I actually appreciate you guys have done this review from the perspective of average riders who are looking to ride offroad with their ADV bikes, rather than pushing the bikes to the limits as competitive pro racers. I've been thinking about getting into the ADV side recently and would definitely want to ride offroad a ton. The Yamaha had my attention already and being 6' myself it sounds like it would be a better fit for me. Great review guys!
You may have underlined that the Aprilia suspensions can be set to your taste of riding : front end confidence tgat you mentioned is impacted by the clics you set. Also lower center of gravity on the Tuareg makes it easier to handle. Aorilia electronics with traction control abd riding modes are a plus when the tracks come wet. Anyway, thanks for review. I'm riding a 500excf and a 890R. I tested both Tenere and Tuareg, and I prefered the Tuareg in every thing of riding off-road, and on-road.
Having a 2021 T7 Rally and loving it (ok, let's overlook the jerky throttle and the cheap suspensions...), after a long test on a bike provided by my dealer I can say that the Aprilia is a far superior bike in almost all compartments. I just don't like that much the design, especially the headlight.
If Aprilia had a different art designer working for them, and if they had just copied every visual feature from the Triumph Tiger 800, they would have created the single greatest ADV bike in history. Unfortunately the Tuareg is the perfect bike, one of the best motorcycles ever made, but it's only a 9 out of 10, because of the odd front end. I normally won't consider buying an ugly bike, but the Taureg is a masterpiece, and from the side, it's much better looking than the KTM's with their ridiculous fuel tanks. It's also possible that if you painted the bike red, or blue, and got rid of the weird rally colors, it might actually make that front end work, visually speaking.
@@Ritalie Interesting! I did test ride the Aprillia and found it very nice and there was enough power. The front end is a different story though... in reality it doesn´t look that weird than it does in pictures but your idea of painting it sounds good. Maybe I will ask the dealer to add some spray cans to convince me to buy it ;)
Yep, an extra inch of suspension travel in the rear and the shock. Cruise control is not relevant off road so we didn’t really consider that as a feature. The Tuareg is definitely a good platform. Have you ridden both bikes?
Nice riding, the aprilia definitely more height challenged friendly but can’t believe the suspension was disregarded since the aprilia has a better suspension, more travel and is fully adjustable. Also, the lower gravity of the aprilia makes it easier to pick up. Lastly, the electronics on the aprilia make it more forgiving with the on the fly traction controls. Feels like the one kid picked the Tenere because it was HIS bike and is more used to it, Or else the points I mentioned would have been brought up. Front brake on the aprilia is considered a little weak compared to the higher end mid size bikes so that point doesn’t make sense.
The Aprilia has antilock brakes standard on the front I think? At least in one review, the dirt mode selection shuts the ABS off in the back, but leaves it on up front, so you don't lockup the front wheel. In another review I watched, the guy said that the Tuareg is better than the Tenere in every way, better engine, suspension, handling, and electronics, basically every aspect of the bike is better. The Tenere is a really good bike, but if you're being totally objective, the Tuareg is more bike for the money, because they are priced very similar.
not sure it is the better bike for the money, maybe just when you buy it new...but, especially if you need to sell it second hand, I live in Italy and still didn't see one tuareg on the road, then it's going to have a very small market...cheers@@Ritalie
It’s definitely a great platform. It will be interesting to see how the Aprilia holds up over the next 12 to 18 months once people starting to put some real mileage on the bike.
@@SocalOffroadSchool Yes that will be the decisive moment. But Aprilia have a winner, with the Tuareg 660 platform. Aprilia would be fools not to run with this success, coming out with a 2nd iteration that addresses the niggles, and that has built in more reliability, and sturdiness for hard usage.
The reviews for the Tuareg are the most positive I've seen for any bike. The Harley Pan America has similarly glowing reviews, but the Harley is probably double the price, and 100 pounds more.
Just tried the Tuareg the other day, I felt it was insanely nimble and the engine was incredibly nice on the gravel. Didn't do any extensive riding though, and have not tried the T7.
That is amazing how the Tuareg has more power on the bottom and revs higher with more power on the top than the T-7 considering the T-7 has a lower first gear and a taller sixth gear which the T-7 has a much better gearing than the Tuareg, I guess it goes to show that the Tuareg has the superior motor over the T-7 and I am seeing more than the usual amount of reviews going with the Tuareg beating out the T-7. Love the review and that is why I subscribed!
The gear ratios are shit on the Tuareg, and they are shit on ALL BIKES. There needs to be a worldwide global "Summit" to force manufacturers of all motorcycles into changing 6th gear into an overdrive. And they even need to mandate the engine RPM algorithm, so manufacturers have to install a REAL OVERDRIVE gear on EVERY MODEL motorcycle they sell, except for race only motorcycles that won't be driven on public roads. Only a race track motorcycle should have a tight ratio 6 speed, with no overdrive. Back in 1970, Malcom Smith had to get Husqvarna to make him an 8 speed transmission for his 250cc enduro, to use for Califonria desert racing, and other longer races, because of the shitty horrendous low gears. IT was a problem 50 years ago, and it's still a problem today - bikes NEED TALLER GEARS.
If I remember right, the Yamaha used some type of odd crankshaft configuration on the Yamaha Tenere 700cc, which makes it have a rough, coarse sound. There is a trend right now (I hope it ends sooner rather than later) for companies to use flat plane crankshafts, and non-standard non-balanced crankshaft configurations, just to be different, and for no other reason. There is no good engineering reason to change the crankshaft but that's what Yamaha and Triumph have done to all their bikes, and they sound awful as a result. Fortunately the Yamaha triples are using a standard crankshaft, and they sound awesome, but most of their other bikes are using the "flat plane" crankshaft, which sounds awful. It's clear that the Aprilia sounds like a normal parallel twin, so they are using a standard crankshaft, which gives it that glassy smoothness, which is AWESOME. Sorry I'm a bit rusty on the actual terminology, but you can go and listen to a new Triumph Tiger 900, or a new Yamaha R6, and listen to the Tenere, if you want to hear the horrible "odd" firing order they have. Ditto on the new Corvette which sounds WEIRD.
