Aprilia Tuareg 660 Review: 7 Key Things To Know

The world of adventure motorcycles has seen significant growth in recent years, with many manufacturers jumping on the bandwagon to offer their take on the perfect blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability. One of the latest entrants in this segment is the Aprilia Tuareg 660, a bike that promises to deliver a unique blend of performance, comfort, and versatility. In this article, we'll delve into the key things you need to know about the Aprilia Tuareg 660, helping you decide if it's the right adventure bike for you.

What is the Aprilia Tuareg 660?

The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is a mid-size adventure motorcycle that slots in between the smaller Aprilia RS 660 sportbike and the larger Aprilia Caponord 1200 adventure tourer. It's designed to offer a perfect blend of on-road performance and off-road capability, making it an attractive option for riders who want a single bike that can handle a variety of tasks.

Design and Features

The Tuareg 660 features a sleek and modern design that's typical of Aprilia's recent offerings. The bike boasts a tall stance, with a seat height of 860mm, and a sturdy trellis frame that's designed to provide excellent stability and agility. The bike also features a 4.3-gallon fuel tank, which should provide a decent range for long-distance touring.

Key Features and Specifications

Here are some key features and specifications of the Aprilia Tuareg 660:

• Engine: 659cc, parallel-twin engine producing 80 horsepower and 51 lb-ft of torque
• Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch
• Suspension: 43mm USD forks and a mono-shock rear suspension with 7.5 inches of travel
• Brakes: Dual 300mm front discs and a single 260mm rear disc with ABS
• Seat Height: 860mm (33.9 inches)
• Dry Weight: 420 pounds (190 kg)
• Fuel Capacity: 4.3 gallons (16.3 liters)

Ride and Handling

The Tuareg 660 is designed to be an agile and responsive bike that's equally at home on paved roads and dirt trails. The bike features a low center of gravity and a relatively short wheelbase, which should make it easy to handle in tight spaces. The suspension is also designed to provide a smooth ride on paved roads, while still offering enough travel to absorb bumps and irregularities on off-road terrain.

Off-Road Capability

One of the key selling points of the Tuareg 660 is its off-road capability. The bike features a number of features that are designed to make it more suitable for off-road riding, including:

• A high-mounted exhaust system that helps to improve ground clearance
• A robust skid plate that protects the engine and transmission from damage
• A set of Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires that provide excellent grip on dirt and other off-road surfaces

On-Road Performance

While the Tuareg 660 is designed to be an off-road capable bike, it's also designed to provide excellent on-road performance. The bike features a powerful parallel-twin engine that's capable of delivering smooth and responsive power, and a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch that makes it easy to shift gears.

Competitors and Pricing

The Aprilia Tuareg 660 competes in a crowded segment that includes bikes like the Yamaha Tenere 700, the Ducati Multistrada 950, and the BMW F 850 GS. Pricing for the Tuareg 660 has not been officially announced, but it's expected to be around $10,000-$12,000, which would put it in line with its competitors.

Verdict

The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is an exciting new entrant in the adventure motorcycle segment. With its powerful parallel-twin engine, robust suspension, and off-road capable design, it's a bike that's sure to appeal to riders who want a single bike that can handle a variety of tasks. While we haven't had a chance to ride the bike yet, we're excited to see how it stacks up against its competitors.

If you're in the market for a new adventure motorcycle, be sure to check out the Aprilia Tuareg 660. With its unique blend of performance, comfort, and versatility, it's a bike that's sure to impress.

Final Thoughts

The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is an exciting new bike that's sure to appeal to riders who want a single bike that can handle a variety of tasks. With its powerful engine, robust suspension, and off-road capable design, it's a bike that's sure to impress. Whether you're a seasoned off-road rider or just looking for a bike that can handle the occasional dirt road, the Tuareg 660 is definitely worth considering.

We'd love to hear from you! Have you had a chance to ride the Aprilia Tuareg 660? What do you think of its design and features? Let us know in the comments below!