Thanks, glad to help out! It’s a great motorcycle obviously but there’s very little or no ownership and modification content. I research everything exhaustively so I’m happy to pass on some tips to the next owner.
It really is. It’s starting to pop up on more people’s radar. Word from Aprilia is that the price will go up in 2023 (akin to what Yamaha did with the T7 after it’s introductory year). Grab one cheap while you can.
Thanks for this. I had some other Bark Busters from another bike and thought I could just transfer them, but they turned out not to it. This helped me find exactly what I need!
I put these on yesterday! What a PITA! I had the same issue with the clearance but noticed before I scratched my paint. The left side was easy to adjust out but with my levers are a little below the metal crossbar. The right side was especially frustrating but after screwing with it for quite along time I got it where I needed it so it wouldn't scratch my paint. The levers also are also a little below the metal crossbar. I also turned my bar mounts the opposite of what was shown in the instructions. I have factory levers and they clear easily.
Only 4 days until my 660 arrives now and wanted to thank you for your videos that have been so helpful in helping make the decision to buy. Your choice of mods is along the lines I am also looking to do and the detail you put into the videos is spot on! Great content, much appreciated, and now subscribed. Happy trails👍🏼
I’m glad it’s helpful. I did a lot of research into what accessories would fit and work best the bike and was disappointed in what little video content and info I could find, so I decided to make my own.
I had them upside down when I did it. Didn't check clearance and it tore up the airbox cover lol. Not they're right side up but now it limits how low I can face my levers for offroading
Installed the bike specific set on my 2024, the mounting brackets are not left /right specific as they clamp just before the bars begin to taper and they install underneath rather than over the top. It is required to remove the plastic shrouds over the master cylinder and the clutch lever assembly or they will not fit. So my clutch cable is above the bracket and the brake line is above while the throttle lines are below.
It’s nice that they have produced a Tuareg specific kit. I’m still very happy with strength and fitment of my universal kit and I was very happy to find something that provided excellent protection, because when the motorcycle hit the market there was so very little aftermarket equipment available.
Late to the party but this video was very helpful. My Tuareg specific Barkbusters instructions showed the opposite on how they actually fit best, like you pointed out. The instructions also said to use the oem bar end weights, I used the enclosed ones. Think they need to update their instructions?
You’re welcome. I haven’t seen the instructions on the Tuareg specific kits but you’re probably the third or fourth person I’ve heard (read) about having issues. It’s a great fit once you get some pieces swapped around.
With oem heated grips, the bar ends that screw inside the bar stick out farther so it moves the entire assembly outward a tiny bit so the clamp point is moved just enough to where the bar is too skinny for the clamps to clamp tight on the bar. Still deciding if I should grind the clamps so they can clamp tighter or figure out a shim.
If it were me I would probably just shim it. I can’t remember if the inside of the handlebar mount clamps are grooved to get a “bite” on the bar or if it is smooth. If it’s smooth get a very thin aluminum sheet and cut yourself some shims with a pair of snips. It is grooved and it won’t get a good bite with the smooth shims you might have to get more creative. I’m thinking using a roll of handlebar wrap (for road bicycles) would provide the stickiness and grip to both stick to the bar and shim the mounting clamp.
in my experience of off-road riding and ... falling, the handguard is turning down when hitting the ground. so that the linkage may hit the clutch cables or the brake fluid line, if the linkage is over instead of under the bar.
I’ve had them go both ways. For slow drops the guard can twist down because the handlebar is turned into the gas tank for the side impacting the ground. The twist down has been minimal (for me). And for higher speed lay overs or “low-sides” (like when the tires wash out around a corner) the side hitting ground has the handlebar turned away from the gas tank and the ground trying to turn the guards upwards, it can twist the guard up dramatically. I think this is because as the bike slides the handlebar finds a place in the ground to become an anchor and it becomes a pivot point. In my personal experience, I tend to find more damage on the high speed layovers, as the ground is trying to rip off every clutch, brake, and shifter lever on the motorcycle as it goes sliding. That’s why I also have cable leashes installed on my lower controls, trying to keep them being completely separated from the bike. There is one other scenario I hope to never experience again, I’ve done two “high-side” departures off a motorcycle (both hurt badly), one street (on a road bike) and one off-road but neither of those bikes had robust hand-guards like we are discussing.