@@Ritalie Both the T7 and toureg 660 use the same cross plane crank configuration. Most people love the sound of the CP2 motor with nice exhaust as it sounds like a V twin.
Thanks for watching. The ADV bikes are definitely tall. We are getting the new Kawasaki KLR S in a couple of weeks with the lowered set up. Really interested to see how that will compare to the taller bikes.
I would have thought the Tuareg would feel a little bit lower center of gravity in view of its fuel carried under the seat, the Tenere having more weight over the front tire for downhill turning assist.
The Tuareg is easier to turn in slow, tight sections. That’s where the weight sitting lower in the bike helps a lot. At higher speeds that weight starts to push the front end more and gives you the feeling of losing the front end in the turns.
NIce comparative!! You have not ttalk about suspensions in each bike. They are quite diferent in travel and adjustability. Agree with you that the seat high is probably the big t difference if you are not taller enough.
Correct, The Aprilia has more travel in the shock and the fork. In the video I referred more to the feel of the bike with the suspension set up to OEM spec. Both of them would need a suspension upgrade for real hard offroad riding just to keep the suspension higher up in its stroke. Have you ridden both bikes?
Suspension travel and weight are the two most important factors. I took the Tuareg for a test ride, didn't like it, airbox was noisy, shifting was hard, it seemed nice but I didn't connect with the bike . Bought a used Dr650 instead....
@@SocalOffroadSchool Its heavily modified, jet kit, exhaust, lowered final drive, fork cartriges and springs up front. Just need to replace the rear shock to something decent.
Thinking the same. Ride a Tenere with Öhlins on it and its awesome in all aspects except the top heavy weight. Wondering about the DR, can you set up a really good suspension on that one?
That was a great idea, having you both weigh in with your thoughts and preferences. Kudos! I'm shorter, but a dirt rider first, so... 🤔 God be with you! 😎💪🙏🌞☮️
Edgars height or even more important inseam? Love my T7 but it is tall for me at 5'7". Only concern is at super low speeds and stops especially on uneven terrain.
Thank You! I think a proper off road front tire will make a big difference. We just mounted some Mitas on the Tenere and that was a great step in front end feel. I’m sure the Tuareg would benefit from that.
I own a Tenere 700 And swapped with my friends Tuareg 660. My impressions. The Six60 looks like and feels like a better built motorcycle. The lower seat height is much better for me you sit in the bike and that makes it feel comfortable along with its more comfortable seat, for longer easier journeys the suspension was also softer than my 700 so all in all it was a comfy soft welcoming ride. The engine felt much less responsive than the 700. It didn’t really come alive until 4000 revs. I felt I was riding a comfy long distance midweight adventure styled touring bike. When I got back on my 700 I was amazed at how firm responsive and slim. It felt like a racing bike compared to the 660. I completely understand why people prefer the 660, it is lower more comfortable has slightly better quality and has more technology. Would I swap it with my 700? I don’t think so …I’m afraid the front of the bike is just a mess of a design. The Tenere looks more purposeful better proportioned and is really a classic of motorcycle design. If The Tenere was built more like the 660 in terms of seat height, quality and comfort it would be untouchable. As it is I am slightly envious of the lower seat height and quality build of the 660 but still prefer the engine, rally heritage and overall design aesthetic of the 700. However, and although for me it still wins this round, it has definitely taken a good punch in the face from the 660!
I definitely see your point. I almost bought a Tuareg 660 2 years ago. Off-road it was really capable and as you said, a more refined bike compared with the T7. Then I spent 2 days riding the Ducati DesertX and just fell in love with it. Yes, it rides extremely well in the dirt, but the power and handling on the asphalt did it for me.
You know it is pretty easy to lower the seat height on a tenere right? Dog bones, lower seat, and shorter kickstand. That Yamaha CP2 motor will last longer than most of us. I love the features on the Tuareg though, especially the tubeless wheels, and the cruise control. Hopefully Yamaha ups their game to compete.
I also put value on Yamahas dealer network at areas where I usually ride and live. Yamaha has so much dealers and support all around Europe. Needed it many times 😊 Plus I do love my T7 😂 Next summer I will definitely test ride that Aprilia
@@PatchedBandit but, reportedly, Yamaha's are so reliable, I would have thought you never need a dealer nearby. Sorry, for being cynical here, but hope you get my point.
@@davidmallia628 No I don’t. I travel with my motorcycle. Last year I used Yamaha dealers all around Europe all the way from Greece to Finland and many places inbetween. It’s not always about breaking down but basic service, parts and addons that yamaha dealers have in stock pretty well usually. Dealer network FOR ME is essential.
@@PatchedBandit useless dealership support, because the Tenere just doesnt need it! The tenere is built with reliability in mind, none of that rider modes bollocks and shite like that. proper rider's bike. and this is me talking after owning an R1200GSA and a Tracer 9GT (amongst many others)
@@nemerkha I have bought oem parts all over europe during my travels and bought factory servicing to ly Tenere on my trips. Dealers dont only repair faults Just because you cant see the value doesnt mean its not there for me.
I liked your video very much! Interesting comparison. Only one wish I would have. Being from Germany, I, (like the rest of the planet) have little to do with pounds and gallons. It would be great if you guys would mention the international metric system as a supplement. Otherwise, keep up the good work!
Wäre für mich auch einfacher, weil ich auch Deutscher bin. Die Motorräder die uns hier gestellt werden kommen immer nur mit den US Specs, aber in Zukunft werden wir die restlichen Infos Googeln und dazu schreiben 👍🏻 Danke für dein Feedback.
And parts availability/support especially in Australia. Tenere with suspension work or even better the World Raid would make it close or better all things considered. I’d like either.
Looking for my first bike and for a medium adventure bike i fell for the Tenere at the local dealer, but its too high. I am nearly 6' but inseam 30, im on tiptoes and not confident sadly. Read about lowering but i dont know. Good review thanks!
