As someone who is seriously looking at one of these it's nice to hear a quick breakdown of things that would be nice to be addressed.

Nice to see honesty about such things on bike reviews...

Really good to see a video about this bike featuring 'gripes'. I would like to purchase one but have been waiting for a video like this to consider the other side of the coin. Thanks.

Really substantive, this has helped. Thank you.

Really well done. Very well thought out and helpful. Thank you.

Brilliant review! Thanks for all your comments. Great plumeria in the landscape. Aloha

1. Heat - not really an issue IMO, but may be to some. I don't feel like it's exponentially hotter than some other bikes I've had where people make no mention of heat. It is warm though, and this may be a bigger or smaller concern contingent on where the rider lives. 2. Wind noise is definitely an issue for taller folks. Laminar flow is your friend. That cheapy wind deflector you put in place is liable to snap at some point at the connecting arms - mine did. I rebuilt it using the deflector and RAM Mounts. 3. Fixed. Go to your dealer and have the ECU flashed to the latest update (I haven't ever experienced it myself, I must be one of the lucky ones despite getting mine in the US the first few days it hit the market.) 4. & 5. Respectfully, I'm gonna chalk this up to the rider and not the bike. The brakes are phenomenal, and very easily modulated. Yes, they bite hard, but that bite can be increased/decreased quite easily based on how hard you pull the lever. I ride my 660 almost entirely in the dirt and have yet to have the front end wash because the brakes "bite" too hard." As for the fluid - not sure about that as I haven't heard of anyone else having this issue either. Cloudy indicates contamination, possibly from moisture. Was the bike left out in the rain for a prolonged period? Either way that shouldn't happen - so that's strange. 6. I think your concern about bending the frame/damaging the bike with the pegs is a bit dramatic. I agree they're a bit close to the front pegs (size 12 boot here.) but not so close that they "get in the way." I ride quite aggressively (it's not unheard of for me to crack triple digits on trails - that's mph not km/h) and have never found myself in a position thinking "Wow, these almost caused me to kill myself on the bike." Having dropped the bike a handful of times in pretty nasty terrain, that's not what ends up getting bent. The gear selector, brake pedal, and sidestand bracket are all the vulnerable/bendy bits that you find get damaged in drops. 7. This is another one that comes down to preference. A wider peg is one that is going to hit the ground sooner when leaning the bike. IMO these are some of the best OE pegs I've experienced, and since the rubbers are hollow, you can still get good grip on the pegs even with the rubber inserts left in. They were very well thought out. 8. I'm inclined to agree here, although I think people mention this far too often. I don't find it distracting personally - and since the ABS is quite simple to turn off when you're not actively using it, this isn't really something that's been a niggle of mine. 9. Agreed. Unfortunately, a number of manufacturers do this. There are things we as consumers can purchase to sort it, but with a hefty price tag (380-450 range) which begs the question of whether it's worth it. If you intend on putting more than 30,000 miles on the bike and servicing it yourself, then it probably is - as that's how long it'll take to offset the costs. 10. Another personal preference thing. I find the TFT extremely legible, and I've not heard a single other person complain of this. 11. Having spoken to a number of people involved in the launch of this bike, they are indeed intended to be handholds to move the bike around - not as pillion handholds. 12. Finish isn't really a problem with the wheels - spokes that loosen up far easier than any other bike I've been on however - that's something worth discussing. I find that I'm constantly checking/tightening spokes on this bike, the front wheel in particular. On the whole, the Tuareg is unquestionably the most well rounded, best bike I've ever ridden, let alone had the privilege of owning. It may not be for everyone, but for me it's as close as we've ever come to the proverbial "unicorn."

Super informative. Thanks for sharing your 12 gripes! I'm on the fence on the bike but the reviews I've seen make it a very alluring adv bike!

Interesting to come across your video! Had my first Tuareg encounter and test ride last week. Being 6"3 I found the wind screen surprisingly good. Few stock solutions works as well as this one did for me. Was thoroughly impressed with the bike, on gravel and dirt it was really good. Still spring in Scandinavia so didn't notice heat issues. Didn't notice any issues with the braking either. Will keep your points in mind when I do a second test! Cheers :)

Very good video, it's good to hear these things as I narrow my search down for a new bike.

