ahh awesome stuff Mark, I hope you enjoy the 660 as much as I've enjoyed mine. Yeah, sadly the low seat from Aprilia doesn't really lower things by much. I've mostly gotten used to the height of the bike now... 10,000 miles and 2 years ownership. It is an amazing motorcycle!
I must say I agree with the low seat. I also purchased the short seat as I am also 5'6" and 29" inseam. I am actually using both seats depending on what the plan is for the day. But the stock seat is also more comfortable for me in most situations. Thanks for the video!
Great video with extremely useful info. I am also 5’6” with a 29” inseam and I was provided an opportunity to sit on the Tuareg with the low seat and it definitely felt better than the stock seat height wise, but I was kind of surprised I wasn’t closer to the ground honestly. Your video explained why perfectly (more like 10mm lower instead of 20mm and a bit wider too). Thanks.
Another good watch and I’m sure other owners will find this informative, as unfortunately you never no if the low seat options work for you until you spend the money , maybe have a go of getting your low seat custom made to fit you better 👌
Thanks mate 🙂 Aye, it is a nightmare if you are struggling with the height of the bike to know the best way to fix it. I got my Beta enduro bike professionally lowered which has been awesome, but that had a lot more ground clearance to start with, so sadly isn't an option for me to do on this, so it kind of left me with just the seat as a way to get it lowered. I've since sold the low seat to someone who is really happy with it, we are all different shapes and sizes, so am glad they are happy with it. I'll just have to deal with the height for now, it is only an issue on tougher trails thankfully.
Ahhhhh brilliant just what I am looking for. Been pondering getting the tuareg next year, Ive got a Tiger XC which is high as stock but ive put lower seat and lowered it and its now ridable, so was hoping i could achieve the same with the Tuareg. I am also 5`6" with around 30" inseam. Youve saved me a lot of guess work here thank you Hippo!
Glad it helped. I sold the low seat after recording this video as it didn't really offer me what I wanted from it. If you have a 30" inseam, the stock height bike should be manageable for you.
Morning Pete! So Glad I got your views on this seat. I'm still trying to get one lower. We put a Lowering collar on ours. The dealer said it would drop it @3.5cm(1.5"), It ended half that but made a little difference. I'm on the balls of my toes now. But still want it lower...I'm now looking at a softer spring. I'm a light weight so don't need that stiff of a spring. We are having a difficult time finding out who made the original spring and what is the rating. We found one site and it list Olins as the maker. Contacted them, sent pics and they said it wasn't theirs. Hard over here in the States to get good info! I'm not giving up. I will find an upholsterer to have the original seat re-done. Good luck! Love seeing your rides while we are waiting for enough snow to go snowmobiling! Be safe!
I really hope you can sort something. I'm not sure who makes the spring either. I'd get my suspension lowered too, but have already ground out the subplate on some tricky descents, so am loathed to lose any ground clearance. Although over here I am hoping we don't get any more snow, I do hope yours arrives soon for you to have fun in! 🙂
@@HippoDrones I am somewhat taller. I can get the balls of both of my feet down in my riding boots. Nonetheless a slightly lower seat would improve my confidence in rough off road use (Rocky Mountains in USA). Given the disadvantages of the low seat option that you point out I am no longer tempted to buy it. Luckily being able to get the balls of both feet down on level pavement gives me adequate confidence.
Great video mate, thanks for sharing. I’m also a shorter rider at 5’7” and have been looking for a bike. The Tenere is just way too tall and I was hoping the Aprilia would work and well, it seems like it may. Glad there’s some options and hope for me. Thanks again and many safe travels!
No probs mate 🙂 👍 In the showroom, the bike felt impossibly tall from new, but after the first ride, the suspension beds in and it sits a little lower and softer.... but definitely more accessible than the Yamaha T7 for us shorter in the leg people!
I have the opposite problems to you, i'm 6'4 and my sv650 has a seat height of just under 31 inches, I dwarf it haha. Great technical video dude! Enjoyed it!
That was actually pretty good Pete, in depth and well explained. Given what you've shown us I think you may not even use the low, comfort (or is that low-comfort?😆) seat again. We had the seat on Wifey's 500F changed - same frame, different shape foam and different material. She was sliding forward into the tank a lot. Maybe a solution like that is what you need, different foam shape and just adjust the original cover to the new shape? And totally agree on the looks, the standard seat really finishes the bike off beautifully.
I've actually sold the low seat on since recording this last week, the person I sold it too is happy with it thankfully 🙂 I think the height is just something I'll have to deal with and get used to as I think modding the stock seat would end up with the same issues.
Ahh, it finally arrived! And you've got it dirty already haha It's a shame they didn't make it look the same, I like the looks of the original seat with how the red flows from the tank.
Aye, annoyingly I had to order it myself from Italy as Aprilia can't seem to organise that lol. I've actually sold it onwards now as it didn't really do what I wanted from it, and like you say, the red looks better on the bike.
Hi Pete, another great informative video. Just had an idea… Could you do another video with a level resting on the lowest point of the seat and measure the difference? That way you wouldn’t need to gestimate the measurment… cheers.
Good honest review of the comfort seat. I had considered getting one for my Tuareg. I’ve now changed my mind. Is your centre stand Aprilia, or aftermarket?