Looks like the T7 has E07's on it and the Tuareg has the stock Pirelli's. E07's are a pretty solid 50/50 tire while the scorpions are absolute shite in the dirt, that may be a factor in how you feel the Tuareg front washing out. I have owned both, I love my T7
I am 6 foot and find the Yamaha annoyingly top-heavy.. combined with the seat height that makes it quite a handful offroad. If your out of balance and you need to get your leg down you better have long legs
You two really feel there is no, or very little difference in the suspensions of these two bikes? Have you had any problems with the Tuareg? The unknown reliability of the Aprilia is a huge drawback for me..
We set them both up according to their manual to get the most OEM feel for both bikes. In the terrain we rode there wasn’t a big difference in the feel of the bike. The Aprilia has an extra inch of suspension travel in the front and the rear so that will provide you with more room to play around with your set up. Depending on rider weight and riding style, both bikes would need a suspension setting upgrade. Someone commented on our Aprilia video that they put 12k miles on the Tuareg without any issues. Reliability seems to be the biggest concern when it comes to the Tuareg.
@@SocalOffroadSchool .. The ADV I buy will be kept for a long time. I do my own repairs and maintenance. Reliability and even simplicity are important to me. It'll also be a 3rd bike for me so the less I have to do the better ;)
Reliability is the reason why I just buy japanese bikes. Never had problems with them so far. Friends of mine ride Ducatis, KTMs, Aprilias etc. and they never had a season without any issues. I would love to own a Moto Guzzi V85TT or an Aprilia Tuareg..but I'm really afraid of "unexpected issues" tbh. And I think the T7 looks way better than the T660 (on the front end).
@@sebbwebbo7557 This statement was true 30 years ago - now there are plenty of Japanese lemons out there. When I was looking for a new bike I wish I bought a Moto Guzzi V85tt, which was the bike I wanted instead of an Africa Twin, which I bought because I thought it would be easier to maintain. I was horribly wrong, I ended up with an unreliable bike that I didn’t like, and very expensive to maintain. Funny enough, those Guzzis seems to be very solid
@@SocalOffroadSchool Down here is the GS 12xx and Tiger 900. We have a great group of KTms, most of them 990, 690 and now few 890. Our problem here is the availability of different bikes and the price that is really expensive.
There is a lot of to like on Tuareg when it comes to specs, but for me it lacks some sort of appeal/emotions/character as a package, which is quite unusual on Italian bike. Italian reliability and Italian warranty (often non-existent or very problematic from my experience) is potential issue. I love the simplicity of the T7, great bike with soul.
Yamaha feels cheap( especially suspension) and flimsy!!! Aprilia not reliable? Last 20 years Aprilia is making crazy reliable bikes. Go and test both bikes and see them in person and T7 is going to be disappointment at first sight… If you are bigger sized person over 90kg than yammy is not for you…
I am really surprised that you feel the tenere to be smoother on the low end. I find that the tenere is very jerky on the throttle and lot of torque very quickly. While the tuareg deliver it much more progressively. Is it that tenere remapped the engine or we use different mode on the tuareg?
The One Feature that is a Deal Breaker, (I know it's not used Off-Road very offen, but you might for open streaches) and you guys don't even mention it. CRUISE CONTROL I would not even consider buying a Yamahe T7 because it doesn't have it. Funny, Yamaha put Cruise Contrrol on my '22 MT-09SP which is an around town hoolican bike, and Yamaha also puts it on the their Super Tenere, but NOT on the T7. Deal Breaker.
Yeah if you're really gonna do any road work to the trails which really what these bikes are designed for, CC is a game changer. Very few people are gonna trailer these adv bikes to the dirt.
Nah not really, plenty of bikes with CC, just buy one of those and leave all the extra crap off our T7's, I think they have 30% of the european market so it's certainly not a deal breaker for many.
Yup review of adventure bikes by pro riders is almost irrelevant. I can see by their comments like cruise control is irrelevant because its not needed offroad". And they grade suspension just by how hard it allows you to ride. Complete nonsense, you can't review those bikes from enduro /racee perspective, thats irrelevant
🤷🏼♂️ It’s an off road review so cruise control is definitely irrelevant. And most riders that ride either of these two bikes mention that the suspension is too soft for their liking. Almost every Tenere that comes through our training classes has upgraded suspension and non of these guys race their ADV bikes.
Great review But smaller cc and more horsepower scare me. Something going to give in? It's equivalent to adding turbo or booster to a engine. More power + more repair.
Whatever shit is being said. Basically you get everything ruined! But my Tuareg has been running for 20,000km in hard terrain without a single problem. Don't keep saying everything you think you mean
aprilia got more power lower down. i ride a T7 that is very hard to beleive. two pro riders that was a crap vid. i would think pro riders would have stuck some proper tyres on and rode the crap out of them.
Yes ,I was under the impression the extra HP on the Aprilia came at the cost of low down Torque, that seems to be what most reviewers say, One guy said he stalled the Tuareg a lot more than the T7.
@@silverdale3207 got the tuareg its awsome in my opinion , i do belive down low tenere have much more torque at start , bike is very easy to stall especially if machine is not warm enough
Tenere 700 its bad enginered motocycle . Top heavy. Overheating. Very small tank. Front suspension is garbage. T7 is uncomfortable, . Springs are for 70kg rider .