@@lazy-pilot I agree on your points. I was adressing liw speed on technical dirt terrain. On tarmac, I experienced a falling from front wheel sliding out on a gasoil stain, a fairly low speed ( entering a round about), and bark buster didn't move. So far , cross fingers, no experience of falling at high speed.
Your video addresses all the issues that I was concerned with, so now I can order new levers & handguards! Quick question, do you think folding levers are a benefit when running barkbusters?
I think that having foldable levers combined with good hand guards is a belt and suspenders approach. But I also wanted adjustable levers so that I can adjust the pull length.
Thank you for the great video. I have been searching for a set up and I think this is it. With regards to the levers - In the shortest position do they allow you to use 2 fingers without pinching the rest of your hand when pulled in? Also what is your navigation set up? it looks very well fitted on the bike. Thanks again for the informative video.
Thanks for the comment! The levers won’t adjust enough to allow for 2-finger only operation on the clutch side where you need a “full pull” of the lever for operation; you would definitely squash your fingers. The same company does make shorty levers as well that might work better for you.
Thanks for the comment! The levers won’t adjust enough to allow for 2-finger only operation on the clutch side where you need a “full pull” of the lever for operation; you would definitely squash your fingers. The same company does make shorty levers as well that might work better for you.
@@lazy-pilot Ok good to know. One more question. What is your navigation system set up? The holder and the system itself. It looks very well placed. I just got back from a trip that took me from San Diego to Canada and back and we used our phones from time to time. It made me realize that a full time dedicated nav system was a probably a better way to go. The bike performed great. I'm 6'1" and found some uncomfortable wind buffeting at 70+ mph. I am on the hunt for a taller windscreen. Thanks again for the great video.
@@communityrealtygroup8319 I recommend the DMD2 from THORK Racing and if you've got enough money the Tablert CARPE ITER. In my opinion and my experience it is the best solution for offroad and road use.
great video! bravo! very useful. Just for curiosity; Is there any chance to instal barkbuster handguards with the OEM final weights? even if with any modification
Let me take a look. I know that it would require longer bolts than come on the bike in the factory setting, and I know that the bolts included with the bark buster kit will not be long enough. I guess your question is if the stock weights would fit on the outside of the bark buster aluminum bars, correct?
@@lazy-pilot that's right! In my Africa twin of '93 I put the final and OEM weights, for example, at the end and external of my acerbis pro rally handguards. And you are right about the Need of Bolt more long
No you’ll need BGH152 for 1-1/8” bars (BGH151 is for 7/8” bars). More specifically I ordered the BB.BHG152.BK which is the VPS universal handguard kit for tapered bars (1-1/8”) and black-on-black plastic guards. Link is here, you may notice they have the wrong picture shown for the mounting hardware but this is the correct handguard kit: www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/barkbusters-vps-handguard-kit-for-tapered-handlebars?rrec=true&sku_id=1311781
Thanks for sharing. Any special challenges or fitment notes worth mentioning when it came to installing the brake and clutch levers? Did they require a separate lever mount adaptor?
No additional parts needed, they are direct replacements. On the brake lever, the allen screw that presses against the plunger of the master cylinder looks different than the factory brake lever, it still functions perfectly well. Note that since it is adjustable, you should adjust that screw to get the perfect gap/tension (not too loose or tight). Also it’s entirely optional but if you have some blue thread locker I recommend putting it on the threads of that allen head screw to ensure it stays exactly where you adjusted it. You’ll need to press in the plunger with the brake lever to put it into position and install the bolt.