Am glad it has saved you some money 🙂 The stand is the official Aprilia one, works great, loads of leverage on it, so super easy to get the bike up on it! 🙂
Great video! Thanks for saving the money… I called Seat concepts USA, but they are still “ thinking “ about make one for Tuareg. I hope they will if they have enough request. I got seats from them for F800, Ktm 790R & 701… always lower than stock and not too bad on comfort…
Thanks 🙂👍 I've considered it, but I think I'd end up with the same issue with the lower I sculpt it out, the wider it'll become, so I'll stick with stock height and will have to get used to being so high up.
I didn't realise that the low seat had that wider profile like you sad. I will have to measure our sculptured seats to see how much drop they have. So far we have been getting on really well with them.
Great review. As I'm a few inches shorter and being in hilly wales, I have had to admit I need my feet planted. Though I do love the looks of an adventure bike. Great review. 👌 Lady J
It is the trouble with us being shorter folk, adv bikes are mostly out of reach... unless we compromise on dirt ability... which isn't a compromise I can take. Thankfully I can get a toe down each side or flat foot one side if I slide off the bike. Cheers J.
Brutally honest assessment at the beginning 😂 The bike is meant to be grubby 🤘 Corrr tape measure coming out, this is some proper scientific stuff here today 😉😂 I have to admit I get nervous seeing people tiptoe bikes 😅 thankfully at 6’2 I’ve never really had to do it 🤘 However that said in your videos I’d of never of said you’ve struggled with the height of this bike, must be your experience and skill because I know a lot of short guys would struggle for sure. That new seat definitely has a lower profile for sure, Ahah don’t worry you were making sense 😂 Personally I think I would still with the stock one, only because it looks nicer, feels nicer and will last better on the green lanes, plus like you’ve shown you can handle the bike even at the taller height, so personally I think if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it 👍 Great video mate, hope you’re doing well 🤘
Hahaha, well I am pretty short! 😀 Def meant to be grubby, especially this time of year, a nice protective layer of dirt to keep it safe from the winter salt and grime... worked for the Mary Rose! 😀 I am quite envious of taller people, although being short was def a benefit on a submarine when I was in the RN. I very much struggle on the tougher stuff... I'll not take this bike back down to Pevensey Marshes again, that was horrific on this bike... I'd struggle there on my Beta too though. I have actually since recording this sold the low seat, the chap who got it from me is really happy with it which is good to hear from him 🙂 Thanks Rhythmic 🙂👍
Great demonstration. Man the only reason I didn't get a comfort seat for my AT is because I really liked the factory blue strip, like your red. So yeah, my butt suffered for my vanity😀, It sounds like you are in a tricky position as far as the aesthetics vs functionality. I'm sure this will help people make a more informed decision. Not a problem any more for me and funny enough, the KTM seat is more comfortable than the AT seat. I think they accidentally put the "ergo" seat on it.
If you got a free upgrade from KTM, embrace it.... :-D I've actually just sold this low seat, it just didn't tick the boxes for me, thankfully it does for the person who got it from me! :-)
@@HippoDrones LOL..ya got that right. Had the dealership do the first service today and it looks like beans and rice for a month. Oh okay, at least you were able to unload it to someone who will use it instead of it collecting dust.
This is great info, I'm 5' 7" with a 29" inseam, and I'm looking to trade in my R1200GS for Tuareg 660 later this year. I just need to get a test ride in now.
i wish i could show you my seat on the crf I brought second hand one and shaved the seat well low and put the cover back on. The end result was amazing and I can do100miles or more without getting uncomfortable. So my original seat never goes back on :)
Thanks for posting this value information for short riders. I wanted to check back in if anyone has found a better low seat solution for this bike? Thanks for any help you can be.
No problem mate. On the AF1 forum and some Facebook groups people have had custom seats made, but I've no idea if they are effective of not. I sold this lower seat just after recording this video and have just gotten more used to the stock seat height.
Hi Bud the low is doesn't do much, I got one for for my enduro bikes once and as you said 10mm/1cm lower but the seat is wider and I think its harder to get your leg down in trick stuff because of the wider seat and there not cheap is it a concept seat ??
@HippoDrones I have a klr too and I'll never buy another bike without cruise..The circulation in my hands is terrible so its a must for me..I wish these motorcycle companies would give there heads a shake..I'm being pushed to the aprilia even though where I live their dealer network is horrible..Id much rather buy a Honda or yamaha but they refuse to put cruise on their middle weight bikes..
I got a seat concepts seat for my T7 ,its lower, but wider when seated ,very similar feel to my 19 plate street triple good for 180 miles before fidgeting starts, but I'm more confident off road with it ,and I tend to mostly stand anyway .that stitching will cause you some rash when it gets hot ,but there's cream for that...I'd persevere ,work on the confidence💪🤘🤙
I have a Seat Concepts seat on my Beta, love it. I've actually sold this seat now as it really doesn't work for me, will just have to get used to sliding off the saddle more when I want to get a foot down.
Great video, maybe take the seat to somewhere that modifies seats for comfort, height ect ect & see if the can do anything with the original as you didn’t gain Much weight the new one .
How about getting yourself some platform shoes, probably be cheaper than a seat. 😁 Just a suggestion.......... to measure you could use a spirit level placed on the seat and measure to the underside?
Nice video. I am using the standard comfort seat. The problem with this seat is the rough surface. Depending on what pants I wear after a while it happens that my body moved but my pants did not. This results in a „bad feeling“ between my legs, or in other words: my balls hurt. 😂 I will put on the stock seat again which is also much nicer.
