Tracking The MO Showdown Adventure Tour
Aprilia Tuareg 660 vs Yamaha Ténéré 700.
After months of preparation, MO’s biggest Showdown of the year is taking place right now, and you can follow it. We have secured an Aprilia Tuareg 660 and a Yamaha Ténéré 700, had them transported to the Get On! ADV Fest, flew out to Sturgis, SD, and are riding the two bikes back on an epic 1,800-mile street and off-road route planned by master of the long-haul journey, Ryan Adams. Accompanying him will be EiC Evans Brasfield for riding and photo duty (bets are currently being taken over how many times he’ll crash in the dirt) and MO Video Producer, Sean Matic.
Highlights of the trip include a day each spent on the Utah and Wyoming Backcountry Discovery Routes along with some moto-camping. Before, between, and after, we have a mix of backroads and interstate. All of which is a short, vague way of teasing you about the most complete comparison between the Ténéré and the Tuareg done anywhere.
Here are some tidbits about what’s happened so far: Day 1 featured temperatures rocketing to a high of 111° F throughout the bulk of the day. If that’s not enough, the winds were constant, with gusts. Day 2 included WYBDR Section 2. You’ll first have access to this post while our trio is actively riding from Centennial, WY, to a city that has a strangely familiar name. You can track their progress for the remainder of the tour by clicking the link below.
Since we need to give Sean time to work his video magic, the finished product is still a few weeks away. However, we have included this spec sheet below for you to debate.
Have fun.
Specifications | 2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660 | 2022 Yamaha Ténéré 700 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $11,999 – $12,599 | $10,299 |
| Engine Type | 659 cc liquid-cooled parallel Twin, 270-degree crank, DOHC, 4 valves-per cylinder | 689cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, Parallel Twin four valves per cylinder |
| Bore and Stroke | 81mm x 63.9mm | 80mm x 68.6mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Horsepower | 80 hp at 9250 rpm (claimed) | 72.4 hp at 9,000 rpm (claimed) |
| Torque | 51.6 lb-ft at 6500 rpm (claimed) | 50 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm (claimed) |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed; wet multiplate clutch |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Front Suspension | 43mm inverted KYB fork; adjustable for spring preload, rebound and compression damping, 9.4 inches of travel | KYB 43mm inverted fork, fully-adjustable; 8.3 inches of travel |
| Rear Suspension | Link-type single shock; adjustable for spring preload, rebound and compression damping, 9.4 inches of travel | KYB Single shock, adjustable preload (w/remote adjuster) and rebound damping; 7.9 inches of travel |
| Front Brake | Dual 310mm discs, 4-piston calipers, ABS | Brembo Dual 282mm hydraulic disc; selectable ABS (on/off) |
| Rear Brake | 260mm disc, 1-piston caliper, ABS | Brembo 245mm hydraulic disc; selectable ABS (on/off) |
| Front Tire | 90/90-21 | 90/90R21 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR |
| Rear Tire | 150/70 – 18 | 150/70R18 Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR |
| Rake/Trail | 26.7°/4.5 inches | 27.0 deg/4.13 inches |
| Wheelbase | 60 inches | 62.8 inches |
| Seat Height | 33.9 inches | 34.6 inches |
| Curb Weight | 450 pounds (claimed) | 449.7 pounds (claimed) |
| Fuel Capacity | 4.8 gallons | 4.2 gallons |
| Colors | Indaco Tagelmust, Acid Gold, Martian Red | Team Yamaha Blue, Raven |
| Warranty | 24 months, transferable; extended coverage available | Warranty 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty) |
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Great idea, following along! More please!
As an owner, I can say the T7 is the best bike in the world with the worst windshield.
Madstad mounted today. Sheer BLISS!