Hello Aprilia Tuareg 660! Goodbye Yam T7 and CRF250 Rally... 

This dudes a legend. Best narration voice I’ve ever heard

I have had my Tuareg 12 months and loved every minute. It is a fantastic all round bike on and off road. Accessories are a little hard to get hold of but i am hoping in time that will change. I have tackled a fair amount of the welsh TET and other trails around wales and it has handled them with ease.. The only limitation is the rider. The cruise control works wonders on A roads and motorways. Go For It :)

I feel like a 12 year old every time I ride mine. Just had the first service done and can now experience the upper rev range. I think the power is enough and together with that soundtrack it more than makes up for "not the most powerful middleweight" The past few days of cold and very wet weather have not made my daily commute unpleasant, it's still fun with no dramas. Hopefully riding them up to the NEC next Saturday

Great video and a state of art speaker )) thanks man! Safe rides!

The way you deliver your content is awesome. Keep it up!

Thank you mate! Safe ride! Godspeed!

Kudos to the video production, in particular the framing on the static shots with the bike in the out of focus foreground and background. Philip Bloom would approve!

Your video making is inspiring. Thanks!

Lots of great midrange bikes to choose from now. Just neeed more lightweight adv bikes (400-500cc range). Until then my cb500x rally raid lvl 2 is taking great care of me on and off road.

Yours is the first video that demonstrated the noise -other videos had people revving it stationary, I didn't understand what they were talking about, it sounded terrible. Now I can hear, that sounds amazing.

Love the looks.

I think its a great looking bike. Thanks for the content.

Love the look - called the dealer in Hamburg for a test ride and talked to him about reliability: so far some of them came in with minor electrical problems and for software updates, but no significant problems so far. Made the test ride, loved the seat position, the sound, the suspension and everything - but in the end, I decided to stay with my T7 for three serious reasons for me: 1. I've chosen it 'cause it does not need software updates for its gizmos, 2. I prefer the way, the CP2 develops its performance, especially on tricky terrain and last but not least: 3. if I want to personalize the bike, there are much more providers for customization and offroad parts for the T7.

I commute my Tuareg 110 miles round trip 4 days a week in SE Michigan with full luggage and crash bars in snow, rain, and wind. Traction control and cruise control in these conditions have extended my riding season from March to December. With a good riding suit and heated grips only deep snow and ice keep me off her. My dad bought a KLR last year that he replaced with the Pan America this year. The Tuareg seems to fit in the middle of those based on performance and reliability (Pan America is already in for warranty). Just get through the breakin period on the Tuareg and never look at another bike again. I am 6’2” 220 lbs and my passenger is 5’10” 140 lbs, just after preload in the back and cruise the highway at 95mph all day!

Congrats on the new bike, you're gonna love it the more you ride it. And, you picked the best one, the red one's are faster! Picked mine up here in the US back in May. Not a strong dealer market here, it was a 3 hour drive, but no problems to date. I think I'll order up that comfort seat over the winter. The stock seat is not the most forgiving.

I loved the review, well done! I liked your mud riding adventures on the CRF250 Rally. When switching to an adventure bike, it's a decision to choose farther terrain over rougher. The bikes are as capable as the rider anywhere, but the demands are greater everywhere than a lightweight machine. I don't feel they are a replacement, especially when it's laying on your leg. Which brings to mind your gripe about the footpeg placement angry with your ankle. I could not agree more! And I'm not sure if I am inadvertently switching the high beam on or it's doing it on its own. I traded my KLR650 for the Tuareg. I was very comfortable with it, but the slow revving single, low performance took the edge off of fun. But on the other hand, the footpegs were perfect, more relaxed seating and leg, not so tall. I felt better about dropping it than I would the Tuareg. Potentially the Tuareg suspension and clearance gets you deeper into the trail where the KLR becomes limited by bottoming on the rocks. But if you do fall, that's where parts are going to break. A lightweight machine has inarguable benefits there. So it brings up the full circle, and the Tuareg's secret weapon, it's backroad and cruising manners, so flickable and solid compared to the shakes and wobbles of other 21 inch front tire machines. It's a sport bike. In fact, a true sport bike rider will have fits keeping up through twisting, uncertain tarmacs, and have no chance at all if strewn with a smidgeon of sand or pebble.

Hats off to Aprilia for not putting a beak on the front of this bike. For me that raises the value at least $1000. Too many otherwise excellent bikes have suffered the tragedy of being designed with beaks.

Great review, thanks 👍

Great video, thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’ve tried many middleweight “adv” bikes and was the owner of a 1200 and 1250 GS. Tried the BMW F series, T7, KTM 790… Settled on the Tuareg in the end, I just felt an instant connection with the bike, really suited my frame. I love the quirky front end and the fact you don’t see many around, yet. Brilliant bike, really well built and so far very reliable. Go for it!