I had wondered how the material would be, especially when out on the trails... I hope you suffered no long term pain! 😀hahaha... that doesn't sound fun! 😀 The stock seat with the colour match looks so much better I think too 🙂
Hiya, congrats on the new bike. Any Aprilia dealership will be able to order it for you, although it will be slow. I ordered mine off Ebay from an Italian seller, took a few weeks to arrive, but possibly still quicker than going through the Aprilia UK importers.
Heya, it is a real shame that it isn't a viable option for me... The person I sold the seat to was really happy with it, so it might be worth you asking your dealership, if they have one in stock if you could try before you buy? :-)
No, I trail ride it, and have already run out of ground clearance on some of the harder trails in my area. I'd love to get it a true inch lower, but don't want to sacrifice the bikes ability in the dirt 🙂👍
I stuck with the stock seat... sold the lower one as soon as I'd posted the video, the chap who got it off me was really happy with it, but for just 10mm difference, it wasn't worth the downsides for my needs
Great video was considering low seat I’m just a bit taller at 5’9 with 30” inseam and based on your assessment I’m gonna likely leave (mines the yellow version, well acid gold I think they call it… I’ve seen it on eBay from Italian supplier for around £200 plus £25 postage for the supply wise did you get your off eBay?.. keep up the great content very interesting 👍🤙
Sadly, I think it would end up with the same issue, as you lower the foam, the seat base does not get any narrower, so the top of the seat effectively gets wider pushing your legs out negating the reduction in seat height.
I´m a fellow Tuareg rider, and I wonder wheter you have decat´ed your exhaust system? I´m in Norway so EU regulations apply for us being road legal and all.
Ah, yes. "A gnat's cock of a difference." For those who may not know, that's a fine example of Ye Olde measurement system that was first replaced by imperial and then of course, ultimately by metric. Another superbly educational video, Pete! 😄
I'm not sure, although I expect there will be an aftermarket company that will. I don't want to lose any ground clearance though, out on the trails I ride, I've already found the limits of ground clearance on the bike, if it were lower, it could cause me to get stuck.
Does someone in the aftermarket make one lower and narrower than that low seat? I'm 5'7" with a 29-30" inseam, so I have the same problem with any adv or dual sport.
I think the issue is always that you are limited by the seat pan width. Some of the taller seats are more pointy, so even if you lower the seat height, the lower point is wider and your legs are wider apart so doesn't buy you as much as you want in terms of height reduction
I am a short fella as well but have long legs and a short body, luckily! Most adventure bikes are a challenge for me also, however. The short seat one does look better 😎.
I wish I had longer legs... be nice being a bit taller too! :-D I actually sold the seat a couple of days after recording the video... It surprises me that you preferred the look of the low seat... maybe that is a road rider thing?
im a bit taller than you but luckily im long in leg...if you can flat foot with the shorter seat then that would mean i should be comfortable enough...thanks for making the video
Personally, I'd suggest sticking with the standard seat for the cost to benefit ratio... especially if long in the leg and taller than me, if I had 30" inseam or more the bike would be just about perfect.
Great to see you doing "science" in your videos too H-D, it's great getting the old tape measure out isn't it ? 😂 I'm really, really gutted that after you FINALLY got the lower seat, it turned out to be not a lot lower, less pretty and probably less comfortable in day to day use. I does seem like a pretty hard mod to justify really and it's a real shame that it doesn't give you enough of an improvement to give you significantly more confidence on the trails. I think this is a great review for anybody thinking of getting one and in all likelihood Aprilia will not sell a lot of these. Too many downsides for too little upside, plus the expense. I'm gutted that the new seat didn't make the difference you had hoped for but by now you are hopefully getting pretty adept at being on tippy-toes all of the time 🙂 Do they do platform m/c boots perhaps ? 🤔 Take care H-D, sorry the new seat wasn't the answer 😢 All the best from Spain, ER & Ruby ❤🐕
Haha... I be a scientist practically! 😀 It is the way it goes... the lower seat I have on my Beta is great, but then that bike is a lot skinnier, so losing height didn't make it wider. I've sold the seat on now, and the new owner is happy with it which is good to hear 🙂
@@HippoDrones Oh well done, at least you got out of it fairly lightly then. I got the impression that you didn’t think it was worth it for you personally, so great if somebody else can get some benefit from it 🙂 Have you looked into platform m/c boots yet ? 😛 You’ll be fine with the toerag as she is, just consider it part of the challenge Pete ! Take care, Ruby sends lots of love ❤️❤️❤️🐕 ER
Sadly (or not sadly tbh) changing bikes is not an option, all the other "proper" adv bikes are either taller or fatter or both... so unless I want to just play on tarmac, I have the most viable solution already... and if I wanted to play on tarmac only, I'd probs not get an adv bike and maybe a sports tourer instead like the new Moto Guzzi V100! 🙂 I hate being a shortarse 😀
@@HippoDrones I went to a bmwf750gs in the end as at 5.8 I can comfortably touch the floor The V100 looks like a great bike tbh, I don't know if I would want the 1st generation tho see if any problems occurred first
@@westonriders6799 I wish I was the lofty heights of 5'8" 😀 haha I had a go on my mate Big_Pezza's G650GS Sertao a couple of years back, I thought it was great, but quite girthy.