have you owned one? have you tried one? literally over 60k group members and not one mention of any mechanical problems. the most balanced bike i ever owned (i had an r1200gsa and went to the t7)
@@nemerkha i have tenere 700 from april 2022. Mechaniicaly engine is very simple and i think that its realable. But that engine wasnt enginered to t7. His build is very high and on roght side touch leg. It has good characteristic but nothing what give ass thrills. But engine is even good in t7 but his high build not. And all is putt from shells with cheap garbage. All accesories no fit each other. Motorcycle is very hight on rider over 185 cm when sag is correct, and yamaha put in springs on 70kg rider. Short footpegs , they are like no one would buy it, and yamaha put this garbage to tenere 700. Next handlebbars. It has very small sweep, its straight, very uncomfortable, its the same, i think no one would buy it, and yamaha put it to tenere 700. Small tank, on internet there are lies about range. In reality range is about 260km, when we ride already about 50km with blinking reserve. And i put gasoline to cap, nuy i shouldnt, there should be air gap. Next it overheating every time in summer. Two cylinder simple engine , no covered, and fan is still running. Its garbage. I have vfr 800 from 99 v4 and there is better! Its shame. That should be repair on service action. Next front suspension. The same , no one would buy it from kayaba, and yamaha put that garbage to tenere 700. And they lie that it has 21 cm travel, when truth is 20cm. So its closer to vstrom 650 than gs800. But travel is good for specs, dimmension is what we should look on. This suspension is awfull, it rips arms from body. Next exhaust, shame how its mounted, why not closer under seat? That we could mount simetrical trunks? With this mount on offroad we can bend frame. There is not subframe removable. And finish qulity of exhaust, its awfull, not stainless steal, but something like black powder, with many scratches. Yamaha was testing this bike very long, i think that they looks for more garbage from market to put in on this bike and have better income. I dont know what costs in this simple motorcycle that we pay like for a car, and even suspension isnt decent. I dont recomend this motorcycle and yamaha enginers. They should utilise that all garbage around the world what people change in this motorcycle. I thing to send box to japan with that garbage, let they utilise it. On afterrmarket everything is very pricey. Yamaha had the best chance to produce good motorcycle, with decent quality of suspension, in good money. But they prefer to put garbages to they customers. And next they mounting top suspension for paul tarres and talk bulshittt how it is super oh ah. Yamaha enginers with 70 years expiriens.... what a shiliit! T7 is not cheap! I could buy 2 years used car in mild condition, which weight 1,5 ton, and is twice more sophisticated , twice better enginered than tis garbage t7.
@@pablobablo2057 to be fair nobody forced you to buy the t7. Am sure you knew what you were buying and researched it prior to that. You bought a bike that didnt meet your needs or desires, not the bikes fault its yours. Plenty of adv bikes on the market. You could have gone with the KTM or the bmw, AT? Those are sophisticated enough with bells and whistles.the CP2 engine IS the mist reliable engine in the last 15 years - fact. People who buy a T7, buy it for a reason - simplicity, reliability and fun. If you want a bloody ipad with wheels look somewhere else.
@@nemerkha cp 2 is reliable engine. Is it proved? Evryone complain on bmw for ecamle gs but their motorcyles run very much mileages in small years. People run it around the world. Cp2 engines has small milleages. But i know that its reliable. And i didnt wanted sophisticated motorcycle. I wanted simple but GOOD enginered its difference. I know about specs before i bought it. The most dissapointment is front suspension and small tank. Bigger tank like 19 litres would be only a few cmeters widther. So why they did so small. 19 litres would be accurate. Why so many people around the world talk about tank! Because its too small! And there is army people buyed for yamaha which lie that range is 350km or more. 5litres per 100km its 300km to total empty tank. Because its take 5 litres and even 6litres on highway. And this overheating. How its enginered. No car around me have running fun and this t7 wit nocovered engine is still running fan? Its garbage. I said sophisticated, i mean something with good quality, extra materials. I dontnlike electronic in motorcycles. But if yamaha dont put it in so why they not make decent feont suspension? On 2023 they put tablet on dadhboard, last thing what they should change. But it gives them easy income.
@@pablobablo2057 google it. The most reliable engine according to Motorrad research (yes, it’s a German motorcycling media company). Plenty of 100+k miles cp2 around. PLENTY. Google that too, a rental company in australia. Anyways, am not advocating anything am just stating my opinion. And yours doesn’t line up with thousands of other T7 owners. What’s overheating? Never heard if this problem. Do you mean running hot? You should try a ducati then! Lol
I actually appreciate you guys have done this review from the perspective of average riders who are looking to ride offroad with their ADV bikes, rather than pushing the bikes to the limits as competitive pro racers. I've been thinking about getting into the ADV side recently and would definitely want to ride offroad a ton. The Yamaha had my attention already and being 6' myself it sounds like it would be a better fit for me. Great review guys!
Thanks for watching 👍🏻
You may have underlined that the Aprilia suspensions can be set to your taste of riding : front end confidence tgat you mentioned is impacted by the clics you set. Also lower center of gravity on the Tuareg makes it easier to handle. Aorilia electronics with traction control abd riding modes are a plus when the tracks come wet. Anyway, thanks for review. I'm riding a 500excf and a 890R. I tested both Tenere and Tuareg, and I prefered the Tuareg in every thing of riding off-road, and on-road.
Having a 2021 T7 Rally and loving it (ok, let's overlook
the jerky throttle and the cheap suspensions...), after a long test on a bike provided by my dealer I can say that the Aprilia is a far superior bike in almost all compartments. I just don't like that much the design, especially the headlight.
If Aprilia had a different art designer working for them, and if they had just copied every visual feature from the Triumph Tiger 800, they would have created the single greatest ADV bike in history. Unfortunately the Tuareg is the perfect bike, one of the best motorcycles ever made, but it's only a 9 out of 10, because of the odd front end. I normally won't consider buying an ugly bike, but the Taureg is a masterpiece, and from the side, it's much better looking than the KTM's with their ridiculous fuel tanks. It's also possible that if you painted the bike red, or blue, and got rid of the weird rally colors, it might actually make that front end work, visually speaking.
@@Ritalie Interesting! I did test ride the Aprillia and found it very nice and there was enough power. The front end is a different story though... in reality it doesn´t look that weird than it does in pictures but your idea of painting it sounds good. Maybe I will ask the dealer to add some spray cans to convince me to buy it ;)
Headlight is ugly as F
Have a look at the concept bike Oberdan Bezzi created for the Aprilia 900 Tuareg (see on the Bikesrepublic website).
The Aprilla has more suspension travel , tumbles rims , cruise control WAY better
Yep, an extra inch of suspension travel in the rear and the shock. Cruise control is not relevant off road so we didn’t really consider that as a feature. The Tuareg is definitely a good platform. Have you ridden both bikes?
and the infamous Aprilia reliability.....LOL
@@nemerkha hohoho
Haha yes cruise control. Exactly what an off-road use bike needs
@@Sinister_fartbox Adventure bikes arent strictly off road bikes.
