I love my Tuareg 660, cracking bike and it does encourage you to explore. I got mine to green lane with, and after ditching the standard tyres it is brilliant in the UK's typical sloppy wet mud and the bike has proved to be hugely competent and has done everything I have asked from it, even stuff I would have been intimidated to do on my beta 390RR enduro bike. It really is quite a machine!
Hi! Im getting my license (again) in Germany but I've never owned my own motorcycle as life got in the way. Would you recommend to someone nearing 40, 30 inch inseam 5'11" 230lbs as a first bike that will be used long term? I thought about the now NX500 but would be nice to have something a little more substantial. Appreciate any insight. Cheers!
@@shmac96 Not that the bike is a bad road bike, it isn't at all, it is very good, but I'd get a bike with a smaller front wheel if you are only riding tarmac. If taking it on trails, then it makes sense having a 21" front wheel. I am only 5'6" and have a 29" inseam, the Tuareg is just about the limit of height I can safely ride with 30+ years riding experience, if you are new to bikes, even having an extra inch over me, you may still find it a bit tall, but you could be fine. It is a big bike though, and if you plan on trail riding it, then the weight and height could be a struggle if you have limited experience... but again, you may be fine. Personally, I'd get a more road bias motorcycle if I wasn't riding any trails, and if I wanted to trail ride a bike, but had limited offroad riding experience, I'd be more tempted by a lighter motorcycle.
@@HippoDrones Thank you! I appreciate your feedback and wow...yeah lets hear it for those of us with short inseams. I always struggle but my weight I guess helps my length challenged inseam at times. I was so excited that they had lowered the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC (the more road friendly one). It was practically perfect the ergonomics when I sat on it at the motorcycle show. That said, I think then bases on your recommendations it would be better to go NSX500. It too seems like a solid do it all beginner bike. Thanks again!
Spot on review. This bike is great for exploring, its fantastic. I agree with @Geesexr tyres are no problem, you can really push it and the suspension is very adjustable. Traded a Triumph Tiger GT Pro and an RE Himalayan. The Tuareg can do the same and better than both these bikes, and I really loved the Tiger.
I just traded in my Africa Twin Adventure for a Taureg in the red/black livery. It’s 100lbs lighter and feels like it has the same power, albeit the Taureg feels like the power is higher in the rev range. So far I’m loving the bike. I just hope they have gotten past the issues with oil consumption and failing gaskets that have been an issue on the 660 platform.
An nice review of the toe rag but the KTM 890 adventure is £3k more so not really a comparison unlike the T7. The scorpion rally tyres are actually very good on the road and you would be surprised on the lean angles you can do with them 😊
Etymologically speaking, the US/UK tyre / tire spelling variation is quite interesting 🤓 A lot of languages (like Italian) refer to tyres from an extraction of the Greek ‘Pneumatikós’ As in the pressurised contents, rather than the outer structural material. Fascinating stuff 🤓
My neighbor has the 660 and I own the 890R, I agree that the Aprilia is looking better, OnRoad there is not much difference, but OffRoad is the KTM just way more capable.
That is an interesting point of view. I would expect KTM to be far more capable on the road, but it just tells me that aprilia will be a good choice for me. Thanks for sharing your expertise.
@@antex1992 the KTM has more power, and you can feel it. The question is can / should you use it? The suspension on the KTM is made for unpaved terrain, and the quality of the Bike is higher. I can see that his Tuareg ages bad.
@@ogoshikimura5621 , thanks for your input. I couldn't find any opinions about aging of those bikes, but what I saw on KTM's 390 Adventure (9k km) and 890R (8k km, but used as a press motorbike) they also age fast and I am comparing it to my 15 years old CBF600- not premium machine at all.. I hoped Aprilias will be "wearing out" slower.
Ive owned a couple of Aprilia millli r’s and loved them. Aprilia make some great bikes, that’s why I’ve just bought a KTM Adventure 890 I know it doesn’t make sense but what swung me was seat hight and low down weight
Keen on one of these once I'm off my P plates, currently on a KLR650. Great for exploring. One thing that puts me off is the $22,000 price tag over here in Australia. Compare this to a brand new KLR650 ($10,000 Australian) it pretty expensive. Might wait until there a few years old and pick one up second hand.
This, a 660 tiger sport, or a V strom 800 RE ? 🤔 I want a replacement for a Vitpilen 701 which is just too compromised and uncomfortable- I’ve got a little dual sport for proper off road and a Fantic 500 scrambler which does most of the backroad stuff, can’t decide if something like this would replace both Vitpilen and Fantic ?