@@westonriders6799 I've had my Beta enduro bike lowered, but can't really do so with the Aprilia as it gets ridden on trails meaning ground clearance is important
Hahaha, I have a face for radio! 🤣 My ugly mug has been shown many times on the channel, but probably mostly on bikes you would be less interested in. Is Liss a similar height to me?
Thanks for the suggestion, but even at stock height I have ground out the sump guard on some of the trails I ride and had the footpegs clip the sides of ruts, I really don't want to lose ground clearance or ruin the bikes handling.
If that works for you, that is awesome, I trail ride my Tuareg though, so lowering it isn't really an option for me as it already grounds out with stock height suspenders. :-)
Seems the manufacturer is providing a lower seat just as an afterthought, not thought out properly. In the end they over charge you for their incompetence.
I'm not sure that is fair, it does lower the height, just not enough for me to be viable. And regarding the comfort level, it suits a road rider better, and a lot of people have no intention of hitting trails on their bikes.
@@HippoDrones yes, a bit harsh, but in buying a lower seat, I expect it to be at least as good as the stock, in all the same aspects. They are not cheap. Even the colour coding should not be lost. Sorry, but I like to be factual.
Thanks for this review. Just purchased my Tuareg and was curios about the lower comfort seat. Your information helped a lot.
ahh awesome stuff Mark, I hope you enjoy the 660 as much as I've enjoyed mine. Yeah, sadly the low seat from Aprilia doesn't really lower things by much. I've mostly gotten used to the height of the bike now... 10,000 miles and 2 years ownership. It is an amazing motorcycle!
I must say I agree with the low seat. I also purchased the short seat as I am also 5'6" and 29" inseam. I am actually using both seats depending on what the plan is for the day. But the stock seat is also more comfortable for me in most situations. Thanks for the video!
Ahh that is interesting, and good to know with us both being similar height that I wasn't imagining things
Thanks for the great video
Hope you found it helpful 🙂
Nice honest vid mate. A good seat makes such a difference.
Very much so
Great video with extremely useful info. I am also 5’6” with a 29” inseam and I was provided an opportunity to sit on the Tuareg with the low seat and it definitely felt better than the stock seat height wise, but I was kind of surprised I wasn’t closer to the ground honestly. Your video explained why perfectly (more like 10mm lower instead of 20mm and a bit wider too). Thanks.
Glad it could help you mate! :-)
The seat looks very nice & comfy too Pete.
You'll notice the difference for sure
I've sold it, as per the vid, it really doesn't do what I wanted from it.
Another good watch and I’m sure other owners will find this informative, as unfortunately you never no if the low seat options work for you until you spend the money , maybe have a go of getting your low seat custom made to fit you better 👌
Thanks mate 🙂
Aye, it is a nightmare if you are struggling with the height of the bike to know the best way to fix it. I got my Beta enduro bike professionally lowered which has been awesome, but that had a lot more ground clearance to start with, so sadly isn't an option for me to do on this, so it kind of left me with just the seat as a way to get it lowered.
I've since sold the low seat to someone who is really happy with it, we are all different shapes and sizes, so am glad they are happy with it. I'll just have to deal with the height for now, it is only an issue on tougher trails thankfully.
That is absolutely awesome and great vidz bro. Keep it up and more vidz to come brother.
Cheers 🍻
Ahhhhh brilliant just what I am looking for. Been pondering getting the tuareg next year, Ive got a Tiger XC which is high as stock but ive put lower seat and lowered it and its now ridable, so was hoping i could achieve the same with the Tuareg. I am also 5`6" with around 30" inseam. Youve saved me a lot of guess work here thank you Hippo!
Glad it helped. I sold the low seat after recording this video as it didn't really offer me what I wanted from it. If you have a 30" inseam, the stock height bike should be manageable for you.
Get Altrider lowering link.
Morning Pete! So Glad I got your views on this seat. I'm still trying to get one lower. We put a Lowering collar on ours. The dealer said it would drop it @3.5cm(1.5"), It ended half that but made a little difference. I'm on the balls of my toes now. But still want it lower...I'm now looking at a softer spring. I'm a light weight so don't need that stiff of a spring. We are having a difficult time finding out who made the original spring and what is the rating. We found one site and it list Olins as the maker. Contacted them, sent pics and they said it wasn't theirs. Hard over here in the States to get good info! I'm not giving up. I will find an upholsterer to have the original seat re-done. Good luck! Love seeing your rides while we are waiting for enough snow to go snowmobiling! Be safe!
I really hope you can sort something. I'm not sure who makes the spring either. I'd get my suspension lowered too, but have already ground out the subplate on some tricky descents, so am loathed to lose any ground clearance.
Although over here I am hoping we don't get any more snow, I do hope yours arrives soon for you to have fun in! 🙂
I just love that bike, great to see it.
Me too Martin, such a fun and go anywhere motorcycle 🙂👍
Thanks for your thorough review. I found it very helpful.
That is great to hear. Are you a similar height to myself?
@@HippoDrones I am somewhat taller. I can get the balls of both of my feet down in my riding boots. Nonetheless a slightly lower seat would improve my confidence in rough off road use (Rocky Mountains in USA). Given the disadvantages of the low seat option that you point out I am no longer tempted to buy it. Luckily being able to get the balls of both feet down on level pavement gives me adequate confidence.
@@andrewthompson1313 it is a shame that the seat doesn't help as much as it could.