Nice riding, the aprilia definitely more height challenged friendly but can’t believe the suspension was disregarded since the aprilia has a better suspension, more travel and is fully adjustable. Also, the lower gravity of the aprilia makes it easier to pick up. Lastly, the electronics on the aprilia make it more forgiving with the on the fly traction controls.
Feels like the one kid picked the Tenere because it was HIS bike and is more used to it, Or else the points I mentioned would have been brought up. Front brake on the aprilia is considered a little weak compared to the higher end mid size bikes so that point doesn’t make sense.
The Aprilia has antilock brakes standard on the front I think? At least in one review, the dirt mode selection shuts the ABS off in the back, but leaves it on up front, so you don't lockup the front wheel. In another review I watched, the guy said that the Tuareg is better than the Tenere in every way, better engine, suspension, handling, and electronics, basically every aspect of the bike is better. The Tenere is a really good bike, but if you're being totally objective, the Tuareg is more bike for the money, because they are priced very similar.
@@Ritalie the Yamaha looks better .. I bought the light blue rally version and every time i look at her i'm forgiving her that she's top heavy :))
and better brake system and TUBELESS
not sure it is the better bike for the money, maybe just when you buy it new...but, especially if you need to sell it second hand, I live in Italy and still didn't see one tuareg on the road, then it's going to have a very small market...cheers@@Ritalie
It seems that from all reviews, in all aspects, the Aprilia, is the better bike. A better bike would be the Aprilia built with Japanese reliability.
It’s definitely a great platform. It will be interesting to see how the Aprilia holds up over the next 12 to 18 months once people starting to put some real mileage on the bike.
@@SocalOffroadSchool Yes that will be the decisive moment. But Aprilia have a winner, with the Tuareg 660 platform. Aprilia would be fools not to run with this success, coming out with a 2nd iteration that addresses the niggles, and that has built in more reliability, and sturdiness for hard usage.
The reviews for the Tuareg are the most positive I've seen for any bike. The Harley Pan America has similarly glowing reviews, but the Harley is probably double the price, and 100 pounds more.
Why do you think Aprilia is not as reliable as the Yamaha?
Think Aprilia is using Yamaha engine then reliability won't be a problem
Just tried the Tuareg the other day, I felt it was insanely nimble and the engine was incredibly nice on the gravel. Didn't do any extensive riding though, and have not tried the T7.
That is amazing how the Tuareg has more power on the bottom and revs higher with more power on the top than the T-7 considering the T-7 has a lower first gear and a taller sixth gear which the T-7 has a much better gearing than the Tuareg, I guess it goes to show that the Tuareg has the superior motor over the T-7 and I am seeing more than the usual amount of reviews going with the Tuareg beating out the T-7. Love the review and that is why I subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Have you ridden one of the bikes?
@@SocalOffroadSchool yes
The gear ratios are shit on the Tuareg, and they are shit on ALL BIKES. There needs to be a worldwide global "Summit" to force manufacturers of all motorcycles into changing 6th gear into an overdrive. And they even need to mandate the engine RPM algorithm, so manufacturers have to install a REAL OVERDRIVE gear on EVERY MODEL motorcycle they sell, except for race only motorcycles that won't be driven on public roads. Only a race track motorcycle should have a tight ratio 6 speed, with no overdrive. Back in 1970, Malcom Smith had to get Husqvarna to make him an 8 speed transmission for his 250cc enduro, to use for Califonria desert racing, and other longer races, because of the shitty horrendous low gears. IT was a problem 50 years ago, and it's still a problem today - bikes NEED TALLER GEARS.
If I remember right, the Yamaha used some type of odd crankshaft configuration on the Yamaha Tenere 700cc, which makes it have a rough, coarse sound. There is a trend right now (I hope it ends sooner rather than later) for companies to use flat plane crankshafts, and non-standard non-balanced crankshaft configurations, just to be different, and for no other reason. There is no good engineering reason to change the crankshaft but that's what Yamaha and Triumph have done to all their bikes, and they sound awful as a result. Fortunately the Yamaha triples are using a standard crankshaft, and they sound awesome, but most of their other bikes are using the "flat plane" crankshaft, which sounds awful. It's clear that the Aprilia sounds like a normal parallel twin, so they are using a standard crankshaft, which gives it that glassy smoothness, which is AWESOME. Sorry I'm a bit rusty on the actual terminology, but you can go and listen to a new Triumph Tiger 900, or a new Yamaha R6, and listen to the Tenere, if you want to hear the horrible "odd" firing order they have. Ditto on the new Corvette which sounds WEIRD.
@@Ritalie
Both the T7 and toureg 660 use the same cross plane crank configuration.
Most people love the sound of the CP2 motor with nice exhaust as it sounds like a V twin.
Very nice review fellas. I prefer the Aprilia as I am only 5'9'' and it still feels a bit tall in the saddle for me but I think I can make it work.
Thanks for watching. The ADV bikes are definitely tall. We are getting the new Kawasaki KLR S in a couple of weeks with the lowered set up. Really interested to see how that will compare to the taller bikes.
People soon forget that it’s not the bike, it’s the rider! Both look great bikes. T7 for reliability and if you are tall.
Why do you think Aprilia are not reliable?
Aprilia is for tall people too
T7 has crap stock suspension, which is not at all suited for serious off roading.
@@falcn12 not proven, might be for sure.
Good comparison :) A couple of things were a surprise which was super interesting
Thanks for watching 👍🏻
Great comparison. Very helpful
what if we compare Tenere World Raid with Tuareg ??
what suspension is greater then ????
I would have thought the Tuareg would feel a little bit lower center of gravity in view of its fuel carried under the seat, the Tenere having more weight over the front tire for downhill turning assist.
I’ve test ridden both and the Tuareg feels much lighter, and more balanced
Did you ride them off road or on the street?
The Tuareg is easier to turn in slow, tight sections. That’s where the weight sitting lower in the bike helps a lot. At higher speeds that weight starts to push the front end more and gives you the feeling of losing the front end in the turns.
Great Video, keep up the great work!!
How tall is Edgar?
NIce comparative!! You have not ttalk about suspensions in each bike. They are quite diferent in travel and adjustability. Agree with you that the seat high is probably the big t difference if you are not taller enough.