Hi Davis, First of all, thanks a lot for this very intersant video. In my case, I would like to improve the position of the Barkbusters protections currently mounted on my Tuareg 660. Could you tell me what I need to mount these protections like on your video in which you talk about a kit of the reference "bgh 151 uiversal" but do I have to buy the whole thing because I already have Barkbusters protections on my motorcycle but the fixation on the handlebars are done by the bottom and in the video the fixation goes on top which is much better in the case of the Tuareg 660. Please tell me what exactly I need to buy to make this improvement? Also, do you have the exact reference of the levers (brake and clutch) that you ordered from MG BIKETEC? I have been looking for this kind of levers for several months ... Best Regards Jean
Hi Jean. You should be able to switch the handlebar clamp mounts between the left and right sides. So take the handlebar clamp and that twisted adapter piece from the right side and exchange with the left side. I hope that makes sense. You should not need to buy additional parts. Give me a moment to look for the part numbers on those levers.
MG-Biketec Clutch Lever: 4042-994006 Brake Lever: 4041-655019 In case they’re not available, AF1 Racing also has some similar ones from Evotech: www.af1racing.com/evotech-performance-uk-folding-adjustable-lever-set-long-for-tuareg
No, it fit well. Although it didn’t require it, I did loosen the banjo bolt slightly and moved the brake to center up perfectly with the handlebar mount. Very easy to do, it took 30 seconds.
No issues, however I have adjustable clutch and brake levers from MG-Biketec installed. The stock clutch lever might be a little tight, but nothing a metal file and a spare 10 minutes couldn’t fix.
hello Ran thank you very much for your excellent videos which are very clear. can you give me the references of the products installed for the GPS. thank you in advance
I have a Garmin Zumo XT GPS and the Tourtech Locking mount specific for the Zumo XT. I also have a 3D printed Zumo XT sun visor from a gentleman on Etsy.com, which you should be able to easily find by searching the website. There was a minor fitment issue to mount the Tourtech to the Tuareg’s navigation bar (above the TFT display). I easily fixed that issue by using a short length of 1/4” rubber fuel line (from an automotive parts store) and I split it in half lengthwise, and used one of those halves to improve the fitment to the nav bar.
Hi Ran, excellent video, could you share with me what Navi support in the bar and what Navi do you use?, I woluld like to buy a new one and yours is perfect, thanks in advance...
Hi Niko, it’s the Touratech Locking GPS Mount for the Garmin Zumo XT. The bar mounts from Touratech are the correct size for the 12mm bar on the Tuareg, however the GPS mount is slightly wider than the bar which causes a minor issue that I can be resolved easily. Take some 1/4” fuel line from any auto parts store, cut it to the length of the bar, then cut it in half length-wise and use it as a spacer on the bar. The result is a very good mount to the bike that keeps your GPS secure from easy theft.
@@lazy-pilot Hi Ran, thanks for your explanation about the Navi system and obviously for your videos, one more thing please, the cover of Garmin is also from Touratech?, thanks in advance
Hi Niko, the sun visor is from a small vendor in the U.K. that does 3D prints, but don’t let that discourage you. It’s very durable and good quality. www.etsy.com/listing/1247468752/zumo-xt-sun-rain-version?click_key=17890f3e70fa60688ff5dfffe17cbebb3289ae31%3A1247468752&click_sum=b3dcd617&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=touratech+zumo+xt&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&organic_search_click=1&bes=1
Excellent content for us 660 owners & those interested in going with one. Really appreciate it. Subscribed
Thanks, glad to help out! It’s a great motorcycle obviously but there’s very little or no ownership and modification content. I research everything exhaustively so I’m happy to pass on some tips to the next owner.
Just saw a 660 in person the other day and I am sold. What an absolute sleeper if a bike
It really is. It’s starting to pop up on more people’s radar. Word from Aprilia is that the price will go up in 2023 (akin to what Yamaha did with the T7 after it’s introductory year). Grab one cheap while you can.
@@lazy-pilot working on now haha! Keep up the great videos bro!
Thanks for this. I had some other Bark Busters from another bike and thought I could just transfer them, but they turned out not to it. This helped me find exactly what I need!