Great video mate, thanks for sharing. I’m also a shorter rider at 5’7” and have been looking for a bike. The Tenere is just way too tall and I was hoping the Aprilia would work and well, it seems like it may. Glad there’s some options and hope for me. Thanks again and many safe travels!
No probs mate 🙂 👍
In the showroom, the bike felt impossibly tall from new, but after the first ride, the suspension beds in and it sits a little lower and softer.... but definitely more accessible than the Yamaha T7 for us shorter in the leg people!
I have the opposite problems to you, i'm 6'4 and my sv650 has a seat height of just under 31 inches, I dwarf it haha. Great technical video dude! Enjoyed it!
Ahh, I wish I was taller 😁
That was actually pretty good Pete, in depth and well explained. Given what you've shown us I think you may not even use the low, comfort (or is that low-comfort?😆) seat again.
We had the seat on Wifey's 500F changed - same frame, different shape foam and different material. She was sliding forward into the tank a lot. Maybe a solution like that is what you need, different foam shape and just adjust the original cover to the new shape?
And totally agree on the looks, the standard seat really finishes the bike off beautifully.
I've actually sold the low seat on since recording this last week, the person I sold it too is happy with it thankfully 🙂
I think the height is just something I'll have to deal with and get used to as I think modding the stock seat would end up with the same issues.
Ahh, it finally arrived! And you've got it dirty already haha
It's a shame they didn't make it look the same, I like the looks of the original seat with how the red flows from the tank.
Aye, annoyingly I had to order it myself from Italy as Aprilia can't seem to organise that lol. I've actually sold it onwards now as it didn't really do what I wanted from it, and like you say, the red looks better on the bike.
Hi Pete, another great informative video. Just had an idea… Could you do another video with a level resting on the lowest point of the seat and measure the difference? That way you wouldn’t need to gestimate the measurment… cheers.
Hi, soz, I sold the low seat as soon as I'd recorded the video as it wasn't any use to me.
Good honest review of the comfort seat. I had considered getting one for my Tuareg. I’ve now changed my mind. Is your centre stand Aprilia, or aftermarket?
Am glad it has saved you some money 🙂
The stand is the official Aprilia one, works great, loads of leverage on it, so super easy to get the bike up on it! 🙂
It looks much better with the stock seat👍🏻
I agree too :-)
Great review, good information for those with the bike!
Thanks Mark 🙂
Great video! Thanks for saving the money… I called Seat concepts USA, but they are still “ thinking “ about make one for Tuareg. I hope they will if they have enough request. I got seats from them for F800, Ktm 790R & 701… always lower than stock and not too bad on comfort…
I have a Seat Concepts seat on my Beta, love it, I'd def get one if they did a lower seat that still worked.
A good tip for mounting I find is put one foot on the peg to have a higher swing especially if you have luggage to get your leg over aherm lol
Top tip that.... and the Tuareg has a strong sidestand, so can support that.
Good video. Have you thought about removing the stock cover and trimming down the foam?
Thanks 🙂👍
I've considered it, but I think I'd end up with the same issue with the lower I sculpt it out, the wider it'll become, so I'll stick with stock height and will have to get used to being so high up.
I didn't realise that the low seat had that wider profile like you sad. I will have to measure our sculptured seats to see how much drop they have. So far we have been getting on really well with them.
It is just physics, they both share the same base, so if you Chop the top off a triangle, it gets wider the more you chop!
Great review. As I'm a few inches shorter and being in hilly wales, I have had to admit I need my feet planted. Though I do love the looks of an adventure bike.
Great review. 👌
Lady J
It is the trouble with us being shorter folk, adv bikes are mostly out of reach... unless we compromise on dirt ability... which isn't a compromise I can take. Thankfully I can get a toe down each side or flat foot one side if I slide off the bike.
Cheers J.
Brutally honest assessment at the beginning 😂
The bike is meant to be grubby 🤘
Corrr tape measure coming out, this is some proper scientific stuff here today 😉😂
I have to admit I get nervous seeing people tiptoe bikes 😅 thankfully at 6’2 I’ve never really had to do it 🤘
However that said in your videos I’d of never of said you’ve struggled with the height of this bike, must be your experience and skill because I know a lot of short guys would struggle for sure.
That new seat definitely has a lower profile for sure, Ahah don’t worry you were making sense 😂
Personally I think I would still with the stock one, only because it looks nicer, feels nicer and will last better on the green lanes, plus like you’ve shown you can handle the bike even at the taller height, so personally I think if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it 👍
Great video mate, hope you’re doing well 🤘
Hahaha, well I am pretty short! 😀
Def meant to be grubby, especially this time of year, a nice protective layer of dirt to keep it safe from the winter salt and grime... worked for the Mary Rose! 😀
I am quite envious of taller people, although being short was def a benefit on a submarine when I was in the RN.
I very much struggle on the tougher stuff... I'll not take this bike back down to Pevensey Marshes again, that was horrific on this bike... I'd struggle there on my Beta too though.
I have actually since recording this sold the low seat, the chap who got it from me is really happy with it which is good to hear from him 🙂
Thanks Rhythmic 🙂👍
Great demonstration. Man the only reason I didn't get a comfort seat for my AT is because I really liked the factory blue strip, like your red. So yeah, my butt suffered for my vanity😀, It sounds like you are in a tricky position as far as the aesthetics vs functionality. I'm sure this will help people make a more informed decision. Not a problem any more for me and funny enough, the KTM seat is more comfortable than the AT seat. I think they accidentally put the "ergo" seat on it.