1st I saw the Tuareg I thought it was ugly. This is like the 10th video and it grew on me to the point that I now LOVE IT!

Italian motorcycles are like Italian women! You can fall imidietly in passionate love with them, but they can also make your life a hell. Think about it!

I hope you get the bike, it looks to be the best option in that class. Whatever happens you can get good content and riding experience.

Just test rode one of these puppies today, loved it. Time to switch from my DR???? Hmmmm. Great video as ever.

Great vid Sir, thank you

I bought the Aprilia RS660 and it has not missed a beat in almost 4000 miles. Aprilia has always been the most reliable of Italian bikes and I love the howl the "little" motor makes. Go for it! 😁

Good luck. I tried and tried to find a T7 but they are very elusive beasts out here in Colorado. Luckily the Tuaregs are in supply and I have a dealer minutes away. Yes, the headlight bright switch is annoying and I continue to do the same. I think I will look into that seat as well. But she is a sweet ride that puts a smile on my face every ride. Cheers

I can't wait for your new Transalp test ride then :)

I've had my aprilia caponord for 8 years and not a thing has gone wrong with it. I love it

There is video on youtube somewhere recently, a young fellow rode his CRF300L 1100+ miles - in one day, even taking time out to shoot drove footage. He rode from Norther Utah/southern Idaho (memory is fuzzy on that bit) up to north west Washington. Cruising at over 80mph for long stretches when speed limits allowed (or not it seemed). Due to weather or something his back country riding took longer than expected which gave him one day to get back for work. Impressive! Helps to be young and ignorant too. :D Saw a Tuareg in Death Valley; he and his buddy seemed to be having fun. Hauled it over in the back of his pickup. California plates I think. After many years with a Moto Guzzi, Italian bikes do give me pause too........ But if the bike fits you (especially if you have the means to keep the CRF) - you should probably go for it

Yeah that Touareg intake sound gives you an eargasm every time.. in my test i think a said that 2000 times. :) I think it is better than the T7 in most ways.... except with it's reputation :)

At this point its good communication with your mates that you will be going to Europe with, 1) do they intend to do off road and 2) try and get a similar bike weight as them, if you have the lightest bike you will be the group helper for every farm gate and dropped bike

Another cracking video! Enjoyed your CRF content, had one almost a year now, what a machine for learning the green lanes on 👍🏍. Keep it, you know you want to 🤣... I'm sure borh the Yam & Aprillia have their strengths but picking them up after the inevitable is a team sport. Wouldn't it be great if a Unicorn brand 50bhp, 150kg dual sport would appear so that we dont have to figure out what bike is needed for the next trip every time😂 But you cant keep every bike, whichever you get in the end enjoy, sounds like a cracking trip !

I’m still very happy with my standard T7, but the Tuareg looks a little bit the improved version of the T7 when it comes to the specifications. However, I don’t think I would still not choose the Tuareg over the T7, as the T7 looks much better and I hope the reliability of the Yamaha is as good as they say. So far, so good. Have Fun with your Tuareg, it is for sure a very interesting bike.

Have you maybe had chance to try 901? I think 12yo you would be even more pumped up :)

Você é uma figura!!

Exactly what I wanted the transalp for, but now I'm looking at the tuareg n add the crashbars.. looks better...

In my opinion the T7 is the best bike out, reliable and no tech. Perfect bike for myself 🤙

Excellent news that you might be going away next year .. I presume it won't be a holiday? .. Apparently Honda have released a new Transalp😁, it might be worth checking that out ..

Once you sort a rack and a bit of crash protection and swap the tyres (if you plan on trail riding), the Toe-Rag is an amazing motorcycle!

I agree about the looks.

Hi there. I too think its a great bike but as you said its that front end what lets it down. It needs a beak to bridge all that empty space. I've heard a few issues which don't bode well too. Everyones choice. Enjoy if you buy one.

I own a 2004 Aprillia Pegaso 650ie, outside of the stuff that wears out over use, break pads, chain, sprocket, etc.. The bike has never let me down. Ive wanted to get a new bike sooo many times, but the damn reliability and comfort of this bike is very hard to let it go.

About reliability. Riding Aprilias for 12 years now. 2 V2, 2 V4 Tuonos, one RSV4 and In total around 170tkm. They never let me down. I had only small issues that had been fixed by guarantee. Still having my 2011 Tuono V2 with 88tkm on the clock plus a 2020 V4 Tuono. No issues. Thinking about replacing my 690 Enduro by a Tuareg.

It's the 12k valve service which puts me off. Looking around £800 at the dealership I asked. I might do that every year on this one, probably more if I traded both tracer 7 and crf. As for the transalp, blessed is the man with no expectations of Honda...

