I really enjoy riding motorcycles. On this channel, I'll explore different bikes (currently riding a Harley Davidson Pan American Special or an Aprilia Tuareg 660), riding styles, and different locations. I'm a beginner ADV rider based in Colorado, but I enjoy traveling to different destinations as well.
I plan on getting into some moto-camping and sharing my experiences/adventures with viewers.
I love gear, and from time to time will include my experiences with different pieces of kit, and how they worked (or didn't) for me. I believe in always trying out different gear, fitment, ergonomics, etc. to verify that I'm getting the most out of my setup.
I try to read and respond to as many comments as I can. Having conversations about shared interests is a great way for us all to become more knowledgeable about motorcycling.
If this sounds like it's of interest to you, please hit the subscribe button.
I came to this video after watching your recent one about choosing the Tuareg 660 over other light- and mid-weight adventure bikes. In that you said you felt the lower hp bikes had trouble at higher altitudes. In this video you don't mention that sort of difficulty. I live in NYS, so my max elevations are 4-5,000 feet (if I should ride the Whites in NH). So I'm curious when & how you noticed the problem with your TKM 390, which I am enjoying a lot. I also suspect that a Fuel X which adjusts the mixture flexibly might improve lower air pressure behavior. Thanks for your videos!
There is nothing wrong with the tires. You will find that the rear is taller that stock (or most) tires. You need to adjust your preloads (aka Geometry) to get this corrected. Also take into account all the stuff you pile on the bike. You should have 25% - 33% sag loaded. Start from there. A wobble can be from not having enough load on the front or too much.
I love the bike by bike breakdown, and I’ve done the exact same spreadsheet. I gotta say though, I've written bikes off due to a spec number before, then I actually rode it and was blown away. No spreadsheet can capture the FEEL of a bike.
I have a T7 and LOVE it but with a 32" inseam i am on my tiptoes just standing still on flat ground. I just bought the Taureg 660 after renting one to try on the trails (i am nearly flat footed on this). The suspension is WAY better than the T7, almost feels like I am cheating on the Taureg but the Taureg puts out a lot of heat on the right leg, I get none on the T7. I just measured the clearance on both, The Taureg bash plate and rear shock are both just above 10 inches, The T7 bash plate is at 11" but the bottom of the rear shock is at 9.5". I ride my T7 on most of the same trails @exploready does - Argentine pass, Geneva creek, Switzerland trail, Magnolia, Apex by Central City so I think the clearance will be fine. I dont really care about all the ride modes but cruise control is definitely one piece of tech I like
Have you changed the sprocket ratio from stock? I rented one and found the low end wanting, such a plush ride compared to my T7 but lacks a lot of low end grunt
I've had a KTM 390 Adv for a few years now. Power isn't much of an issue; surprisingly peppy and I'm used to 150+hp street bikes. That said, I used to have a Tuono 1100 and really love Aprilias. I'd hate to go up in weight (solo rider as well) but this one is definitely on my short list.
I’ve run a steering damper on my 690 that was experiencing the same head shake at highway speeds. It was transformational in this regards. After installation, not an issue at high speeds, up to +160 km/h. In deep sand, gravel and rock deflections, it was amazing. The best money that I spent on upgrades. Next up is an A660. Let's see how that feels but me.thinks that a steering damper is a good thing regardless, as you only ever find out when you are on the limit. And then it's too late.
I thoroughly enjoyed every part of your video. Thank you for producing and posting it. BTW - Your comment about “the more people you bring, the more fun you’re going to have” made me realize how different experiences and wants on rides can be. Haven ridden our offroad trails in the Colorado region for the past 20 years with groups of two to over ten, I can honestly say that I prefer no more than one person to ride with. Why? Because for many potential reasons, the more riders are in a group the more you’ll be stopped, to the point of seldom ever reaching a day’s goal (location). This is especially true when newer riders are part of that group. Not anyone’s fault, but I kind of enjoy riding my own pace these days. 😊
Great video! I ride a DR650 but considering the Tuareg. Comfort on the pavement would be nice but the extra weight on trails, especially as an older rider can be challenging, my stamina gives out. Looks like you handle the Tuareg quite well.
The Tuareg is a great bike. At 450lb, it's comparable to other middle-weight ADV bikes, and it has ride modes, cruise, ABS, etc... Comparing it to a dual sport though...that's a tough one. The weight will always be there off road, and IMO is one of the (if not the single biggest) decider on having a good time off road. Good luck which ever way you choose to ride!
That red cone descent at the end appears to have a pretty high pucker-factor. Not sure I'd want to tackle it on an ADV bike. I'm sure guys do it, but I'm just an average rider...though I'm still capable of making huge errors in judgment ;)
Nicely presented video. Gravity and thin air our rough! This would be cake on my 300 XC but a decent challenge on my 701. No way I'd take an actual ADV on this, too much expensive crunchiness going on 😆
The first part up to the mine was great...after that, it did get to be more challenging. I wish there was a nice resource for trail intel that was geared for 2 wheels. There's a lot of resources for jeeps etc...but that's a different experience and capability set. Ride safe!
I’m away from (Western) Colorado for the first half of the year (2024) and your very well narrated and edited video made my day on this very rainy day in Germany. Can’t wait to get back home to my Rockies.
@@exploready Yep. I’ve those priorities straight and the bikes will see some serious usages once I get home. Uncompahgre plateau trails await as soon as I’m unpacked. 😏
What octane are you running at the elevation too? A ground wire to starter helps. Think it's not making good ground on engine. Then you ground the jump box where? And it starts. Even though a voltage gauge shows good battery. But finding a ground at starter with voltage guage shows the problem. No more lag and stupid with the starter and haven't blown relay since.
Hey man, I was just taking with Colin and he shared this video with me. We bike together at Trestle. I just bought a KTM 890 and would like to do some rides with you and him some time. I am in Evergreen. -Jamie
That was an aftermarket plate (the gpmucci thor skid plate). It was big and burly, but there were a few of the welds on it that weren't super great. I'd probably look at a camel adv or something along those lines if I was doing it again.
Reminds me of Schnebly hill out of Sedona...which I did in a 4 wheel drive truck. You are crazy lol. That KTM was amazing....the Tuareg seemed less nimble but pretty capable
You've pretty much nailed it. The Tuareg (at least with me piloting it) wasn't the right bike for that ride. Still was a nice day in the mountains. Ride Safe!
I think there's a lot that goes into that equation. When I switched back to the OE tires, with the bike loaded the same way, it behaved much better and rode like expected. So, the knobbies were the variable in my case that was causing my discomfort. I really like the adjustability of the stabilizer. I wish other components (like suspension) were as easy to adjust. Ride safe!
I was seriously looking at the Tuareg 660, but in NZ, LIKE MOST THINGS, SERVICE SUCKS. I send an email to Aprilia NZ, to ask them about possible roadside assist as we only have 6 dealerships in the whole of NZ. They didn't bother to answer. So I will never ever look at Aprilia again. NZ is not known for good client service.
Having the support from a dealer is pretty mission critical. It's disappointing you didn't hear back from Aprilia...a quick response could have gone a long way to help you out. Hope you found something fun to ride at least!