If you got a free upgrade from KTM, embrace it.... :-D
I've actually just sold this low seat, it just didn't tick the boxes for me, thankfully it does for the person who got it from me! :-)
@@HippoDrones LOL..ya got that right. Had the dealership do the first service today and it looks like beans and rice for a month.
Oh okay, at least you were able to unload it to someone who will use it instead of it collecting dust.
@@BigDaveTALKS Yup, I'd probably only fit it for long distance rides, which was not what I got it for, I got it for trail rides
Great job, but measuring with the bike sag off the center stand, both will be down a few mm.
Thanks Pierre 🙂
I was measuring to show the difference in seat height between the two seats, not the ride height or sag.
This is great info, I'm 5' 7" with a 29" inseam, and I'm looking to trade in my R1200GS for Tuareg 660 later this year. I just need to get a test ride in now.
Glad to hear it was helpful mate.
with a 29" inseam you can just about manage the bike, but it is on the cusp of height
Get Altrider lowering link.
Great video
Ahh thank you Hakim :-)
i wish i could show you my seat on the crf I brought second hand one and shaved the seat well low and put the cover back on. The end result was amazing and I can do100miles or more without getting uncomfortable. So my original seat never goes back on :)
had to buy an electric knife :)
It is a shame there are no secondhand parts available currently... the CRF is a cracking bike, am glad you were able to make it fit you better
Great information... is this specifically called "low comfort seat" in their accessory catalog? I can't seem to find it.
Glad it was helpful. Ummm... I think so, or comfort seat - low, or similar. They do a tall, medium and low version
@@HippoDrones Their online catalog is not very intuitive! Thanks again!
@@HippoDrones Found it... OEM Aprilia Comfort Saddle, -3/4 inch lower - 2S001876
@@embryophytelove ahh well done, yup that sounds like it! 🙂
Thanks for posting this value information for short riders. I wanted to check back in if anyone has found a better low seat solution for this bike? Thanks for any help you can be.
No problem mate.
On the AF1 forum and some Facebook groups people have had custom seats made, but I've no idea if they are effective of not. I sold this lower seat just after recording this video and have just gotten more used to the stock seat height.
Get Altrider lowering link.
Problem solved
Bit of a shame it didn't make more difference, but good vid Pete helpful for toerag owners 👌
Aye, and I don't think getting my stock seat sculpted would be any better an option, so will just have to grow a couple of inches instead! 🤣
@@HippoDrones high heels 😎
@@MVDBR only on the weekends... but you'll have to call me Patricia! :-D hahaha
@@HippoDrones 😅😅👌👌
@@MVDBR 😀
Hi Bud
the low is doesn't do much, I got one for for my enduro bikes once and as you said 10mm/1cm lower
but the seat is wider and I think its harder to get your leg down in trick stuff because of the wider seat and there not cheap
is it a concept seat ??
Hi, it is an Aprilia seat, Seat Concepts don't do one for the Tuareg yet sadly. I have one on my Beta, and it is awesome.
@@HippoDrones
wow Aprilia got it wrong then hey !!
@@ozbiker5311 just not right for me 🙂
I've sold it to a chap who is really happy with it 🙂
Im 5'9 but 30inch inseam im thinking about getting one of these or a transalp..Im leaning towards the aprilia because of the cruise though.
The cruise control is very welcome. I use it often.
@HippoDrones I have a klr too and I'll never buy another bike without cruise..The circulation in my hands is terrible so its a must for me..I wish these motorcycle companies would give there heads a shake..I'm being pushed to the aprilia even though where I live their dealer network is horrible..Id much rather buy a Honda or yamaha but they refuse to put cruise on their middle weight bikes..
@@TheMarky26 it is a great bike, you'll love it in the dirt
I got a seat concepts seat for my T7 ,its lower, but wider when seated ,very similar feel to my 19 plate street triple good for 180 miles before fidgeting starts, but I'm more confident off road with it ,and I tend to mostly stand anyway .that stitching will cause you some rash when it gets hot ,but there's cream for that...I'd persevere ,work on the confidence💪🤘🤙
I have a Seat Concepts seat on my Beta, love it.
I've actually sold this seat now as it really doesn't work for me, will just have to get used to sliding off the saddle more when I want to get a foot down.
I have the tall one and love it.
Ahh that is great to hear. Is it as firm as this one or softer?
@@HippoDrones same i think with more meat.
@@Rob-tl9md ahh interesting. I very much wish I was taller... these adv bikes are so much fun! 😃
@@HippoDrones yea. I am 6'3"
@@Rob-tl9md a giant! 🤣
Great video, maybe take the seat to somewhere that modifies seats for comfort, height ect ect & see if the can do anything with the original as you didn’t gain Much weight the new one .
Cheers Colin. I think it is a case of physics... you can't Chop the top off a triangle without it getting wider.
How about getting yourself some platform shoes, probably be cheaper than a seat. 😁 Just a suggestion.......... to measure you could use a spirit level placed on the seat and measure to the underside?
Hahaha, or just some stiletto heels! :-D
Ahh, top tip re measuring the heights, ty :-)
Nice video. I am using the standard comfort seat. The problem with this seat is the rough surface. Depending on what pants I wear after a while it happens that my body moved but my pants did not. This results in a „bad feeling“ between my legs, or in other words: my balls hurt. 😂 I will put on the stock seat again which is also much nicer.
