![]() ![]() On The StreetĬornering in the twisties on the T7 feels similar to an old KTM 950. To ensure we had both bikes on equal footing, we spooned on a fresh set of the new Heidenau K60 Ranger dual sport tires. This is a comparison with many surprises. Wider bars, larger fuel tank, more advanced TFT display, and overall bigger presence makes the Tuareg feel more like an adventure bike versus a Dakar contender, until you ride the thing. Hands-down, the T7 offers the impression of “race.” Narrow, high bars, the feeling of sitting “in” the bike with a cockpit resembling a rally tower in stock form… this bike screams rally, in street-legal fashion. In broad strokes, the Yamaha seems targeted at satisfying the initial impressions of the purely off-road crowd, while the Tuareg has more “adventure bike” DNA. ![]() Which is the preferred vibe would depend on the type of rider. Seated and standing positions between the two bikes feel very similar. In turn, pulling the Tuareg off the side stand gives the initial impression of a heavier, larger motorcycle, but then you start moving and realize it might be the most capable mid-sized adv bike you’ve ever ridden (more on that later). Once you start rolling, it lives up to this impression. The T7 immediately feels light and aggressive, like the dwarf 950/990 mentioned earlier. ![]() When you climb aboard each bike, at a standstill they give one impression, but that all changes when you start moving - this applies more to the Aprilia than the Yamaha. I’ll start here because of that “showroom” impression idea. In stark contrast to the more rudimentary display of the Tenere, the Tuareg boasts a color TFT offering access to ride modes, fuel maps, adjustable engine braking, various ABS modes, slipper clutch, and an optional quick shifter. While the chassis specifications between these two bikes are in the ballpack from one another, the electronics packages are worlds apart. The simplicity comes across as a breath of fresh air in a world of amazing but ubiquitous TFT displays. The dash furthers this throwback feel, with a somewhat rudimentary and even clunky appearance - almost like a Radio Shack Tandy video game from the 80s. Yamaha’s T7 has similar ergos and overall feel as the original 950, but in a much smaller and more manageable package. ![]() This bike feels like someone took a 950, stuck it in a dryer with a bunch of softener, and set the temp to shrink-wrap. I am an unapologetic fan of KTM’s 950/990 Adventure platform, so I’ll start with the T7. Like seeing a dinner date wearing an evening dress but you know the whole time she would rather be wearing jeans and a t-shirt - both of these motorcycles can pretend to be adventure bikes, but they seem to have an enduro soul. These are two machines which occupy this space in the market, but don’t behave like traditional adventure bikes at all. I’ve also had the privilege of riding and working with many top pros over the years, and through impressive displays of skill have been able to witness first-hand what motorcycles in the adventure segment are designed for, and what they aren’t.Įnter Aprilia’s Tuareg 660 and Yamaha’s Tenere 700. I’ve been riding and reviewing heavyweight and mid-size adventure bikes for a while now. ![]()
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