What a great opportunity Pete, not the bike I'd be buying unless I won the lottery, lol, but looked a lot of fun. You're so right about good dealerships being rare. I've been faithfully servicing and repairing my Hilux and Wifey's Corolla with the local Toyota Dealership for over 15 years. This year they sprung me a $4000+ bill to pass rego. I really look after my car and started to challenge what they said needed done. One example was that they said I needed a new radiator, I asked them to show me any leak... apparently they couldn't because "it evaporates too fast" - I then asked the "mechanic" if it was normal that, when you squeezed the radiator hose, you would hear air escaping from the cap. He said yes, I said goodby forever! Took it to radiator specialist - they tested it and replaced the cap... for $1200 less than the new radiator!! It's a prime example of why the moronic "continual growth" economy is destroying quality in everything. In order to make more each year in profit, companies have to cut quality and even rip people off - so good on you for giving a shout out to a dealership that really does look after it's customers properly :)

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

As a pure street or street/track bike, it makes a lot of sense, but it'd not like your dirt roads! 😀 WOW, that is terrible... sometimes they act like people were born yesterday! I do think car places are worse than bike places, but I have heard stories of motorcycle dealerships being just as bad as your experience. Without wanting to get all political, I am very much against this continual growth economic model, it is utterly unsustainable and only helps the rich while making those on the bottom rung of the ladder worse off. We are fast running out of room and even when they do build more houses (mostly on what was previously green belt land that they were not allowed to build houses on), they build houses for the rich, not affordable housing, makes me sick. I think because bikes are my main passion, finding a dealership I like means that much more to me, is just a shame that they don't sell all the manufacturers bikes! 😀

@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger

11 ай бұрын

@@HippoDrones I know what you mean about not getting all political - truth is though, 95% of us, of every political belief, are being severely shafted. We need some superior alien beings to come and take over and make things sensible again 🤣

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

@@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger :-D Hahaha... I think our leaders are so far removed from reality that they may as well be aliens! 😀

Tempting, especially in the new white colour scheme on the Factory. I'm your height and inside leg (with rotator cuff damage in my right shoulder!) I might see if Teasdales will let me out on one. PS that blue car pulling out to overtake the cyclist while you were about to overtake it looked quite an interesting moment...

@HippoDrones

4 ай бұрын

Sounds like we are body doubles with the shoulder injury and height! It is a cracking motorcycle, if I'd not gotten a Suzuki GSX 8S I would def consider one of these, it has a lot going for it, and yup, the new colours are great too. Haha... yeah... that got my heartrate going for sure.... and was all on me too, not the cars fault at all.

I'm with you on the quick shifter. I have tried a couple of bike with them and they are fun for a bit but I got bored with them quickly and stopped using them. With you on the dealership thing too. I've definitely noticed that recently! "Firmware" on a bike. What a world eh?

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

I rode a few bikes the other day, each also had a quickshifter (although one had broken) and got more used to using it on them. I am still of the same mind that they are not needed, and on the bikes I test rode, I would have preferred cruise control to a quickshifter, but like you say... it adds a little novelty to not need the clutch on the way down the box... I rarely use the clutch going up the box on my bikes anyway and none of them have a quickshifter

Hi Pete, managed to catch this one last night. That's a nice bike indeed. As others here have mentioned, decent Aprilia dealers seem to be few and far between. It's hard to buy an expensive bike if you don't feel like there is a decent support network nearby. Too expensive for my tastes anyway but I would like to check out some Aprilias ( you know, kick some tyres 😂) if we ever get a decent sized dealership over here. A fun review as always. Now we are all just waiting to see which bike you get to replace the Bee 🤔 Cheers Pete, will continue catching up with your recent videos now that I have more or less organised my chaos 😝 Garry.

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

Cheers Garry, yeah you want good support from a dealership no matter the brand. Both this Factory version and the standard model are very very lovely, just a tad too tall for me sadly. Stay tuned coz today's video delves deeper into the Gixer replacement choices... 🙂👍

What a machine, and what an amazing day to ride! I still have yet to get on an Aprilia 660 of any kind, though not for lack of interest!

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

I 100% recommend you give one a shot if you can find a way... I personally think that these middle weigth motorcycles have a lot to offer... from all the manufacturers!

Great job Pete, I need to do more with Aprilla but unlike Brighton Moto (ironicly I was in Brighton 2 weeks ago) , my local dealer isn't intrested. I like a quick shifter, they are all the same and desined for faster speeds although the Honda QS is good low rpms as well. Brill info👍

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

Thanks Steve, is a shame that they won't work with you. I don't tend to test ride bikes unless I am looking at getting one, although in this instance it was more because my bike was being serviced. I test rode a few bikes the other day and was able to enjoy the quickshifter fitted to them more as those engines had more miles on, so I could use more revs. They def make more sense at pace.