Very informative, thanks !

I appreciate the critiques, because the bike has had a pretty crazily positive reception. I’ve heard a couple of the critiques from others (engine heat and stupid cruise enabled light), but you really have a good list. Good to know because I’m toying with the idea of trading out my ‘17 GSA for one of these to get a lighter package. Hopefully some issues will have fixes down the line. Oh, and re heat: I have a 2019 Indian FTR, so I can relate to HEAT! Let’s just put it this way: that bike is comfy in the winter - I can warm my hands over the engine.

Thanks , very clear and informative. I 'd like you to tell us what are the 12 good things you enjoy on your bike, as you concluded your vid as happy with it.

Thanks for the informativ video. I m sure all these things would be annoying as well to me. What I also saw when I sit on it was the central nut from the suspension below the handle bar. The hole there is very sharp.

thanks for the info

I can confirm the heat. Really uncomfortable. Thank you for your video.

Good information for all perspective Tuareg owners. Know ahead of time what you will need to fix and factor that in to your service/ownership costs.

Great video!

thorough review and some of these gripes are valid [most*] I have yet to purchase but it is great going in with that info in mind. What do you think of adding a replacement 17 tooth front sprocket instead of the 15 tooth?? It would tame some vibration when at speed on the roadway.

I agree with all your points! Still love my bike though…as you do Sir! Better than my previous T7 which didn’t have the same involvement as this one does. Thanks for these vids.

You should ride around with all the post it notes

Thanks! Appreciate the insight into the bike. Not deal breakers for me, but good to know. I have one on order. For me the slightly lower seat height and lower center of gravity than the T7 are what guided my decision. I also like that the Aprilia seems to be a little more performance oriented too. I’m curious if the gas cap is similar to the T7’s where it completely comes off to refill it?

I own the Taureg and I moved on from an Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES to get it. The heat issue isn’t bad but I also come from the Harley world. You don’t know heat until you know Harley. The MAP stutter and blinking CC light are both issues that could be resolved with a firmware update I think. I haven’t noticed a big issue with the brakes other than the rear being a bit wooden. I’ll try a softer pad when it’s time to change them out. If you want pannier racks you won’t be getting rid of the passenger peg mounts. The OEM and aftermarket units use them for mounting points. I like the peg size. U.S size 11 Timberland steel toes. After adjusting the shift and brake levers, all is good. I can ride for miles standing up. I don’t ride off -road but the guys I know that do are impressed with the stock peg. The windscreen? I’ve yet to have a screen that I didn’t replace. I have the Puig touring screen on order right now. I did install Aprilia touring windscreen. It’s wider but only a half inch taller. It did nothing to help. Also, on Adventure rider forum some folks having coolant and oil leaking issues due to gasket failures. This seems like it could be an issue.

for #11, could the grab handles be designed for lifting the bike on the center stand when equipped? Thats what I thought of first thing.

I think your gripes are legit! I am 60 and my car has a beautiful LED screen with big fonts! For me that's important! Maybe manufacturers should think that people above the age of 40 need slight differences. Or maybe I need better glasses!!!

i’ve had issues with the clutch handle triggering rev spikes when pressed . super wierd didnt get any miss while riding tho

I was debating on triumph or Aprilia thanks with your video I made my choice.

You can use a obd link to check the codes and reset the service reminder. BMW does the same thing.

I need a instruction on how to engage the cruise control

It makes so sad ,I can only read the reviews ,cant afford to buy these great bikes ,but there are so many silly complaints ,please just enjoy your bikes ,you are so fortunate to be able to buy such a great bike

Def agree with the neutral throttle issue. It is something I want sorted. I've not found heat an issue, but am in the UK. Same with the brakes, mine seem great! I have ditched my pillion pegs... they are very in the way if on a rutted trail and will poss cause an injury, so yup... they gone! :-) With some of the trails I've ridden, I'd not want a wider footpeg, ruts will be an issue, so for me, I like the std pegs. The Aprilia rack has great handles! Really good and interesting video. The bike is amazing, but no bike is perfect. I really wish it came with a proper sump guard and hand guards.

The Heat Issue and the Service Light having to go to the dealer to be reset are Deal Breakers for me.