Correct, The Aprilia has more travel in the shock and the fork. In the video I referred more to the feel of the bike with the suspension set up to OEM spec. Both of them would need a suspension upgrade for real hard offroad riding just to keep the suspension higher up in its stroke. Have you ridden both bikes?
Suspension travel and weight are the two most important factors. I took the Tuareg for a test ride, didn't like it, airbox was noisy, shifting was hard, it seemed nice but I didn't connect with the bike . Bought a used Dr650 instead....
You are right the shifting is hard. Was surprised by that when I first jumped on the bike. Did you modify the DR or running it stock?
@@SocalOffroadSchool Its heavily modified, jet kit, exhaust, lowered final drive, fork cartriges and springs up front. Just need to replace the rear shock to something decent.
Agreed & in the market for a DR 650
Thinking the same. Ride a Tenere with Öhlins on it and its awesome in all aspects except the top heavy weight. Wondering about the DR, can you set up a really good suspension on that one?
Nice comparison! That trail looks fun - I’m in San Diego area and would love to ride it. Is it in Otay, Warner Springs, ..?
Thank You! Near Warner Springs. Unfortunately not a very long section.
That was a great idea, having you both weigh in with your thoughts and preferences. Kudos! I'm shorter, but a dirt rider first, so... 🤔
God be with you! 😎💪🙏🌞☮️
Edgars height or even more important inseam? Love my T7 but it is tall for me at 5'7". Only concern is at super low speeds and stops especially on uneven terrain.
Have you tried the lower seat option??
Having piece of mind off the beaten path is definitely more important to me than horsepower numbers both are nice
Confidence in your equipment is a big part of the fun, especially off road
absolutely
Would have been nice if both bikes had better and the same tires on them for a fair review. But it was still a good review I enjoyed it.
Thanks! 👍
Nice report.
I wonder if lower pressure could help the front of the Tuareg feel more planted?
Thank You! I think a proper off road front tire will make a big difference. We just mounted some Mitas on the Tenere and that was a great step in front end feel. I’m sure the Tuareg would benefit from that.
The bars on the Aprilia are too close when standing, so body weight is in wrong place. I think straighter bars would help enormously
Aprilia has a real suspension and adjustable to go stiffer then the T7
I own a Tenere 700 And swapped with my friends Tuareg 660. My impressions. The Six60 looks like and feels like a better built motorcycle. The lower seat height is much better for me you sit in the bike and that makes it feel comfortable along with its more comfortable seat, for longer easier journeys the suspension was also softer than my 700 so all in all it was a comfy soft welcoming ride. The engine felt much less responsive than the 700. It didn’t really come alive until 4000 revs. I felt I was riding a comfy long distance midweight adventure styled touring bike. When I got back on my 700 I was amazed at how firm responsive and slim. It felt like a racing bike compared to the 660. I completely understand why people prefer the 660, it is lower more comfortable has slightly better quality and has more technology. Would I swap it with my 700? I don’t think so …I’m afraid the front of the bike is just a mess of a design. The Tenere looks more purposeful better proportioned and is really a classic of motorcycle design. If The Tenere was built more like the 660 in terms of seat height, quality and comfort it would be untouchable. As it is I am slightly envious of the lower seat height and quality build of the 660 but still prefer the engine, rally heritage and overall design aesthetic of the 700. However, and although for me it still wins this round, it has definitely taken a good punch in the face from the 660!
I definitely see your point. I almost bought a Tuareg 660 2 years ago. Off-road it was really capable and as you said, a more refined bike compared with the T7. Then I spent 2 days riding the Ducati DesertX and just fell in love with it. Yes, it rides extremely well in the dirt, but the power and handling on the asphalt did it for me.
@@SocalOffroadSchool I must try a Desert X.. looks amazing
You know it is pretty easy to lower the seat height on a tenere right? Dog bones, lower seat, and shorter kickstand. That Yamaha CP2 motor will last longer than most of us. I love the features on the Tuareg though, especially the tubeless wheels, and the cruise control. Hopefully Yamaha ups their game to compete.
That's a good point. I have never ridden a T7 with a lowering kit, and I wonder how it would change the riding ergonomics.
I think tenere T7 advocates are in denial. I would rather the tenere fan boys pressure Yamaha to improve the T7 to Aprilia virtues.
I also put value on Yamahas dealer network at areas where I usually ride and live.
Yamaha has so much dealers and support all around Europe. Needed it many times 😊
Plus I do love my T7 😂 Next summer I will definitely test ride that Aprilia
@@PatchedBandit but, reportedly, Yamaha's are so reliable, I would have thought you never need a dealer nearby. Sorry, for being cynical here, but hope you get my point.
@@davidmallia628 No I don’t. I travel with my motorcycle. Last year I used Yamaha dealers all around Europe all the way from Greece to Finland and many places inbetween. It’s not always about breaking down but basic service, parts and addons that yamaha dealers have in stock pretty well usually. Dealer network FOR ME is essential.
@@PatchedBandit useless dealership support, because the Tenere just doesnt need it! The tenere is built with reliability in mind, none of that rider modes bollocks and shite like that. proper rider's bike. and this is me talking after owning an R1200GSA and a Tracer 9GT (amongst many others)
@@nemerkha I have bought oem parts all over europe during my travels and bought factory servicing to ly Tenere on my trips. Dealers dont only repair faults
Just because you cant see the value doesnt mean its not there for me.
I liked your video very much! Interesting comparison. Only one wish I would have. Being from Germany, I, (like the rest of the planet) have little to do with pounds and gallons. It would be great if you guys would mention the international metric system as a supplement. Otherwise, keep up the good work!
Wäre für mich auch einfacher, weil ich auch Deutscher bin. Die Motorräder die uns hier gestellt werden kommen immer nur mit den US Specs, aber in Zukunft werden wir die restlichen Infos Googeln und dazu schreiben 👍🏻 Danke für dein Feedback.
And parts availability/support especially in Australia. Tenere with suspension work or even better the World Raid would make it close or better all things considered. I’d like either.
Looking for my first bike and for a medium adventure bike i fell for the Tenere at the local dealer, but its too high. I am nearly 6' but inseam 30, im on tiptoes and not confident sadly. Read about lowering but i dont know. Good review thanks!