Got a Honda Africa twin adventure sport ES really thinking about selling it to get this or the KTM 890 adventure. I just don’t like how top heavy and hard to move around the Twin is.
From reviews ive seen the tuareg is a better all around bike then the t7..Problem here in Canada where i am is the aprilia dealer network and parts supply..Its keeping me from buying one..
In my area the nearest aprilia dealer is a 4 hour freeway drive away. That's probably the biggest factor for me. I'm not worried about bending a sub-frame or anything like that.
Well not much to say re the title Tuareg or KTM 890 other than saying at the very end that the 890 has more punch. So not a comparison video but a first ride video of the Tuareg.
@@JoseSanchez-ht4cc I got my dealer to fit Motoz Tractionator Adventure tyres to my Tuareg 660 from new...they fitted them for free, but I had to supply the tyres. It does mean I can sell (or use) the Pirelli STRs though.
You can't compare 660 vs 890. The only possible comparison is the T7 and Aprilia wins by far. If I have to choose between Tuareg and KTM 890 I would choose Aprilia!!!! Ps: ALL the people who tried it are very, very happy!
I guess if that 660 motor ever failed out of warranty I'd love to stick an 890R motor in that Tuareg because it's so much better looking than that pig ugly looking KTM 890R and I may just try it stay tuned because I have a 2022 Aprilia Tuareg blue, white, red and lavender color one. Great video and a fun bike you're riding!
I had the chance to ride a Tuareg 660 and a Tenere 700 (World Raid Edition.) back to back for three hours each at the weekend. I'm in the novice rider's experience category. The Tenere felt like a "Military spec" thing, tough, rugged, unbreakable, built to be thrashed over rocks every day! The Tuareg felt lighter, more refined, quieter, a bit more novice friendly and probably less demanding of the riders attention all the time. For the "Sound track" alone, I'd pick the Tenere. However, I've ordered a Tuareg 660 for now, to learn some more skills on as I think it is an easier bike to ride and gain experience on. To sum up, the engine power in the Tuareg is gentle to start with but builds constantly increasing with the engine revs, (Scream if you want to go faster!) The Tenere is all low down torque that tails off towards the higher engine speeds. Oh and only time will tell if the Aprilia proves to be a reliable machine.
I'd compare this more to the 390 adventure... and as such that's potentially where it falls a bit short. The 390 probably isn't as capable off-road with the slightly cramped ergonomics and 19 inch wheel, but as an 80/20 bike I've found it hitting same type of criteria you've outlined. Plenty of on road shove (because its significantly lighter), and super manoeuvrable in that A/B road type setting. So, personally I'd save the £4k, or at least compare what you really want from either. I think on the original 390 reviews (bar the Knox one) is that reviewers really wanted it to be a light enduro adventure crossover and were disappointed when it wasn't, but I think it really hits that real world brief better than you'd expect it to. Own a 390, so coming at it with bias!
I love my Tuareg 660, cracking bike and it does encourage you to explore. I got mine to green lane with, and after ditching the standard tyres it is brilliant in the UK's typical sloppy wet mud and the bike has proved to be hugely competent and has done everything I have asked from it, even stuff I would have been intimidated to do on my beta 390RR enduro bike. It really is quite a machine!
Hi! Im getting my license (again) in Germany but I've never owned my own motorcycle as life got in the way.
Would you recommend to someone nearing 40, 30 inch inseam 5'11" 230lbs as a first bike that will be used long term?
I thought about the now NX500 but would be nice to have something a little more substantial.
Appreciate any insight. Cheers!
@@shmac96 Not that the bike is a bad road bike, it isn't at all, it is very good, but I'd get a bike with a smaller front wheel if you are only riding tarmac. If taking it on trails, then it makes sense having a 21" front wheel.
I am only 5'6" and have a 29" inseam, the Tuareg is just about the limit of height I can safely ride with 30+ years riding experience, if you are new to bikes, even having an extra inch over me, you may still find it a bit tall, but you could be fine.
It is a big bike though, and if you plan on trail riding it, then the weight and height could be a struggle if you have limited experience... but again, you may be fine.
Personally, I'd get a more road bias motorcycle if I wasn't riding any trails, and if I wanted to trail ride a bike, but had limited offroad riding experience, I'd be more tempted by a lighter motorcycle.
@@HippoDrones Thank you! I appreciate your feedback and wow...yeah lets hear it for those of us with short inseams. I always struggle but my weight I guess helps my length challenged inseam at times.
I was so excited that they had lowered the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC (the more road friendly one). It was practically perfect the ergonomics when I sat on it at the motorcycle show.
