless you're strapped for cash (which we've all been at times) or your going so far out in the bush that max reliability is your only concern ...the Tuareg destroys the Tenere!

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

@@robertrscott What's wrong with the T7, I have one and think it's great. I like the huge aftermarket support for it and customisation options.

[@timgainnes5534]

evil knievel colors but this is a sweet bike to ride. great review.

[@oakdalegirl57]

Fugly fer sure. I bought a 2023 in red, way better looking if ya axe me. 😀

[@mihaelbitola3812]

They put a new aprilia Tuareg on the Dyno, and the result is 68 HP. And if you switch to off-road mode 53 or 54 hp.

[@smithrick7051]

This is with most bikes and cars, the HP claimed is always engine output. But the wheel, chain, gears all reduce this to the wheel HP I believe the h2r is 300HP and dynod at 220HP

[@ridemfast7625]

That dyno tuner claims that off/on road tires on Adventure bikes create more friction than street tires thus losing some hp. As mentioned earlier, claimed and dyno and engine and wheel HP can be misleading and confusing. Different dyno machines also can provide different results. The old fashioned butt dyno is what really matters.

[@sspirito3130]

68hp at the wheel, 80hp at the engine - perfectly normal. For comparison, the Tenere 700 puts 63hp at the wheel on the dyno

[@podunkman2709]

Honey, too much power in ADV bike is an obstacle not advantage. 60-70 hp is max what u need. Anyway you mainly need torque not "power".

[@srl2485]

Is good moto but bad price, with 2k more you can buy a tiger 900 rally with 2k less you can win t7 market with this price they compete, with 2k less they win

[@shookones2216]

This blows the T7 any day on the market. The T7 has poor outdated technology and suspension. I will take adjustable suspension any day on a new motorcycle. Also more power and looks better overall and in quality.

[@srl2485]

@@shookones2216 I just need ABS and traction control. I hate to pay 5k in electronics, and much more because you can not travel on that motos for all around the world, just simple engines can be repaired in some countries. And this adventure concept. Aventure...near officialshops haha I would get himalayan with just more power..or future transalp...or old transalp They sell problems, thats what they sell. I prefer cheap and simple motos that can be repaired by a simple mechanic in lost places I will prefer 9k price with less electronics. I love the bike concept anyway, tuareg 660 is beautiful (and t7 motor is trusted, this not yet)

[@shookones2216]

@@srl2485 Everyone is different in taste. I come riding Triumphs. I have a 2016 Triumph Street Triple RX 675. I did a Royal Enfield Demo day this year and test road the Himalayan. In my country its about $7500 new. I would not purchase one ever for a lot of reasons but I also come from a better quality motorcycle and have certain expectations lol. The extra electronics on the Aprilia isn't something I'd be worried about. If you see what the KTM and Ducati Desert X bikes uses for they're set ups in the Baja Rally you'd be surprised of the reliability. I'm going to be pre ordering a base red and black Aprilia Tuareg 660 for my 2nd bike over the winter. One street and one Off-road/tour bike.

[@srl2485]

@@shookones2216 That's true. I am 7 years with a cb500x and 50Cv is enough power to 2 passengers and luggage, and weeks of travel, motor is like new. I just want a moto with a 21" front wheel and larger suspension / ground free distance to get out of asphalt. I dont need an upgrade in electronics and that is why I dont want to pay for that. I consider 10k a far price, not more. I like this one,t7 and tiger900, but I will pay for things I dont request. I think I will wait 2023 to see the price of the new transalp, and the actualization of the himalayan to more power, and then decide. If the price of this moto was 9-10k I will purchase inmediatly

[@sspirito3130]

Just the tubeless wheels are worth the extra 2K, then you have top shelf suspensions, cruise control, electronics, etc. I'd say the T7 is overpriced compared to the Aprilia

[@shannonhumphry2180]

your offroad that you took it on is smoother than my driveway.

[@michaelforrest335]

I leave comments questioning the integrity of this review based on the laughable attempt to make lifting this bike up look so hard and they’re always removed.

[@cyclenews]

Thanks Michael! Appreciate your feedback

[@7x779]

So what were your comments? Is it hard to lift up bike compared to the Tannery and the ktm?

[@MotoSly]

don't forget about the reliability problems! a lot of leaking gaskets... ALL gaskets.

[@sspirito3130]

the water pump gasket is an assembly issue, not an engineering flaw, hence only some bikes are affected. 30 minutes fix under warranty and will never leak again. I'd take a leaking water pump fixed under warranty than let's say a $2000 leaking forks on the Africa Twin that Honda refuses to replace under warranty.

[@queenslander954]

Hmm .. I don’t know , look up Aprilia problems and you’ll scrolling for a while

[@queenslander954]

Looks like Aprilia got Stevie Wonder to design the graphics .

[@brand-x3997]

Ok so off road mode rear brake locked up down hill... Kills the engine,I have to restart multiple times

[@Angry-Lynx]

ever heard about clutch? 😂

[@brand-x3997]

@@Angry-Lynx that's really helpful, thanks. I've never had a clutch before, or ride off road, out tried to learn new skills. Please enlighten us on your secret ways 🐸

[@droflivelife]

For the money, cornering ABS, heated grips, tire pressure monitor should be standard.

[@rugby3874]

Oil leaker. But I do like the looks. Why not just buy a Honda or Yamaha and not worry about reliability.

[@francescoporcari8597]

There have been no serious reports regarding oil leaking. Mind your words.

[@oakdalegirl57]

But then you have to look at and ride a honda or yamaha..... Oof Da Noooo!