This is the first review that say that the suspension of Tuareg is bad as the Tenere's.
Looks like the T7 has E07's on it and the Tuareg has the stock Pirelli's. E07's are a pretty solid 50/50 tire while the scorpions are absolute shite in the dirt, that may be a factor in how you feel the Tuareg front washing out. I have owned both, I love my T7
I am 6 foot and find the Yamaha annoyingly top-heavy.. combined with the seat height that makes it quite a handful offroad. If your out of balance and you need to get your leg down you better have long legs
Same situation for me with both bike and body. Agree.
You two really feel there is no, or very little difference in the suspensions of these two bikes? Have you had any problems with the Tuareg? The unknown reliability of the Aprilia is a huge drawback for me..
We set them both up according to their manual to get the most OEM feel for both bikes. In the terrain we rode there wasn’t a big difference in the feel of the bike. The Aprilia has an extra inch of suspension travel in the front and the rear so that will provide you with more room to play around with your set up. Depending on rider weight and riding style, both bikes would need a suspension setting upgrade. Someone commented on our Aprilia video that they put 12k miles on the Tuareg without any issues. Reliability seems to be the biggest concern when it comes to the Tuareg.
@@SocalOffroadSchool .. The ADV I buy will be kept for a long time. I do my own repairs and maintenance. Reliability and even simplicity are important to me. It'll also be a 3rd bike for me so the less I have to do the better ;)
Reliability is the reason why I just buy japanese bikes. Never had problems with them so far. Friends of mine ride Ducatis, KTMs, Aprilias etc. and they never had a season without any issues.
I would love to own a Moto Guzzi V85TT or an Aprilia Tuareg..but I'm really afraid of "unexpected issues" tbh.
And I think the T7 looks way better than the T660 (on the front end).
@@sebbwebbo7557 ... I couldn't agree more, seb...
@@sebbwebbo7557 This statement was true 30 years ago - now there are plenty of Japanese lemons out there. When I was looking for a new bike I wish I bought a Moto Guzzi V85tt, which was the bike I wanted instead of an Africa Twin, which I bought because I thought it would be easier to maintain. I was horribly wrong, I ended up with an unreliable bike that I didn’t like, and very expensive to maintain. Funny enough, those Guzzis seems to be very solid
When it comes down to it, there's nothing they both won't do. It comes more down to rider preference at that point.
Definitely! Have you ridden both?
@@SocalOffroadSchool I haven't gotten the chance on an Aprilia yet.
I'll take cruise control for the non-dirt part of the Adv trip
Great review, unfortunately we don't have these bikes here in Brasil. We sucks kkkk Cheers from Brasil.
What are the most popular ADV bikes in Brazil?
@@SocalOffroadSchool Down here is the GS 12xx and Tiger 900. We have a great group of KTms, most of them 990, 690 and now few 890. Our problem here is the availability of different bikes and the price that is really expensive.
Most reviews say suspension on these bikes are very different so I'm surprised you felt they were about the same.
There is a lot of to like on Tuareg when it comes to specs, but for me it lacks some sort of appeal/emotions/character as a package, which is quite unusual on Italian bike. Italian reliability and Italian warranty (often non-existent or very problematic from my experience) is potential issue. I love the simplicity of the T7, great bike with soul.
Two years And unlimited Mileage is problematic?
@@rustyupton168 Italians tend to refuse warranty claims, so it doesn't matter how many years :-).
@@rustyupton168have yuu ever heard about the bullet proof reliability of the yamaha cp2 engine?
I though about it so I looked up ‘Tuareg problems’. far too many for a relatively new bike .. it’s better to get back home on basic suspension.
Yamaha feels cheap( especially suspension) and flimsy!!! Aprilia not reliable? Last 20 years Aprilia is making crazy reliable bikes. Go and test both bikes and see them in person and T7 is going to be disappointment at first sight… If you are bigger sized person over 90kg than yammy is not for you…
Crazy reliable bikes from aprilia 😂. Yes yamaha is sitting at the bottom of reliability rankings. 😂
I am really surprised that you feel the tenere to be smoother on the low end. I find that the tenere is very jerky on the throttle and lot of torque very quickly. While the tuareg deliver it much more progressively. Is it that tenere remapped the engine or we use different mode on the tuareg?
in Jan 23 Aprilia has officially delivered an upgrade in the ECU which grant more punch in low revs
When you’re out of garage fair enough 😂😂
Or price
The One Feature that is a Deal Breaker, (I know it's not used Off-Road very offen, but you might for open streaches) and you guys don't even mention it.
CRUISE CONTROL I would not even consider buying a Yamahe T7 because it doesn't have it. Funny, Yamaha put Cruise Contrrol on my '22 MT-09SP which is an around town hoolican bike, and Yamaha also puts it on the their Super Tenere, but NOT on the T7. Deal Breaker.
Yeah if you're really gonna do any road work to the trails which really what these bikes are designed for, CC is a game changer. Very few people are gonna trailer these adv bikes to the dirt.
Nah not really, plenty of bikes with CC, just buy one of those and leave all the extra crap off our T7's, I think they have 30% of the european market so it's certainly not a deal breaker for many.
Yup review of adventure bikes by pro riders is almost irrelevant.
I can see by their comments like cruise control is irrelevant because its not needed offroad".
And they grade suspension just by how hard it allows you to ride.
Complete nonsense, you can't review those bikes from enduro /racee perspective, thats irrelevant
🤷🏼♂️ It’s an off road review so cruise control is definitely irrelevant. And most riders that ride either of these two bikes mention that the suspension is too soft for their liking. Almost every Tenere that comes through our training classes has upgraded suspension and non of these guys race their ADV bikes.
Those bikes need camping for a week gear, my dr650 could do those trails loaded
T7 is king, cant beat its reliablity!
Definitely one of the biggest upsides to the Tenere 👍🏻
Tuareg is the king too
@@SocalOffroadSchool the most important thing in an adventure bike!!! obviously
T7 all the way. Stable, great engine, balanced, ease of maintenance.