Glad I could help!
I put these on yesterday! What a PITA! I had the same issue with the clearance but noticed before I scratched my paint. The left side was easy to adjust out but with my levers are a little below the metal crossbar. The right side was especially frustrating but after screwing with it for quite along time I got it where I needed it so it wouldn't scratch my paint. The levers also are also a little below the metal crossbar. I also turned my bar mounts the opposite of what was shown in the instructions. I have factory levers and they clear easily.
Only 4 days until my 660 arrives now and wanted to thank you for your videos that have been so helpful in helping make the decision to buy.
Your choice of mods is along the lines I am also looking to do and the detail you put into the videos is spot on!
Great content, much appreciated, and now subscribed. Happy trails👍🏼
I’m glad it’s helpful. I did a lot of research into what accessories would fit and work best the bike and was disappointed in what little video content and info I could find, so I decided to make my own.
Appreciated the overview of the levers!
thanks for all the effort put into these series of videos about the Tuareg!
Glad you like them! Thanks for watching
thanks so much for posting this valuable info. subscribed
I had them upside down when I did it. Didn't check clearance and it tore up the airbox cover lol. Not they're right side up but now it limits how low I can face my levers for offroading
Well done, thank you!
Installed the bike specific set on my 2024, the mounting brackets are not left /right specific as they clamp just before the bars begin to taper and they install underneath rather than over the top. It is required to remove the plastic shrouds over the master cylinder and the clutch lever assembly or they will not fit. So my clutch cable is above the bracket and the brake line is above while the throttle lines are below.
It’s nice that they have produced a Tuareg specific kit. I’m still very happy with strength and fitment of my universal kit and I was very happy to find something that provided excellent protection, because when the motorcycle hit the market there was so very little aftermarket equipment available.
You're putting out some excellent videos.
Late to the party but this video was very helpful. My Tuareg specific Barkbusters instructions showed the opposite on how they actually fit best, like you pointed out. The instructions also said to use the oem bar end weights, I used the enclosed ones. Think they need to update their instructions?
You’re welcome. I haven’t seen the instructions on the Tuareg specific kits but you’re probably the third or fourth person I’ve heard (read) about having issues. It’s a great fit once you get some pieces swapped around.
With oem heated grips, the bar ends that screw inside the bar stick out farther so it moves the entire assembly outward a tiny bit so the clamp point is moved just enough to where the bar is too skinny for the clamps to clamp tight on the bar. Still deciding if I should grind the clamps so they can clamp tighter or figure out a shim.
If it were me I would probably just shim it. I can’t remember if the inside of the handlebar mount clamps are grooved to get a “bite” on the bar or if it is smooth. If it’s smooth get a very thin aluminum sheet and cut yourself some shims with a pair of snips. It is grooved and it won’t get a good bite with the smooth shims you might have to get more creative. I’m thinking using a roll of handlebar wrap (for road bicycles) would provide the stickiness and grip to both stick to the bar and shim the mounting clamp.
in my experience of off-road riding and ... falling, the handguard is turning down when hitting the ground. so that the linkage may hit the clutch cables or the brake fluid line, if the linkage is over instead of under the bar.
I’ve had them go both ways. For slow drops the guard can twist down because the handlebar is turned into the gas tank for the side impacting the ground. The twist down has been minimal (for me). And for higher speed lay overs or “low-sides” (like when the tires wash out around a corner) the side hitting ground has the handlebar turned away from the gas tank and the ground trying to turn the guards upwards, it can twist the guard up dramatically. I think this is because as the bike slides the handlebar finds a place in the ground to become an anchor and it becomes a pivot point. In my personal experience, I tend to find more damage on the high speed layovers, as the ground is trying to rip off every clutch, brake, and shifter lever on the motorcycle as it goes sliding. That’s why I also have cable leashes installed on my lower controls, trying to keep them being completely separated from the bike. There is one other scenario I hope to never experience again, I’ve done two “high-side” departures off a motorcycle (both hurt badly), one street (on a road bike) and one off-road but neither of those bikes had robust hand-guards like we are discussing.