It looks a lovely motorcycle. You certainly picked a great day to test it. I've had a quick shifter for 7 years (on my Yam) but only use it when pushing on. It just doesn't seem mechanically sympathetic to bag the gears in at low revs. I suspect the bike would be a little cramped for 6ft 4 me. I've previously discounted the Tuono 1100, mainly because of the sporty leg position.

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

It does, I prefer the paint options on the standard bike, but for the price difference, it doesn't make any sense not to go for the Factory version, even if you were not really interested in the quickshifter. It would possibly be a little cramped, it is quite a dinky bike other than the seat height.

Pretty cool bike, I do love cruise control. It's a must have for me now.

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

Me too, I just wish it was one of those things that became a given just like we have had TC and ABS forced on us, at least CC should be an optional extra on new bikes.

Nice review but naughty boy passing on those zigzags @13:41 Picking mine up in a week. Ride safe😊

@HippoDrones

4 ай бұрын

Enjoy your new bike Paul, you getting the Factory version?

@paulg7294

4 ай бұрын

@@HippoDrones New factory version. Couldn't resist with £2k off list price! Seems this is about the best time to buy with dealers needing to clear out old stock ...

@HippoDrones

4 ай бұрын

@@paulg7294 That is an awesome discount! Superb bargain!

I own the 660 Factory, which is a fantastic sporty bike 🤩 and at 10.000,-€ new (Germany) it's a great package ! Mine came with a passenger seat and the cover and I think that should be the same on all Tuono 660 Factory bikes ✌. I can recommend the MRA R racing screen, it fits and looks fantastic on the bike and makes it even sportier 😉

@HippoDrones

10 ай бұрын

Ahh awesome, it did seem odd to me that it wouldn't have passenger footpegs so thank you for correcting my error. Good to know about the screen recommendation too. How long have you had the bike now?

11:22 Love the trees ride! Overall seems like a decent bike.

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

Aye, I do love a nice tree tunnel... I feel very lucky to have so many gorgeous roads to ride in my local area. Yeah, I think it is the benchmark in the category.

Lovely looking bikes, although I’ve never liked how big and wide those handlebars are 😬 however I know they help throw it about 👏 Who needs a pilly when you’ve got a bike like that 😎 I love a quick shifter but yeah it’s never going to be a dealbreaker for me. I bet it’s fun on the twisty but it does look tiny, I feel like I would be really uncomfortable on it after about an hour, especially if it’s a bit bouncy around the corners, the ZZR is obviously a boat so it’s planted everywhere. Great video mate, really well presented, hope you’re doing good fella 🤘

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

I guess having had mostly naked bikes my whole biking life, wider bars are more the norm for me... but not all wide bars are alike, I find them a little uncomfortable on my Tuareg, they are taller and wider still... they really drain my stamina from my rotator cuff injury on long rides. This was less of an issue, but still felt quit a reach compared to some other bikes I've ridden recently. The bike feels very dinky until I tried getting a foot down, then it felt like a giraffe! 😀Hhahaha Ty TB mate 🙂

Yes, finally someone with an inseam under 31" EVeryone I watch is 4'11" 32" inseam 6'2" 32 inseam. (obviously hyperbole) But, finally!! (also, yes I know this 9 month old video) subbed!

@HippoDrones

Ай бұрын

Hi David, yeah finding bikes that fit those with shorter legs is a struggle sometimes. The video I made of the standard Tuono 660 has a bit more detail in it on how the bike feels to ride. Thanks for the sub, I hope you enjoy my other content! 🙂

@davidlv

Ай бұрын

@@HippoDrones Have you rode the 2023+ tuono? if yes, has anything changed?

@HippoDrones

Ай бұрын

@@davidlv I've not I'm afraid so can't answer, sorry.

@davidlv

Ай бұрын

@@HippoDrones No matter, I bought a Tuono 660 factory today. It's so good. So excited.

@HippoDrones

Ай бұрын

@@davidlv Ahh fantastic, congrats on the new bike! 🙂

I also suffer from a height issue (5' 8.25") along w/ a 29.5" inseam. Bummer. But, I fit w/ most of my 2nd foot down on the ground. It's close enough to only notice occasionally. I adore everything else. Pretty much stock other than: tail tidy, engine/fairing protectors, phone mount. Expensive, but, other than heated grips- complete. I may swap mirrors to bar-ends & I removed the pillion footpegs to clean up the look. I've enjoyed my dealership- other than pricing!!! Great guys, hope to ride with them this year.