I had wondered how the material would be, especially when out on the trails... I hope you suffered no long term pain! 😀hahaha... that doesn't sound fun! 😀
The stock seat with the colour match looks so much better I think too 🙂
That's a shame about the seat mate.
I gotta say, your getting pretty good in front of the cam now, well explained. I like the look of the OEM seat!
Aye, I'll just have to grow a few more inches 🤣
@@HippoDrones Same inseam as me mate, vertically challenged
@@davexs 😀
Hello mate...recently bought a T660 and considering the comfort seat (standard height) - where did you buy yours from (can't from a UK supplier)?
Hiya, congrats on the new bike. Any Aprilia dealership will be able to order it for you, although it will be slow. I ordered mine off Ebay from an Italian seller, took a few weeks to arrive, but possibly still quicker than going through the Aprilia UK importers.
@@HippoDrones okay thanks - will take a look.
@@CR4ZYHOR5E 🙂
Thanks for saving my money )
Heya, it is a real shame that it isn't a viable option for me... The person I sold the seat to was really happy with it, so it might be worth you asking your dealership, if they have one in stock if you could try before you buy? :-)
@@HippoDrones what I currently see as a viable option is to get a low seat and further tailor it.
@@Adventurous_noob could work, although it was the width of it that stopped the one I had being effective
Thought about lowering the bike ?
No, I trail ride it, and have already run out of ground clearance on some of the harder trails in my area.
I'd love to get it a true inch lower, but don't want to sacrifice the bikes ability in the dirt 🙂👍
I am 6'4" and order comfor seat too. High version) hope it+low pegs+raised bar 30mm help me)
I hope it works out for you, I've heard good things about the high version of the comfort seat! 🙂
Thanks, so with which did you stick with?
I stuck with the stock seat... sold the lower one as soon as I'd posted the video, the chap who got it off me was really happy with it, but for just 10mm difference, it wasn't worth the downsides for my needs
Does it have thick rubber grommets like my V85tt which l shortened to 10mm lower seat.
Ahh, I forgot to look, I don't recall any, but if so it could lower it a little with the stock seat!
Great video was considering low seat I’m just a bit taller at 5’9 with 30” inseam and based on your assessment I’m gonna likely leave (mines the yellow version, well acid gold I think they call it… I’ve seen it on eBay from Italian supplier for around £200 plus £25 postage for the supply wise did you get your off eBay?.. keep up the great content very interesting 👍🤙
Cheers Jason 🙂
Yeah, I got this one off ebay direct from Italy, worked out a wedge cheaper than getting it in the UK.
Thank you 🙂
How about shaving some foam of the original seat? If you can find a good cushioner off course.
Sadly, I think it would end up with the same issue, as you lower the foam, the seat base does not get any narrower, so the top of the seat effectively gets wider pushing your legs out negating the reduction in seat height.
Just get some dico boots. 2" platforms should do it.
Hahaha 😀
I´m a fellow Tuareg rider, and I wonder wheter you have decat´ed your exhaust system? I´m in Norway so EU regulations apply for us being road legal and all.
Hi Geir, yes.. I have the Arrow full system which is a de-cat. I have tuned the ECU with an UpMap device.
I have the same issues with my Yamaha FJ-09, know as MT09 Tracer in Europe. I have to tiptoe the bike lol.
It sucks being short hey 😆
@@HippoDrones yes 🤣
@@Viper6-MotoVlogger 🤣
Its always a problem for us short arses 🤣 the Tuareg looks sweet, nice vid
Aye, although my Beta is taller, it is easier to get a foot down... (it has been lowered 2" and obvs is a lot lighter)
@Hippo-Drones a bit skinnier too, modern dirt bikes are thin to help us short people out 🤣👍
@@crugwrf aye... If only we could get the same on adv bikes... although, then I guess they would not be very comfy over distance! 😀
Ah, yes.
"A gnat's cock of a difference."
For those who may not know, that's a fine example of Ye Olde measurement system that was first replaced by imperial and then of course, ultimately by metric.
Another superbly educational video, Pete! 😄
:-D hahaha :-D I miss the old ways! :-D
Do they do a lowering link for this bike yet? as that would then make it perfect height for us average height men haha.
I'm not sure, although I expect there will be an aftermarket company that will. I don't want to lose any ground clearance though, out on the trails I ride, I've already found the limits of ground clearance on the bike, if it were lower, it could cause me to get stuck.
@@HippoDrones There is a German/Austrian rider that is same size as us (globally average) and I think he had his lowering link from sw motech?
@@Scarletpimp72 ahh cool. Like I say though, I don't want to reduce my ground clearance, so it isn't something I've researched 🙂👍
Does someone in the aftermarket make one lower and narrower than that low seat? I'm 5'7" with a 29-30" inseam, so I have the same problem with any adv or dual sport.
Not currently, although I could take the stock seat to an upholsterers maybe
I think the issue is always that you are limited by the seat pan width. Some of the taller seats are more pointy, so even if you lower the seat height, the lower point is wider and your legs are wider apart so doesn't buy you as much as you want in terms of height reduction
@@dankatz3 Yup, I think you hit the nail on the head there Dan 🙂
I am a short fella as well but have long legs and a short body, luckily! Most adventure bikes are a challenge for me also, however. The short seat one does look better 😎.
I wish I had longer legs... be nice being a bit taller too! :-D
I actually sold the seat a couple of days after recording the video... It surprises me that you preferred the look of the low seat... maybe that is a road rider thing?