I wish hond would make the CRF500L Rally... The CB500 engine in the body of the 250/300L rally. Probably would weight just below 200kg, enouf power for anything and a blast at that. Ill keep my VFR for corner surfing tho.

I own a T7 and like it for several reasons, but the Tuareg is the better bike if you only look at the performance. Better suspension and it carries its weight much better. But would I want one as my only bike as someone who lives off his motorcycle? I don’t think so 😁 hope yours will serve you well!

Mod 0: cut the high beam switch by a few mm. Mod 1: windshield spoiler by Puig Mod 2: break pedal mounted to the lower side of the lever Mod 3: bought a high fender BUT realized that its far from plug and play solution

So in conclusion, I'll wait for the next evolution of the Tuareg incorporating your comments... I'm in no rush , I can wait😉

Still go on holiday for 4 weeks in August and fit fuel pumps that do not like hot weather , still its Italian.

I stick with the T7, I’m guessing more reliable, and cheaper parts. And with the spark arrestor removed it definitely sounds better and feels noticeably quicker🤔

Interested how you feel about a moto guzzi TT , Maybe (probleby) not a TET bike , But .. a bike you Can love :-)) Greetings from Holland

Yeah you’re right. Itchy Boots only did Patagonia to Alaska on a CRF Rally so you definitely need to get rid of yours for heading to Italy…..

I have that same exact color 2018 250L rally I absolutely love that bike I have 80/20 mostly street tires from Kenda because I do mostly street riding suspension is super soft yeah a lot of things could be improved I just have the 550 performance ECU slip-on exhaust crash bars+skid plate & bark busters 👍👍 My best friend has the 2018 KLX 250 DS when we were both 🦴 stock it was a dead tie but now with the ECU from 550 performance & 91 octane I can pull on him pretty much in every ⚙️ I plan on keeping this bike for a long time we beat the shit out of our bikes but we run full synthetic oil and keep it changed all the time, keep the chain adjusted all the time properly clean + lubed there's really not much else to do. We bled out front & rear brakes, put all 💯% fresh fluid in there didn't need it but felt a little bit tighter afterward and I've bled out the coolant & flushed it out. I live in Phoenix Arizona where the summer gets to 120° so I took off the front plastic piece to get more airflow into the motor. But bike is solid. I think if I raced a 300L it would be pretty much a tie & if I got beat it sure would not be by much they're only 3 more HP & TQ I'm sure with my couple mods I gained 1/2 of that back. & something about a modded bike against the 🦴 stock bike the modded motorcycle seems to perform much more aggressively generally speaking. Mine sure woke up after the tune & 91 octane

Good move 😊

Wish you fun with an Italian bike. I owned one. Was a bit...unreliable. Not as much fun as I had hoped for. Not due to riding, but due to the time I could not ride it. Maybe reconsider that decision. And the T7 looks better IMO. Also, plenty of aftermarket parts. Can find a dealer almost everywhere, too.

great info ..... merci . spare parts on a tour mmmmmm computer say no no no no no

Nice review Thank You, i think the Aprilia Tuareg 660 are one of the best Adventure bikes. Bikes of to day are rather monster ugly looking, and not easy to clean you could have your CRF250 Rally as a second bike for short and the Aprilia for long rides i have an 2019 AT DCT for long rides and a 2016 Yamaha SR 400 for riding Short rounds with the veteran mc club, the Yamaha are actually 86 kg lighter than my AT and that is a lot.🥴

I am picking up mine next week and must say, am a bit freaked out by your video where you replaced the Tuareg, but couldn't talk about it becasue of a gag order.

The TAUREG drops and breaks plastics just like the T7 lol. I'm on my second set of side shrouds and third handle bar on my T7 but it doesn't seem to mind. Its the best ADV bike offroad of the 4 I've had. More technology = more issues ... at least on BMWs and KTMs.

I was on the verge of buying one. Then I found out it has to go to a dealer even to have the oil service light reset. Great bike with unparalleled features in its class but I couldn’t handle the maintenance issues.

Think I’d be tempted to keep the Honda for the UK technical trails and add the Aprilia. You wouldn’t want to be dropping that too often.

Not sure bout the motor tho. There are already some concerns regarding oil consumption of well above 1L/1000km

I'll choose reliability all the time over nice toys on a machine that takes me to the wilderness. That's definitely never an Aprilia.

As with all the Italian bikes,,, the electrics!!!, I'd have one tomorrow but can't live with lights on the dash all the damn time,, time we tell thou,, you can be the Lab Rat 👍🏻🤟🏻

I hoped for this in Honda colors (and quality).

It's beginning to sound like full circle and back to the big twin? Best to luck narrowing it down.