That said, I think then bases on your recommendations it would be better to go NSX500. It too seems like a solid do it all beginner bike.
Thanks again!
@@shmac96 the NX 500 is a great bike
@@HippoDrones Ive yet to ride one but all the independent moto journalists say its even better than the CB500X. Plus it looks great!
Spot on review. This bike is great for exploring, its fantastic. I agree with @Geesexr tyres are no problem, you can really push it and the suspension is very adjustable. Traded a Triumph Tiger GT Pro and an RE Himalayan. The Tuareg can do the same and better than both these bikes, and I really loved the Tiger.
I just traded in my Africa Twin Adventure for a Taureg in the red/black livery. It’s 100lbs lighter and feels like it has the same power, albeit the Taureg feels like the power is higher in the rev range. So far I’m loving the bike. I just hope they have gotten past the issues with oil consumption and failing gaskets that have been an issue on the 660 platform.
Enjoy it! It must feel like riding a feather
“You look like you should be in a coffin” 😂 I say that in my head every time I ride.
An nice review of the toe rag but the KTM 890 adventure is £3k more so not really a comparison unlike the T7. The scorpion rally tyres are actually very good on the road and you would be surprised on the lean angles you can do with them 😊
Whoops good point - I was using the 890 Adventure (non R) price.
Etymologically speaking, the US/UK tyre / tire spelling variation is quite interesting 🤓
A lot of languages (like Italian) refer to tyres from an extraction of the Greek ‘Pneumatikós’
As in the pressurised contents, rather than the outer structural material.
Fascinating stuff 🤓
Top comment!
My neighbor has the 660 and I own the 890R, I agree that the Aprilia is looking better, OnRoad there is not much difference, but OffRoad is the KTM just way more capable.
That is an interesting point of view. I would expect KTM to be far more capable on the road, but it just tells me that aprilia will be a good choice for me. Thanks for sharing your expertise.
@@antex1992 the KTM has more power, and you can feel it. The question is can / should you use it? The suspension on the KTM is made for unpaved terrain, and the quality of the Bike is higher. I can see that his Tuareg ages bad.
@@ogoshikimura5621 , thanks for your input. I couldn't find any opinions about aging of those bikes, but what I saw on KTM's 390 Adventure (9k km) and 890R (8k km, but used as a press motorbike) they also age fast and I am comparing it to my 15 years old CBF600- not premium machine at all.. I hoped Aprilias will be "wearing out" slower.
Ive owned a couple of Aprilia millli r’s and loved them. Aprilia make some great bikes, that’s why I’ve just bought a KTM Adventure 890 I know it doesn’t make sense but what swung me was seat hight and low down weight
4:32 "Less handy is a distinctive lack o pillion grab handles"
There are pillion "grab holes" on both sides of the seat.
Aha! I love a grab hole
Keen on one of these once I'm off my P plates, currently on a KLR650. Great for exploring. One thing that puts me off is the $22,000 price tag over here in Australia. Compare this to a brand new KLR650 ($10,000 Australian) it pretty expensive. Might wait until there a few years old and pick one up second hand.
This, a 660 tiger sport, or a V strom 800 RE ? 🤔 I want a replacement for a Vitpilen 701 which is just too compromised and uncomfortable- I’ve got a little dual sport for proper off road and a Fantic 500 scrambler which does most of the backroad stuff, can’t decide if something like this would replace both Vitpilen and Fantic ?
I'm always entertained by your videos about motorbike nonsense. Keep 'em coming!
Thanks kindly! There's a whole load of stuff coming… I should probably stop neglecting my car channel though...
Haven’t watched it yet, but this is the review I was looking for
Good morning Pneumatico Tubeless. Excellent appraisal. Thank you.
Haha thanks Gary. If you hadn't guessed I don't know what these things are when I say them
I'm buying this bike after this review
Very nice.what about rumours of a 900 yamaha tenere? Yes please make it happen.
Got a Honda Africa twin adventure sport ES really thinking about selling it to get this or the KTM 890 adventure. I just don’t like how top heavy and hard to move around the Twin is.
It's a tough choice - I've loved both the KTM and the Aprilia. Coming from an AT you might miss the torque if you go for the Aprilia though
Would like to see how you feel it compares with a T7, if you get the chance to ride one.
It's on my list for the next few months 👍
From reviews ive seen the tuareg is a better all around bike then the t7..Problem here in Canada where i am is the aprilia dealer network and parts supply..Its keeping me from buying one..
Great review Tim…you had me giggling along with you.
Thanks John, kind of you to say so
I'm a bit of an Aprillia fanboy but this one doesn't do much for me.
Can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe not outrageous enough.