@@HippoDrones I meant the short seat looked better for your leg length . Even though it was only 10 mm. Visually I liked the original 😎
Do you plan to make a video of how to remove the carbon canister delete?
Hi, thanks for the question. I don't have any plans to do that though. What benefits are there for removing that stuff?
im a bit taller than you but luckily im long in leg...if you can flat foot with the shorter seat then that would mean i should be comfortable enough...thanks for making the video
Personally, I'd suggest sticking with the standard seat for the cost to benefit ratio... especially if long in the leg and taller than me, if I had 30" inseam or more the bike would be just about perfect.
Great to see you doing "science" in your videos too H-D, it's great getting the old tape measure out isn't it ? 😂
I'm really, really gutted that after you FINALLY got the lower seat, it turned out to be not a lot lower, less pretty and probably less comfortable in day to day use.
I does seem like a pretty hard mod to justify really and it's a real shame that it doesn't give you enough of an improvement to give you significantly more confidence on the trails.
I think this is a great review for anybody thinking of getting one and in all likelihood Aprilia will not sell a lot of these. Too many downsides for too little upside, plus the expense.
I'm gutted that the new seat didn't make the difference you had hoped for but by now you are hopefully getting pretty adept at being on tippy-toes all of the time 🙂
Do they do platform m/c boots perhaps ? 🤔
Take care H-D, sorry the new seat wasn't the answer 😢
All the best from Spain,
ER & Ruby ❤🐕
Haha... I be a scientist practically! 😀
It is the way it goes... the lower seat I have on my Beta is great, but then that bike is a lot skinnier, so losing height didn't make it wider. I've sold the seat on now, and the new owner is happy with it which is good to hear 🙂
@@HippoDrones Oh well done, at least you got out of it fairly lightly then. I got the impression that you didn’t think it was worth it for you personally, so great if somebody else can get some benefit from it 🙂
Have you looked into platform m/c boots yet ? 😛
You’ll be fine with the toerag as she is, just consider it part of the challenge Pete !
Take care, Ruby sends lots of love ❤️❤️❤️🐕
ER
@@economicalrides Aye, thankfully not too much out of pocket.
Haha... I'll give them a miss lol 😀
Cheers mate 🙂
I have similar issues with bikes I had a low seat made for my AT but it was so bloody hard so I changed the bike lol
Sadly (or not sadly tbh) changing bikes is not an option, all the other "proper" adv bikes are either taller or fatter or both... so unless I want to just play on tarmac, I have the most viable solution already... and if I wanted to play on tarmac only, I'd probs not get an adv bike and maybe a sports tourer instead like the new Moto Guzzi V100! 🙂
I hate being a shortarse 😀
@@HippoDrones I went to a bmwf750gs in the end as at 5.8 I can comfortably touch the floor
The V100 looks like a great bike tbh, I don't know if I would want the 1st generation tho see if any problems occurred first
@@westonriders6799 I wish I was the lofty heights of 5'8" 😀 haha
I had a go on my mate Big_Pezza's G650GS Sertao a couple of years back, I thought it was great, but quite girthy.
@@HippoDrones the editor in chief has the f700 and she loves it we did have it lowered with a full suspension kit she's 5.4 and it fits her great
@@westonriders6799 I've had my Beta enduro bike lowered, but can't really do so with the Aprilia as it gets ridden on trails meaning ground clearance is important
Eyy face reveal! Maybe you have before but I haven't seen it. Liss has the same height issues.
Hahaha, I have a face for radio! 🤣
My ugly mug has been shown many times on the channel, but probably mostly on bikes you would be less interested in. Is Liss a similar height to me?
Drop your forks and rear shock just another 10 mm since it already has 240mm f travel, more than most in this catagory
Thanks for the suggestion, but even at stock height I have ground out the sump guard on some of the trails I ride and had the footpegs clip the sides of ruts, I really don't want to lose ground clearance or ruin the bikes handling.
Why not wearing high sole motorcycling boots they are very effective
Not really possible with offroad boots
Looks like the lower seat came up short (sorry)
Hahaha 😆
Just get the Altrider lowering link.
Problem solved
Your welcome
If that works for you, that is awesome, I trail ride my Tuareg though, so lowering it isn't really an option for me as it already grounds out with stock height suspenders. :-)
Understand, but 75% don’t ride as hard as you and will definitely enjoy the lowering link 🥳
@@ChrisSauer-oe5ve 🙂👍
Way to show that lower is not always closer to the ground for your legs. It does not matter what bike.
Yup, especially when using the stock seat pan as it will just get wider the lower it is chopped down! 🙂
Just step on from the opposite side.
eh?
@@HippoDrones ua-cam.com/video/gw3wshcxS9Y/v-deo.htmlsi=WPhMCQW1pmWGlVbh
Seems the manufacturer is providing a lower seat just as an afterthought, not thought out properly. In the end they over charge you for their incompetence.
I'm not sure that is fair, it does lower the height, just not enough for me to be viable. And regarding the comfort level, it suits a road rider better, and a lot of people have no intention of hitting trails on their bikes.
@@HippoDrones yes, a bit harsh, but in buying a lower seat, I expect it to be at least as good as the stock, in all the same aspects. They are not cheap. Even the colour coding should not be lost. Sorry, but I like to be factual.
@@davidmallia628 it would def have been nicer to have kept the colour option with the red stripe, and the same fabric too