@HippoDrones

5 ай бұрын

That 29" inseam is annoying isn't it... but like you say, it is doable... my Aprilia Tuareg has a 33.9" seat height, and I cope just about with it. Heated grips are a great add to any bike, although I recently got myself some heated bike gloves and absolutely love them in winter riding. I think with bikes like these, having a great dealership is a must. My local dealership, Brighton Moto, where I got this from is amazing.

Ni e to see that the suspension although stiff, absorbs bumps well. It’s a very nice looking bike mate.

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

I think the standard version that I rode last year is a better paint option, but they all look stunning, is a cracking bike, and the suspension was delicious.

I nearly bought one in 2016. Amazing bike.

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

I don't know if it was out then, but agree, cracking middleweight naked bikes 🙂

@EpicMotorcycleAdventures

11 ай бұрын

@@HippoDrones my bad. It was the 1100 V4 I’ve nearly bought.

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

@@EpicMotorcycleAdventures they are a beast of a motorcycle! 😀

What a great looking bike. The ergonmics look ideal for regular use, with all the goodies for a fun weekend on your favourite roads. Has Aprilia ever designed a sidestand (on their road bikes) that looks stable in any conditions? My RSVR was scary as I was always worried it would fall over (one time it did).

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

Aye, def a looker... although I preferred the paint on the standard version I reviewed last year 🙂 Def has all the toys and trinkets, and very much a b-road scrapper... I think this middleweight class is fantastic fun, with performance that can be used without going (to) silly speeds! 😀 The sidestand on my Tuareg seems pretty tough, but I guess that isn't really a full on road bike! 😀

I love this bike, but sadly Aprilia only have one dealership in Bangkok and it's months to wait for spares, apparently..... Great down to earth review without getting to technical. Surprised to see cruise control on this bike, but pretty handy.....Great scenery, UK's looking lovely at the moment with all the rain you've had!!!! Did they clean your Toerag' for free!!!!! Haha Cheers Pete, take care mate

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

That is pretty bad the wait for parts... but you are on the opposite side of the planet I suppose and a niche brand for Thailand. Is great that it has CC, kinda annoying that the other brands don't TBH, would rather CC than a quickshifter! Hahaha... they cleaned the bits they needed to, but left the rest 😀

@davexs

11 ай бұрын

@@HippoDrones Definitely Niche, like Hens teeth out here.......

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

🙂it def sounds like they could do with more dealerships, but that still doesn't sort the spare parts issues@@davexs

@davexs

11 ай бұрын

@@HippoDrones Yes same as Ducati Thailand, not many dealers and a lot are closing.....

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

@@davexs you heard P&H are no longer a Ducati dealership

I'm of the same opinion with quick shifters, some people froth over it I can take it or leave it. Much rather have an option to have my fkn abs stay off till I turn it back on 😬

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

That is a bugbear of mine too... same with TC, if we are being forced to have it, it should be switcheable and stay selected and just have a warning on the dash if need be.

Beautiful bike, king of midweight naked

@HippoDrones

10 ай бұрын

Definately, and I'd have one in a snap to go with my Tuareg 660 if only it had a little lower seat height!

Obviously not a Rossi. More like Crutchlow. / I was quite surprised that sportsbike would have cruise control. Now that I think about it, it seems quite logical to have one, but I sort of assumed that sportsbikes are built in the way to combine everything uncomfortable, just to achieve speed.

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

Hahaha... well my short legs do make my crutch low! 😀 I think it is ace and more bikes should have it, makes longer trips so much more enjoyable being able to give the throttle hand/arm a rest 🙂

@theodorstravels

11 ай бұрын

@@HippoDrones Absolutely agree. Even my diy solution made my last trip so much easier. Plus it helps to keep steady speed, without eyeing the speedo that much, which leaves more time to enjoy the scenery.

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

@@theodorstravels yup... we have lots of average speed cameras here too, so super handy to set it 1mph below the limit for them 🙂

@theodorstravels

11 ай бұрын

@@HippoDrones nah, set it 1-2 miles over. Try them out 😁

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

@@theodorstravels live life on the edge... true badass biker! 😀

Hey I appreciate the real world brake test but let’s do it in a parking lot or somewhere with no traffic. Not sure my heart can take anymore of that🫣. Good save though.

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

Haha... I had to edit out my reaction comment! 😀

@BigDaveTALKS

11 ай бұрын

@@HippoDrones I kinda figured 😆.

@HippoDrones

11 ай бұрын

😀@@BigDaveTALKS