You'll enjoy the V4 thing I just took delivery of then. Videos coming in the next few weeks
It beats the Tenere 700 by 10-20% in almost every way.
In my area the nearest aprilia dealer is a 4 hour freeway drive away.
That's probably the biggest factor for me.
I'm not worried about bending a sub-frame or anything like that.
Great review, looks like a really fun motorcycle!
It is, and I miss it a bit!
Cars, coffins, what's the difference? Bikes are for living! Love that engine sound.
Mr Pneumatico Tubomeno Rodie
?
Is there actually an Italian word for Tubeless?
Well not much to say re the title Tuareg or KTM 890 other than saying at the very end that the 890 has more punch. So not a comparison video but a first ride video of the Tuareg.
wish i could have ridden one of these , nearest dealer about 5 hours away from me took it off my list of possibles
Toureg of course. Buying any KTM is great if you want to be stranded on the side of the road with huge repair bills
I always negotiate the tyres I want when I buy a new bike. Most dealers will entertain it; if not walk away
Really?! I've never heard anyone doing that in the UK on a new bike. I'm sure if you pay for them they'll do it, mind you
@@timrodierides last new bike last Sept, negotiated pilot 5s instead of the OEM’s. They did it for a small fee.
@@JoseSanchez-ht4cc I got my dealer to fit Motoz Tractionator Adventure tyres to my Tuareg 660 from new...they fitted them for free, but I had to supply the tyres. It does mean I can sell (or use) the Pirelli STRs though.
Looks a great bike.Thanks
Thanks for watching, Bruce!
This for sure. Ktm weighs more than 10kg with fairing. Tuareg is a killer bike
You can't compare 660 vs 890. The only possible comparison is the T7 and Aprilia wins by far.
If I have to choose between Tuareg and KTM 890 I would choose Aprilia!!!!
Ps: ALL the people who tried it are very, very happy!
The 890 engine requires less aggressive throttle off-road.
I like the weight placement on the 890 as well.
Nice one mate
Thanks 👍
Does it get hot? Heard stories..
That shut line doesn't look too re-assuring on the build quality front @2:15
Seems overpriced 22k in Australia get a tiger 900 rally for that be a better bike I reckon.
Any plan for royal Enfield???
Give me the Norden, eh
I guess if that 660 motor ever failed out of warranty I'd love to stick an 890R motor in that Tuareg because it's so much better looking than that pig ugly looking KTM 890R and I may just try it stay tuned because I have a 2022 Aprilia Tuareg blue, white, red and lavender color one. Great video and a fun bike you're riding!
English using metrics is so frustrating..... What happened to English standard?(the Italian dash got it right! MPG 56+/gallon)
Neither. Going remote, reliability is king. I’ll keep my DR, or get a T7
I had the chance to ride a Tuareg 660 and a Tenere 700 (World Raid Edition.) back to back for three hours each at the weekend. I'm in the novice rider's experience category. The Tenere felt like a "Military spec" thing, tough, rugged, unbreakable, built to be thrashed over rocks every day! The Tuareg felt lighter, more refined, quieter, a bit more novice friendly and probably less demanding of the riders attention all the time. For the "Sound track" alone, I'd pick the Tenere. However, I've ordered a Tuareg 660 for now, to learn some more skills on as I think it is an easier bike to ride and gain experience on. To sum up, the engine power in the Tuareg is gentle to start with but builds constantly increasing with the engine revs, (Scream if you want to go faster!) The Tenere is all low down torque that tails off towards the higher engine speeds. Oh and only time will tell if the Aprilia proves to be a reliable machine.
As for the KTM's , there ugly looking.
The Aprillia looks good.
Aprilia or KTM???.. YAMAHA!!! T7😂
I'd compare this more to the 390 adventure... and as such that's potentially where it falls a bit short. The 390 probably isn't as capable off-road with the slightly cramped ergonomics and 19 inch wheel, but as an 80/20 bike I've found it hitting same type of criteria you've outlined. Plenty of on road shove (because its significantly lighter), and super manoeuvrable in that A/B road type setting. So, personally I'd save the £4k, or at least compare what you really want from either. I think on the original 390 reviews (bar the Knox one) is that reviewers really wanted it to be a light enduro adventure crossover and were disappointed when it wasn't, but I think it really hits that real world brief better than you'd expect it to. Own a 390, so coming at it with bias!
T7
This guy is a KTM fanboy. Always biased in his reviews
Absolutely not biased - I'm just telling you what I'd buy based on my experience riding most new bikes.
@@timrodierides
Well it's hard not to be biased towards the better bike.. Smh
These people should be ignored..