well 3 - 5 months waiting turned into about 5 weeks. Got lucky and a previous order did not get sold, issue with the finance. Dealer was happy to take my check.
Of course, as FASTRacing predicted, the farkling has already begun. Added a motor guard, which the dealer had in stock. Ordered the quickshift and a center stand, not in stock.
Ordered in August, showed up Thursday, picked it up Saturday
Aprilia Tuareg 660.
1st bike I have bought brand new (the MV Augusta has 125 miles on it but I bought it from the original owner)
1st bike I have bought without so much as a test ride
Put almost 200 miles on it Saturday, in our canyon and the next over. Ran out of daylight
First impressions
When I first saw it at the dealer - man that is a big bike. But it was surrounded by sport bikes. I am 6’2” and I sit with both feet flat and a good bend in my knees. Definitely not GS or Africa Twin big
Plenty of power, not running it hard yet, but nice delivery and plenty of torque in low revs. Love it does not shake and rattle like my old XR
Fantastic intake noise
I really like the handling both pavement and dirt. Bike leans in and takes a set, easy to adjust line with throttle. Rides nicer than the almost 30 year old Ducati 907ie sport bike. Actually feels like the 848 Hayden Ducati. There is a touch of tire squirm on pavement but only noticed it coming back to pavement from dirt
E-dash easy to operate and visible in all light conditions. 4 ride modes including a total custom one.
Plan is to ride the heck out of it next spring,summer and fall including CO and WY BDRs. Then put it in a crate and ship it to a buddy in Thailand and we plan a Vietnam/Thailand adventure in 2024.
Need gear. Suggestions for ADV style clothing that does not break the bank? Using my road helmet at the moment but I can see the value in a Mx style with goggles