The Aprilia Tuareg 660 has quickly become one of the most desirable middleweight adventure bikes in the global motorcycling community. Designed for riders who love exploring the unknown, the Tuareg 660 blends rugged off-road capability, premium engineering, and true touring comfort. Whether you’re navigating harsh terrain, cruising on highways, or commuting through the city, the Tuareg 660 delivers a thrilling and confidence-inspiring ride.
In this article, we explore the bike’s design, performance, key features, ride quality, off-road ability, and reasons why the Tuareg 660 is a top contender in the ADV segment.
Design and Styling:
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 stands out with its purposeful adventure-bike styling. Unlike other ADV motorcycles that lean towards bulky proportions, the Tuareg maintains a slim, tall, and functional profile, ideal for off-road riding. The bike’s minimalist LED headlamp, tall windscreen, and aggressive front stance give it a rugged yet premium appearance.
Its 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, combined with a generous ground clearance of 240 mm, instantly signal that this machine is built to dominate trails. The ergonomics are highly adventure-focused, with a comfortable upright riding posture, wide handlebars, and a narrow seat that makes standing up on the pegs natural and stable.
Engine and Performance:
At the heart of the Tuareg is Aprilia’s renowned 659cc parallel-twin engine, the same platform used in the RS 660 and Tuono 660. However, for the Tuareg, the engine is tuned differently to deliver smooth low-end torque, making it suitable for off-road riding and long-distance adventure touring.
Key Engine Highlights
- 659cc liquid-cooled parallel twin
- 80 HP at 9,250 rpm
- 70 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm
- Optimized torque curve for off-road control
- Ride-by-wire throttle for smooth power delivery
The engine provides strong mid-range grunt, allowing the Tuareg 660 to tackle tough inclines, sand, gravel, and rocky trails with ease. On highways, the bike remains exceptionally stable and offers plenty of power for overtaking, maintaining speeds effortlessly.
Advanced Electronics and Rider Aids
Aprilia equips the Tuareg 660 with one of the best electronics packages in its class, making it a highly predictable and safe motorcycle in varying conditions.
Electronics Package Includes
- Four Riding Modes (including dedicated Off-Road Mode)
- Multi-level Traction Control
- Adjustable Engine Braking
- Switchable ABS on both wheels
- Cruise Control
- Full-color TFT display
The most impressive feature is the ability to switch off ABS on the rear wheel, a must-have for skilled off-road riders. The electronics are intuitive, and switching between modes takes only seconds, adapting the bike instantly to terrain changes.
Off-Road Capability:
The Aprilia Tuareg 660’s off-road performance is unquestionably one of its strongest selling points. Aprilia built the bike from the ground up with adventure riding in mind. This isn’t just a road bike with adventure styling.
Off-Road Features
- Long-travel suspension (240 mm front and rear)
- High ground clearance
- Lightweight construction at 204 kg (dry)
- Rally-style seat for easy maneuverability
- Enduro-style footpegs for better grip
The bike handles sandy trails, forest paths, rocky surfaces, and steep climbs confidently. The chassis balance, suspension tuning, and low-end torque make the Tuareg 660 easy to ride even for intermediate off-road enthusiasts, while experts will appreciate its responsiveness and agility.
On-Road Comfort and Touring Ability
While the Tuareg 660 excels off-road, it’s equally impressive on highways and long-distance rides. The motorcycle’s seating is comfortable, and the windscreen provides decent wind protection for extended touring.
Touring-Friendly Features
- Comfortable upright seating
- Good fuel efficiency for touring
- 18-liter fuel tank offering long-distance range
- Cruise control for relaxed highway riding
- Smooth power delivery at higher speeds
It strikes the perfect balance between adventure capability and everyday usability, making it ideal for long journeys and weekend getaways.
Suspension, Handling, and Braking
Paired with high-end Kayaba suspension units, the Tuareg 660 offers excellent stability and road feel. The suspension is fully adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune preload and damping depending on their load and terrain.
The braking system, supported by switchable ABS, inspires confidence whether riding in traffic or navigating technical mountain paths. The bike feels agile and predictable, thanks to its lightweight chassis and balanced weight distribution.
Price and Rivals
In the global ADV market, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 competes with motorcycles like:
- Yamaha Tenere 700
- KTM 690 Enduro R
- Honda Africa Twin 750 (lower variants)
While pricing varies by region, the Tuareg 660 generally sits in the premium middleweight ADV category. However, considering its electronics package, off-road gear, and overall refinement, it provides excellent value for adventure riders seeking a dependable and versatile motorcycle.
Why the Aprilia Tuareg 660 Is Worth Buying
Here’s why the Tuareg 660 stands out in a competitive segment:
- True off-road DNA with top-tier suspension
- Lightweight and agile
- Strong mid-range performance
- Comprehensive electronics package
- Comfortable for long-distance touring
- Premium design and features
Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or a beginner stepping into the world of ADV motorcycles, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 delivers an unbeatable blend of power, control, and versatility.
Conclusion:
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is a remarkable middleweight adventure motorcycle that shines in both on-road and off-road environments. With its exceptional suspension, powerful torque-rich engine, advanced electronics, and rugged build, it stands as one of the best options for riders seeking a capable and reliable ADV bike.
If you’re planning long-distance tours or exploring trails, the Tuareg 660 is engineered to take you anywhere with confidence and style.