Rear cluster looks like an expensive accident waiting to happen when you drop the bike an there is something sticking out the ground

In USA theres only 77 dealers Aprila vs 1000 Honda good luck to get parts and services everywhere

Curious, have you ridden the Norden, same weight as the Tuareg but lots more umph! Would love to hear your thoughts on the matter. Love the videos!

I like the look of the front end, Im not a fan of the beak.

What’s “between lockdowns”?

Have thay fixed all the problems that engine had in the RS660, breaking conrods, oil leaks ect?

Since I have a Triumph Tiger I think I will keep my 2017 250 Rally

Hi there. Hoping blighty is keeping you safe and germ free. (needed to get the platitudes out of the way of course, you know I live in Queensland so get to wear my mankini a lot in the open air and often in the most sensitive of places and times). In addition thank you for your insight and conclusion. Being Italian doesn't escape many people; who like yourself have a somewhat chequered history. Many is the time we would chuckle by the roadside whilst the RAC came to fix my Alpha Romeo. How we laughed in the face of adversity as the electronics would simply decide too time its death knell the very day the land of Pasta and Pizza felt it wasn't being paid even close enough to the god level type of manufacturing capability that Guiseppe felt his sieasta filled hard work was appreciated. I'll pass thank you. I have to work hard for my meagre coin and obviously once I clear my monthly sex worker bill and drug bribes my entrepreneurism doesn't extend to a machine that gives me a smile on my face when it suits the bike and not me. Keep safe my friend.

Good bike....but not great...next review, gotta try them all!!

Maybe should of taken a ride on the Triumph rally pro....

Is it just me or is that dash very similar to the Moto guzzi tt85v?

I came off an R1200gsa to the T7 and i look no further. When i was shopping, i was split between the 890R adv and my world raid, ended up with the t7 and it was an easy decision for me although the ktm was £1k cheaper! Yes the ktm is nice to ride, the tuareg is the better bike on paper but i know for someone using the bike every day from commuting to european tours on and off road i sleep much better at night. Lack of dealership support, poor reliability records and hard to get aftermarket parts id rather somebody else buy the rest.

Hi ya guys, I’m 5”8’ an around 13-14stone or 115-9kgs I think. What’s the inside leg on the Twigg pls as the T7 I could only get my boot tip on the floor, so T7 no good for short ass like me. Great vid an thanks.

Wait for the new Transalp mate. Maybe it fit’s you better.

I am really considering the tuareg and t7 world raid as i am going to do very long trips to different countries. And therefore i am a little hesitant of the aprilia quality. Even though i love the features of the tuareg. I want it to be reliable and worrie free. I know the yamaha engine is as good as it gets. Is it worth going for the tuareg?

Well done !! Nice to have money to buy what you want ..... lol thanks

I would rather give up a little better, for more reliable, and more dealer support👍also less expensive parts

To me, it is just refresh of 2007 Aprilia made, BMW 650 Xtrail

Sounds like a guy who wants a new bike 😂

If I was in the market for a bike this would certainly hit the spots but then realise, it is Italian and not Japanese built. It defo needs a high front guard or beak to perfect it's looks🤌

Nothing against your new choice… but for green lines at weekend.. why not keeping the CRF as a 2nd bike ? Sure you‘ll miss the litte one one day… Cheers 🍻 😊

Is the Transalp in the game for you 🎯 ?

The valve check interval on the 660 is every 12000 compared to 25000 on the T7.

Hmmm the Tuareg does look really lovely…..But if You take a look at the MCN long term report engine components did need replacing and those Italian lead times Certainly Weren't a Thing of The Past….read months….!!!!! And the bill for replacing Plastics went into 4 yes 4 figures…..!!!! which is Such a shame as Apprilia do make Some of the Loveliest Bikes Around….!!!!! Also for the price of the Tuareg You could probably build the Absolute Mother of all T7’s with all of the new springs and suspension internals and power commander you could wish for and prop a full system too…..!!!!!! Just a thought…...!!!!!

No doubt a great bike to ride but Google Aprilia 660 issues. This day and age there's no excuse for it.

Next step is upgrade to AJP PR7 :-)

And after all the build up and leading us on no interest in the new Honda Transalp ?

Hope your local dealer has good coffee.

I like the Tuareg but reliability could be an issue. To me, I'll stick to the T7...HOPE IS NOT A PLAN

Do you think the Tuareg is sharper and faster than the T7? Is motorway driving better on a Tuareg?

Customer: Can I see the parts fiche? Aprilia Salesman: fish? Sorry, no capisco. No fish, no fish. Capisce? No feeeesh!

No mention of price comparison 🤷🏻‍♂️

the headlights are meant to represent the eyes of the nomad peeking out of the turban

What about price? €13,779 in🇳🇱 NL, and weight, only 187kg dry! We're all old boys with loud toys, and tomboys with shiny toys.👍👍