Thanks for the gripes. Add those to the dearth of dealers, and my focus now goes back to the tried, tested, and loads of aftermarket stuff of the ‘22 T7. Just sooo hard to find one.

Hi. I own a red one also, less than 1.000 kms done and ready for the first service. Another issue I would add, is that using gloves while riding, easily and accidentally you can turn on the small lever on the left bar, activating the highbeam headlights, wich you can see on dashboard identified by the blue icon on the left side. Forgive me if my English is not perfect , being rusty and Italian. Bye!

Great video Doug. Very interesting to hear the about what's not working as well as you want. Is there a bike that does not feel warm in FL traffic? I would not usually say my bike is hot, but I feel it when in South Florida. - Frank

Hello, how many liters does your tank fit? My Tuareg 660 model 2022 doesn't fit more than 15.6 liters. I ran the tank completely empty and then filled it up.

I’ve got one and agree with these. The flashing cc light is super annoying. Cheers.

Dug says, '...As I do on all my bikes..." LOL

I just started the video. You know, you are pointing out a major problem with all motorcycles. It's not clear why motorcycles do not have full size windshields. I have two motorcycles, and both have full fairings and windshields, and the windshields are so low that they are really just for racing only, and useless on actual road trips. The only solution I've found is memory foam ear plugs. You basically can't ride at all without ear plugs. Also, switching to a non-hinged helmet. The helmets with a hinged jaw, are about twice as loud as sealed one piece helmets. Also, new helmets with a gasketed seal, and no sharp protruding edges around the visor hinges, don't have the whistling sound from wind. If all motorcycles were sold with an overdrive 6th gear, and a full size windshield, it would solve the problem with all motorcycles, which is wind noise, and too low of gears for highway driving.

Content is ok, but get rid of the awful music.

This is way better than getting a KTM 790 and having your clutch go out or your cams grind themselves into oblivion.

Well done!

Awesome and entertaining video. I too have a new Tuareg and have experienced most all your gripes. The engine miss at 3000 rmps while cruising is annoying and to me I believe the bike runs lean. I describe the feeling as a chug or a stutter while maintaining a steady 50-60 mph. I’m hoping for a new map to come out by Aprilla. Running lean could also cause some of the heat issues although I believe the heat is mostly due to the cat. Otherwise great bike and kind of unique, and a value for dollar. I paid $250 under sticker with the usual freight and reasonable prep.

Thanks for the video. I am looking at this bike as a BDR kind of bike would need to ride on the road a couple hours to get to the trails. I live in Maine so the heat issue my be more of a plus than a minus; I am curious where you had the bike as it looks almost tropical in the background or maybe it is just nice lanscaping on a sunny day. Thanks, again.

All new bikes run very lean, which makes them run hotter. You can try getting them re-tuned to improve the air-fuel ratio. The fuel economy might go down ever so slightly but you might also get 1-2 extra HP and more fuel should mean it runs a bit cooler.

got idea for CC light. Put tape on it 😂 i think i would. unless in the same spot some other warning can show ;

I think we've got stricter emission laws to thank for items 1 & 3. Hot radiator and cat is due to excessively lean mixture making the bike run hot and the missing on neutral throttle is due to the overly frugal fuel mapping cutting the fuel too agressively when the engine is not under load. A more sensible custom mapping should fix both.

Thanks for putting me off it, I'll stick with my capo

Great Video, What Sat Nav are you using above the display?

I have a Tuareg I have done 4,500 km city and offroad. It's the perfect 50/50. For me it is the perfect bike. The electronics work great. It goes very well in the city and in offroad it goes very well, the weight is very well distributed. It is a very good motorcycle. The heat is the least... Things to improve would be the gear change that goes a bit hard but you get used to it and sometimes it cuts the gas when you go slowly, everything else a 10.

These are all things that I also found on my Tuareg, the heat annoys a lot if you are not wearing technical pants, engine and chassis are at the top

Wonder if the black rims from the other colors will have the same finish.

6-11-22. Brought my 2022 Tuareg 660 home from dealer. On the way home, I noticed the motor cutting out or missing like you mentioned. 1/2 hour ride home from dealer. I was wondering if I was imaging it. I never had a bike to that before. The next day, I noticed after idling just one minute, a hissing sound from the gas cap. There maybe a fuel venting issue. I will have to bring it up to the dealer. Have you had a fuel cap venting issue?