One bike is 187kg and the other is 205kg. How can weigh be the same? ;-)
Both are 204kg wet
Great review
But smaller cc and more horsepower scare me.
Something going to give in?
It's equivalent to adding turbo or booster to a engine.
More power + more repair.
it has to do with the compression ratio of the engine
@@francescoporcari8597 yes I know small engine on real high compression,
The tenere is the Father Stone of the motorcycling world.
At least the tuareg actually is comparable to the tenere. People comparing the tuareg and tenere to the desert x are tripping.
that big "a" on aprilia makes it look more like amazon delivery bike
The Aprilias face is not a good one
You choose the bike you own, shock.
Whatever shit is being said. Basically you get everything ruined! But my Tuareg has been running for 20,000km in hard terrain without a single problem. Don't keep saying everything you think you mean
aprilia got more power lower down. i ride a T7 that is very hard to beleive. two pro riders that was a crap vid. i would think pro riders would have stuck some proper tyres on and rode the crap out of them.
Yes ,I was under the impression the extra HP on the Aprilia came at the cost of low down Torque, that seems to be what most reviewers say, One guy said he stalled the Tuareg a lot more than the T7.
@@silverdale3207 got the tuareg its awsome in my opinion , i do belive down low tenere have much more torque at start , bike is very easy to stall especially if machine is not warm enough
LOL, nothing like voting for your personal whip. No comparison. Tuareg all day.
Did yuu buy two? One for the mechanic and one for you
Tenere 700 its bad enginered motocycle . Top heavy. Overheating. Very small tank. Front suspension is garbage. T7 is uncomfortable, . Springs are for 70kg rider .
have you owned one? have you tried one? literally over 60k group members and not one mention of any mechanical problems. the most balanced bike i ever owned (i had an r1200gsa and went to the t7)
@@nemerkha i have tenere 700 from april 2022. Mechaniicaly engine is very simple and i think that its realable. But that engine wasnt enginered to t7. His build is very high and on roght side touch leg. It has good characteristic but nothing what give ass thrills. But engine is even good in t7 but his high build not. And all is putt from shells with cheap garbage. All accesories no fit each other. Motorcycle is very hight on rider over 185 cm when sag is correct, and yamaha put in springs on 70kg rider. Short footpegs , they are like no one would buy it, and yamaha put this garbage to tenere 700. Next handlebbars. It has very small sweep, its straight, very uncomfortable, its the same, i think no one would buy it, and yamaha put it to tenere 700. Small tank, on internet there are lies about range. In reality range is about 260km, when we ride already about 50km with blinking reserve. And i put gasoline to cap, nuy i shouldnt, there should be air gap. Next it overheating every time in summer. Two cylinder simple engine , no covered, and fan is still running. Its garbage. I have vfr 800 from 99 v4 and there is better! Its shame. That should be repair on service action. Next front suspension. The same , no one would buy it from kayaba, and yamaha put that garbage to tenere 700. And they lie that it has 21 cm travel, when truth is 20cm. So its closer to vstrom 650 than gs800. But travel is good for specs, dimmension is what we should look on. This suspension is awfull, it rips arms from body. Next exhaust, shame how its mounted, why not closer under seat? That we could mount simetrical trunks? With this mount on offroad we can bend frame. There is not subframe removable. And finish qulity of exhaust, its awfull, not stainless steal, but something like black powder, with many scratches. Yamaha was testing this bike very long, i think that they looks for more garbage from market to put in on this bike and have better income. I dont know what costs in this simple motorcycle that we pay like for a car, and even suspension isnt decent. I dont recomend this motorcycle and yamaha enginers. They should utilise that all garbage around the world what people change in this motorcycle. I thing to send box to japan with that garbage, let they utilise it. On afterrmarket everything is very pricey. Yamaha had the best chance to produce good motorcycle, with decent quality of suspension, in good money. But they prefer to put garbages to they customers. And next they mounting top suspension for paul tarres and talk bulshittt how it is super oh ah. Yamaha enginers with 70 years expiriens.... what a shiliit! T7 is not cheap! I could buy 2 years used car in mild condition, which weight 1,5 ton, and is twice more sophisticated , twice better enginered than tis garbage t7.
@@pablobablo2057 to be fair nobody forced you to buy the t7. Am sure you knew what you were buying and researched it prior to that. You bought a bike that didnt meet your needs or desires, not the bikes fault its yours. Plenty of adv bikes on the market. You could have gone with the KTM or the bmw, AT? Those are sophisticated enough with bells and whistles.the CP2 engine IS the mist reliable engine in the last 15 years - fact.
People who buy a T7, buy it for a reason - simplicity, reliability and fun. If you want a bloody ipad with wheels look somewhere else.
@@nemerkha cp 2 is reliable engine. Is it proved? Evryone complain on bmw for ecamle gs but their motorcyles run very much mileages in small years. People run it around the world. Cp2 engines has small milleages. But i know that its reliable. And i didnt wanted sophisticated motorcycle. I wanted simple but GOOD enginered its difference. I know about specs before i bought it. The most dissapointment is front suspension and small tank. Bigger tank like 19 litres would be only a few cmeters widther. So why they did so small. 19 litres would be accurate. Why so many people around the world talk about tank! Because its too small! And there is army people buyed for yamaha which lie that range is 350km or more. 5litres per 100km its 300km to total empty tank. Because its take 5 litres and even 6litres on highway. And this overheating. How its enginered. No car around me have running fun and this t7 wit nocovered engine is still running fan? Its garbage. I said sophisticated, i mean something with good quality, extra materials. I dontnlike electronic in motorcycles. But if yamaha dont put it in so why they not make decent feont suspension? On 2023 they put tablet on dadhboard, last thing what they should change. But it gives them easy income.
@@pablobablo2057 google it. The most reliable engine according to Motorrad research (yes, it’s a German motorcycling media company). Plenty of 100+k miles cp2 around. PLENTY. Google that too, a rental company in australia.
Anyways, am not advocating anything am just stating my opinion. And yours doesn’t line up with thousands of other T7 owners.
What’s overheating? Never heard if this problem. Do you mean running hot? You should try a ducati then! Lol
Dont have migits do reviews