@@lazy-pilot I agree on your points. I was adressing liw speed on technical dirt terrain. On tarmac, I experienced a falling from front wheel sliding out on a gasoil stain, a fairly low speed ( entering a round about), and bark buster didn't move. So far , cross fingers, no experience of falling at high speed.
Your video addresses all the issues that I was concerned with, so now I can order new levers & handguards!
Quick question, do you think folding levers are a benefit when running barkbusters?
I think that having foldable levers combined with good hand guards is a belt and suspenders approach. But I also wanted adjustable levers so that I can adjust the pull length.
Thank you for the great video. I have been searching for a set up and I think this is it. With regards to the levers - In the shortest position do they allow you to use 2 fingers without pinching the rest of your hand when pulled in? Also what is your navigation set up? it looks very well fitted on the bike. Thanks again for the informative video.
Thanks for the comment! The levers won’t adjust enough to allow for 2-finger only operation on the clutch side where you need a “full pull” of the lever for operation; you would definitely squash your fingers. The same company does make shorty levers as well that might work better for you.
Thanks for the comment! The levers won’t adjust enough to allow for 2-finger only operation on the clutch side where you need a “full pull” of the lever for operation; you would definitely squash your fingers. The same company does make shorty levers as well that might work better for you.
@@lazy-pilot Ok good to know. One more question. What is your navigation system set up? The holder and the system itself. It looks very well placed. I just got back from a trip that took me from San Diego to Canada and back and we used our phones from time to time. It made me realize that a full time dedicated nav system was a probably a better way to go. The bike performed great. I'm 6'1" and found some uncomfortable wind buffeting at 70+ mph. I am on the hunt for a taller windscreen. Thanks again for the great video.
@@communityrealtygroup8319 I recommend the DMD2 from THORK Racing and if you've got enough money the Tablert CARPE ITER. In my opinion and my experience it is the best solution for offroad and road use.
See video description for more specifics.
great video! bravo! very useful. Just for curiosity; Is there any chance to instal barkbuster handguards with the OEM final weights? even if with any modification
Let me take a look. I know that it would require longer bolts than come on the bike in the factory setting, and I know that the bolts included with the bark buster kit will not be long enough. I guess your question is if the stock weights would fit on the outside of the bark buster aluminum bars, correct?
@@lazy-pilot that's right! In my Africa twin of '93 I put the final and OEM weights, for example, at the end and external of my acerbis pro rally handguards. And you are right about the Need of Bolt more long
Hi. I understand that the handlebars is code bgh 151 uiversal and not especific tuareg bgh 105. Thanks.
No you’ll need BGH152 for 1-1/8” bars (BGH151 is for 7/8” bars). More specifically I ordered the BB.BHG152.BK which is the VPS universal handguard kit for tapered bars (1-1/8”) and black-on-black plastic guards. Link is here, you may notice they have the wrong picture shown for the mounting hardware but this is the correct handguard kit:
www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/barkbusters-vps-handguard-kit-for-tapered-handlebars?rrec=true&sku_id=1311781
Thanks for sharing. Any special challenges or fitment notes worth mentioning when it came to installing the brake and clutch levers? Did they require a separate lever mount adaptor?
No additional parts needed, they are direct replacements. On the brake lever, the allen screw that presses against the plunger of the master cylinder looks different than the factory brake lever, it still functions perfectly well. Note that since it is adjustable, you should adjust that screw to get the perfect gap/tension (not too loose or tight). Also it’s entirely optional but if you have some blue thread locker I recommend putting it on the threads of that allen head screw to ensure it stays exactly where you adjusted it. You’ll need to press in the plunger with the brake lever to put it into position and install the bolt.
@@lazy-pilot Super. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Happy Thanksgiving.