What about a modified shield around the cat? Try and vent the air under the bike? I am looking hard at buying this bike, socal is very warm at times and the heat issue could kill it for me.

I took a demo ride on one last week and noticed two things that set me back, one was the heat on the right hand side as you mentioned...livable, but very hot nonetheless. The bigger issue for me was the gear box. It is definitely a close ratio box, not a wide or semi-wide ratio, such that at 75mph the bike was tacking almost 6,000 rpm. That's pretty high revving/tiring if you're trying to do any touring to and from a ride such as a BDR. I might be able to get used to it, but other ADV bikes seem to spread the ratios far better in gears 4-6. Otherwise, the light weight, tubeless rims, placement of the gas tank and air filter, etc is very well thought out, and the engine, power and suspension felt great.

Curious on the engine miss. Fixed or still do it on occasion?

I too noticed that my foot kept hitting something on my demo ride. Now I know what to fix, now that I own one.

The service light would be a real pain for me since I live a couple hours away from a dealer. It would probably just never get reset.

In Maine or Canada or North Dakota and Minnesota that Hot right Foot might be appreciated very much in the cold 🥶❄️

Regarding the wind noise, your windshield spoiler is way too low. I had the same problem on my 2017 BMW R1200 GSA. At 6’3” tall with the windshield in the best possible position, the wind was smacking me in the face all the time. I added the MRA X-creen spoiler (small one, two sizes available) and it made a huge difference. Zero turbulence felt at face level now. The wind goes right over the top of my head. Set yours in a higher position.

Nice video. Weird white frames flashed a few times.. maybe an editing error between clips or something?

#3 & #8 is Software update. 👌 Is there update on fixes you made ?

Nice Plumaria!

#2: Wind noise. Yea going past 80km/h vibrations in the helmet become very noticeable and past 120 km/h my helmet indeed tries to shake my head off. #9 Service light: Annoying. I did the first service early because I had trip planned. When I picked it up from the garage, they told me they were not able to reset the service timer prematurely. So true enough the service light came on during the trip. It is still on as I did not "stop by to just reset the message".

All this stuff I'd consider very minor... but still, I'm very glad you made that video as it completes the whole picture of the bike. Cheers :)

Relating to the windscreen comment… just curious how tall you are (vs issue your experiencing)?

Can you tell me exactly what Nelson Rigg tail bag that is please

The only thing that really bothers me about the Tuareg 660 is the heat on my legs, I hope there will be a solution for that

Love the bike, but all your points are valid. The hickups are the worst, and for me not complete gone either.

The user manual is almost unreadable for those of us with old eyes. I picked up my 660 yesterday so I haven't yet fully experienced the heat issue - weather is crappy. I saw a KZfaq video where a gentleman opened the fake vents. I'll consider that at some point if the heat in August gets bad. Thank you for this video. I still like the bike but appreciate your insight.

service wrench is a bad one for sure. my closest dealer is Tennessee.

Heat can be fixed with catalytic replacement with a re generator and different exhaust. Wind noise is subjective to each person, I'm 5'6" and have no wind problem even with my off-road helmet Cant really argue on front brake as i come from a KLR 650 to the Tuareg 660 and they are far better then what I'm use to Currently hit 950ish miles and brake fluid is fine so far for me. I don't plan on 2 uping. just remove them and fill the hole with a plastic plug till ya get panniers. Dont need them for panniers I found stock foot pegs ok, much more breakable on the tips from being thin, also don't like how they only bend 45 degree instead of all the way. cruise control isnt really a bother. turn indicators automatically turn off on this bike afters many blinks. if you arent using cruise then turn it off problem solved. agree on the service wrench i think theres something on af1 racing? i know thay have a devic to allow you to play with ecu mapping for aftermarket exhaust and such, maybe it has something to reset wrench text size is subjective, all i can say is wear glasses or contacts I agree on the rear handles, wish they added a tail rack or handle bars back there. i dropped in the woods and its hard finding a spot to maneuver the bike back there wheels is a subjective thing not really a problem. i also would buy the bike again easily 10 times over, but as its out longer im sure more and more aftermarket will come to it to fix any issues.

