Full‑size adventure motorcycles can feel massive to manage, while entry‑level ones often lack the power for highway riding. That is why the middleweight adventure category has become so popular, striking the right balance between size and strength. What you get is long‑distance comfort combined with go‑anywhere capability, supported by rider‑assist technology that builds confidence. And within this crowded space, Aprilia‘s first proper middleweight ADV is quickly making waves as a masterclass in balance. It is a motorcycle designed to handle the slab with ease while remaining genuinely playful once the pavement ends.
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 Is The Adventure Motorcycle That Balances Comfort, Capability, And Confidence
The modern Aprilia Tuareg 660 is the brand’s big return to the middleweight adventure scene. It also brings back the historic Tuareg name, now reimagined for today’s riders who want a mix of highway comfort and off‑road grit. The bike borrows its 660 platform from the RS 660 and Tuono 660, but this is no sports bike in disguise like the Kawasaki Versys 650. Instead, it is built with long-travel suspension, a tough frame, stripped‑down bodywork, and design cues that make sense when the pavement ends.
That is what gives the Tuareg its perfect balance. You get ergonomics that feel natural and supportive, paired with strong underpinnings that make long rides or daily commutes easier. The parallel twin engine delivers smooth, versatile power that works across different terrains. Add in genuine off‑road ability and modern electronics, and you have a machine that inspires confidence wherever you take it.
Starting Price Of The Tuareg 660 Is $12,499
The standard Tuareg 660 starts at $12,499 in the United States, which places it right in the mix with rivals such as the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and KTM 890 Adventure. The Rally 660 variant is priced at $13,799 and brings upgraded suspension, reinforced wheels, and rally‑ready ergonomics. For riders who want a machine that can take on punishing terrain, the Rally’s higher price is justified. The standard Tuareg, on the other hand, offers a balanced package for those who want versatility without committing to a full rally specification.
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The Aprilia Tuareg Brings Riding Comfort To Every Adventure
Let’s be real, middleweight ADVs are not going to give you the plush comfort of the big touring machines. On the flip side, chasing that kind of comfort usually means losing the agility you need when the road gets tricky. The Tuareg manages to walk that line really well. Aprilia built it around a steel trellis frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, paired with an aluminum swingarm.
That setup keeps the weight in check while still feeling tough enough for adventure. In addition, the upright riding position is said to feel natural, and the wide bars give you plenty of leverage whether you are sitting back or standing up on the pegs. With a seat height of 33.9 inches, you get a nice balance between accessibility and the ground clearance you want when the trail gets rough.
Underpinnings That Keep You Going
The suspension comes from Kayaba, with a 43 mm upside‑down fork up front and a monoshock at the rear. Both ends give you 9.5 inches of travel. They are fully adjustable, too, so you can set preload, compression, and rebound to match your style. The wheels are proper ADV spec, 21 inches at the front and 18 at the rear, with aluminum tubeless spoke rims.
Braking is handled by Brembo, with dual 300 mm discs and two‑piston floating calipers up front, and a 260 mm disc with a single‑piston caliper at the back. Braided hoses add consistency, and the ABS lets you choose between three levels of intervention. All this while, at 449.7 pounds, the Tuareg is one of the lightest bikes in its class. The Rally version trims even more, coming in at 438.7 pounds, thanks to SC Project exhaust and upgraded rally-spec suspension to tackle tough terrain.
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Reliable Parallel‑Twin Powers Aprilia Tuareg’s Versatile Capability
Unlike the RS 660 and Tuono 660, the 659 cc parallel twin with its 270-degree crank in the Tuareg has been tuned with adventure in mind. Instead of chasing over 100 horsepower like the sports bike versions, it puts out 80 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and 52 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm. That torque curve is exactly what you want when the trail gets rocky or the climb gets steep, giving you the grunt to keep moving without drama. The engine still carries a sporty edge thanks to its 13.5:1 compression ratio, but in this setup, it is more economical and built to be reliable for the long haul.
Performance Tuned to Handle Any Terrain
Liquid cooling and DOHC four-valve heads keep things efficient, whereas ride-by-wire throttle makes power delivery smooth and predictable. The Tuareg 660 adds versatility with four distinct riding modes. Urban mode is ideal for commuting, Explore mode suits touring, and Off Road mode lets you disable ABS at the rear wheel. It also adjusts traction control to allow wheel spin. Finally, the Individual mode gives you the freedom to customize every parameter.
Power reaches the rear wheel through a six-speed gearbox paired with a multi-plate wet clutch and slipper function. The latter reduces wheel hop during aggressive downshifts. The setup is completed with a final chain drive system.
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Ride‑Enhancing Features Inspire Confidence On The Aprilia Tuareg
Confidence often comes from the tech backing you up, and Aprilia’s Performance Ride Control system is one of the best examples of that. Normally, you would expect this kind of electronics suite on sport bikes or naked machines, but it works just as well on the Tuareg 660, which is built to head off the pavement. On the highway, cruise control makes long stretches easier, wind protection is solid, and USB ports keep your devices charged.
All the Bells and Whistles You’d Expect
From the saddle, you are greeted by a crisp 5‑inch TFT display that lets you toggle through modes and connect your smartphone. The lighting is all LED, highlighted by the distinctive triple headlight setup that has become an Aprilia trademark. Every detail seems thought through, from the aluminum skid plate to the high‑mounted exhaust, making sure the Tuareg 660 is ready for whatever adventure you have planned.
The Rally version adds extra protection with reinforced skid plates and rally‑focused ergonomics, giving you confidence when the terrain gets tougher. The standard Tuareg remains the more balanced option, and compared to rivals, it feels more complete than the Yamaha Ténéré 700, which is more stripped down, while coming closer to the KTM 890 Adventure, which offers similar rider aids but at a higher price.
Sources: Aprilia USA