No problem. Happy Thanksgiving!🦃
Hi Davis,
First of all, thanks a lot for this very intersant video. In my case, I would like to improve the position of the Barkbusters protections currently mounted on my Tuareg 660. Could you tell me what I need to mount these protections like on your video in which you talk about a kit of the reference "bgh 151 uiversal" but do I have to buy the whole thing because I already have Barkbusters protections on my motorcycle but the fixation on the handlebars are done by the bottom and in the video the fixation goes on top which is much better in the case of the Tuareg 660. Please tell me what exactly I need to buy to make this improvement?
Also, do you have the exact reference of the levers (brake and clutch) that you ordered from MG BIKETEC? I have been looking for this kind of levers for several months ...
Best Regards
Jean
Hi Jean. You should be able to switch the handlebar clamp mounts between the left and right sides. So take the handlebar clamp and that twisted adapter piece from the right side and exchange with the left side. I hope that makes sense. You should not need to buy additional parts. Give me a moment to look for the part numbers on those levers.
MG-Biketec
Clutch Lever: 4042-994006
Brake Lever: 4041-655019
In case they’re not available, AF1 Racing also has some similar ones from Evotech:
www.af1racing.com/evotech-performance-uk-folding-adjustable-lever-set-long-for-tuareg
Hi Davis
Thanks a lot for your tips to improve this. I’ll try this when i’m back home.
Regards
Thanks for sharing your install, did you have any issue installing the barkbone on the brake side ?
No, it fit well. Although it didn’t require it, I did loosen the banjo bolt slightly and moved the brake to center up perfectly with the handlebar mount. Very easy to do, it took 30 seconds.
@@lazy-pilot thanks for your answer. i just ordered it. ;)
@@pierrejarrige9072 hi Ran, Me again. Did you need an adapter to install the brake and clutch levers ? Thanks in advance
Hi, I also bought a barkbusters bhg-152, but I haven't installed it yet. Do you have any problems with the clutch when shifting gears?
No issues, however I have adjustable clutch and brake levers from MG-Biketec installed. The stock clutch lever might be a little tight, but nothing a metal file and a spare 10 minutes couldn’t fix.
hello Ran thank you very much for your excellent videos which are very clear. can you give me the references of the products installed for the GPS. thank you in advance
I have a Garmin Zumo XT GPS and the Tourtech Locking mount specific for the Zumo XT. I also have a 3D printed Zumo XT sun visor from a gentleman on Etsy.com, which you should be able to easily find by searching the website. There was a minor fitment issue to mount the Tourtech to the Tuareg’s navigation bar (above the TFT display). I easily fixed that issue by using a short length of 1/4” rubber fuel line (from an automotive parts store) and I split it in half lengthwise, and used one of those halves to improve the fitment to the nav bar.
@@lazy-pilot
Ran many thanks for your answer.
Very kind. Washing you good time on your Tuareg
Hi Ran,
excellent video, could you share with me what Navi support in the bar and what Navi do you use?, I woluld like to buy a new one and yours is perfect, thanks in advance...
Hi Niko, it’s the Touratech Locking GPS Mount for the Garmin Zumo XT. The bar mounts from Touratech are the correct size for the 12mm bar on the Tuareg, however the GPS mount is slightly wider than the bar which causes a minor issue that I can be resolved easily. Take some 1/4” fuel line from any auto parts store, cut it to the length of the bar, then cut it in half length-wise and use it as a spacer on the bar. The result is a very good mount to the bike that keeps your GPS secure from easy theft.
@@lazy-pilot Hi Ran,
thanks for your explanation about the Navi system and obviously for your videos, one more thing please, the cover of Garmin is also from
Touratech?, thanks in advance
Hi Niko, the sun visor is from a small vendor in the U.K. that does 3D prints, but don’t let that discourage you. It’s very durable and good quality.
www.etsy.com/listing/1247468752/zumo-xt-sun-rain-version?click_key=17890f3e70fa60688ff5dfffe17cbebb3289ae31%3A1247468752&click_sum=b3dcd617&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=touratech+zumo+xt&ref=sr_gallery-1-3&organic_search_click=1&bes=1