It's past time for a Turag update! - Frank

I was intrigued that heat is a problem 'when stuck in traffic', surely the whole point of motorbikes is you don't get stuck in traffic! Then I remembered in the US you generally can't filter (lane split?) like we can legally in the UK

Northern Italy, in the city the bike gets very hot, like ktm 890, apart from this great bike

I understand the Tuareg has more features than the T7. Did you consider the t7 over this machine? And if yes, why did you go for a Tuareg?

Why the fairing vents are fake, surprising

That service wrench makes me not want to buy this bike now. I am a pro mechanic and can't be dealing with specific scanners to service MY own bike! Unless there is a service connector that can be plugged in like Hondas.

I don't understand why they made the catalytic converter so big and place it to the side. On the T7 you don't even see it. And you're not the first one to bring up the heat issue that comes from it.

Thank you!! Most videos have been very positive about this bike, nice to see some " gotchas seems' they all have them ? IT'S what ever can you live with. In the meantime think I'll hang onto my trust old Gen 1 "cockroach" KLR. 😎

I look at bikes and see what i'd changed/add; Full exhaust, de-cat Arrow downpipes Dakar style can placement(lower) Bin pillion pegs(new exhaust hanger for the can). Renthal Fatbars 601's Cycra guards...or Hepco Becker Rack on the rear Performance air filter Oxford heated grips(sports). GPS mount Small screen...steel, if S-Moto start making them? Bin the mirrors S W Motech sump guard/bashplate Side crash bars/luggage mounts H'lamp guard So quite an expensive bike in the end, and as Aprilia can't sell them due to the 660cc launch fiasco(dodgy con rods), they're cheaper than Tenere 700's here already(Yamaha have currently sold 50 times more T700's than Tauregs from Aprilia... might see if someone will swap my rare Tracer7 for one(none in stock here, my one is the one one on the road)? A gamble, hoping that Aprilia have sorted the motors, con rods gaskets and seals?

The most annoying issue is the service light reset. It's a collude among manufacturers and dealers. What they expect a rider to do middle of nowhere ? Carry a satetille receiver and computer ? It's for urban community within a hundred km proximity from dealer ?

Take the bike in and have it remapped. They figured out the miss.

All niggles that can be fixed. Remember, it is a first iteration. This time round the Tuareg is a winner, second iteration should be stupendous.

Te si un luame 👍

Can’t the Cat be wrapped with heat tape like Harley owners do? Anyone tried this?

Interesting but for me this bike is the better that i hav bought

#3 is #1 for me. The 'Tuareg cough' as I call it is becoming really annoying and is gaining traction in the forums. Unfortunately, I am starting to get a creeping regret in buying this bike. I hope Aprilia fix this ASAP. Totally agree with #12, wheels look great but nightmare to clean.

Service wrench light is a BIG mistake.. continuous agravating thing from Aprilia. Cruise light shouldn't be blinking at least. Brake notes are fixable: front with different pads, this is a well known method and murky fluid indicates water in it, which is common to all brake fluids, i.e. absorb water, so just change it more often, is better. Carburetion hesitations maybe a byproduct of the Euro regulations on lean-lean at all costs. Heat pad material could be tried all thru length of exhaust Cat cover, maybe will help rejecting heat. My 2 cents.

You deserve a bike without these deal breaking issues. I will swing by the bank on my way down Saturday. What will it take to save you from the Tuareg? 😁 - Frank

what's the idea of the music? jhc.

oh no, aprilia does the same bullshit as Ducati where you can't reset the service light yourself.

adjust the clutch lever and the problem with the engine speed will disappear :)

Don't like that it requires Hi-Octane fuel, is hard to find in remote riding locations, and $$. Poor placement of muffler for off-road, going to get beat up, possible bending of the frame, difficult to work with rackless soft bags.

#13 its not a Tenere

13 the headlight is ugliest headlight ever

how much did you pay if you don't mind me asking?

I don’t think I would purchase. I have not purchased a new bike with that many problems. Trade it in for a Desert X

Requires premium fuel

How would you expect it to not produce a lot of heat when it’s pushing 80 hp on a twin cylinder 600cc