The only things stopping most of us from taking our adventure bikes around the world are our commitments, responsibilities, and money. But imagine you do get your dream adventure bike, like the Ducati Multistrada V4 or a Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro. Then, the only thing stopping you from reaching your destination would be the bike’s heft and size. These bikes mostly weigh close to or over 500 pounds; factor in your luggage and tired body, and lifting these bikes up when you drop them would require a couple of friends.
So, what’s the better alternative to realizing your dream of traveling the world on two wheels? And we mean actual travel, which involves crossing challenging routes, trails, or broken tarmac. For that, you’d need something light enough to manage off-road but powerful enough to keep up on long highway stretches. Fortunately, there are plenty of options here, but one bike stands out. Here’s more on the adventure bike that offers big bike confidence without the heft.
Making A Case For Middleweight Adventure Bikes
Full-size adventure motorcycles, like the good ol’ BMW R 1300 GS and the Ducati Multistrada V4, will always be at the forefront of the ADV segment. These motorcycles are on the cutting edge of performance and tech, but they do have one problem. No matter how much manufacturers would like you to believe, these behemoths are anything but off-road ready. Sure, the brave and skilled among us can push those bikes like dirt bikes, but for most of us, full-size adventure bikes aren’t the best when it comes to conquering every terrain.
Full-Size ADVs Are More Tourers Than Off-Roaders
The argument is simple here; instead of thinking of full-size ADVs as off-roaders, it’s best to think of them as adventure tourers. The problem starts with their weight; add in your luggage, and these bikes would require more than a pair of hands to lift them off the ground. Plus, anything over 100 horsepower is overkill when the terrain is loose, especially when you consider most of these bikes run mostly street rubber. And finally, full-size adventure bikes also demand full-size maintenance, and spares can be expensive if you drop it the wrong way.
Middleweight ADVs Sit At The Sweet Spot Of Weight And Performance
The sweet spot for most riders would be the middleweight segment, which offers some incredible options that combine light weight with enough power to inspire confidence on long rides and off-roading. These include the Ducati DesertX, Triumph Tiger 900 Rally, or BMW F 900 GS, but our focus here is something else. Hint: it’s Italian, comes with a real rally pedigree, and is crowned as the Queen of Africa. It’s a thoroughbred middleweight adventure bike that makes no compromises in weight and performance.
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This ADV has robust underpinnings, long-travel suspension, and an automatic gearbox, giving it a scooter-like twist-and-go operation.
The 2026 Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally Is A Powerful Off-Road Ready ADV
Starting Price: $13,799
That bike is the 2026 Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally, which is based on the already capable Tuareg 660, but takes things up a notch with a few exclusive bits. In fact, Aprilia describes the bike as almost a full-spec rally-raid bike, and the manufacturer isn’t far off. It absolutely sets a benchmark in the middleweight motorcycle segment, thanks to its 80-horsepower parallel-twin engine, capable off-road-ready Kayaba suspension, and a stack of rider aids. It has all the things to make it a capable highway tourer and mile-muncher.
Among The Lightest In The Segment At Just 438 Pounds
What makes it even better is its weight. Weighing in at just 438 pounds, it’s one of the lightest middleweight adventure bikes you can buy today. For reference, the Ducati DesertX weighs 463 pounds, the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally pro at 471 pounds, the Yamaha Tenere 700 at 459 pounds, and the Honda Transalp at 463 pounds. This weight-saving matters a lot while off-roading, especially if you’re hauling luggage.
Real Off-Road Pedigree Baked Into The Design
It comes with a real competition pedigree, too. It’s the result of the Tuareg Racing project, developed based on Aprilia Racing’s experience in developing a rally bike in collaboration with Guareschi Brothers’ GCorse. That bike won the Africa Eco Race and got crowned as the Queen of Africa, and the Tuareg 660 Rally is a derivative of that. Aprilia is confident that, with the right set of wheels, you can roll this bike off the showroom floor and take it to the dunes, and it shouldn’t disappoint.
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Performance And Underpinnings For Actual Off-Road Chops
One look at the Tuareg 660 Rally, and you’ll know that it means business. Its off-road character is evident in its design and kit, starting with the high mudguard that’s missing on the standard Tuareg. The Rally also features a thicker aluminum skid plate with a rugged finish, sturdy hand guards with aluminum spines, and a new chain guide. But there’s more to the Rally than meets the eye; it isn’t just a cosmetic do-up over the standard Tuareg.
Powerful Parallel-Twin Engine With A Custom Engine Map
|
Engine Type |
Displacement |
Power |
Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Parallel-twin, DOHC |
659cc |
80 HP @ 9,250 RPM |
51.62 LB-FT @ 6,500 RPM |
One of the biggest upgrades the Rally brings over the standard model is the engine. It still uses the same forward-facing 659cc parallel-twin unit with DOHC, producing 80 horsepower at 9,250 RPM. However, this engine is flashed with a custom map that is said to offer quicker and more responsive throttle response. Aprilia says this map offers you optimal control when overcoming obstacles, allowing you to precisely handle the bike in dirt. It’s mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Serious Off-Road Suspension With Over Nine-Inch Travel
|
Frame Type |
Suspension Travel |
Curb Weight |
Seat Height |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Trellis Frame |
9.44 in |
438 pounds |
35.94 in |
Another highlight of the Tuareg 660 Rally is the suspension setup. It features a 43 mm Kayaba USD up front and a Kayaba monoshock at the back, both offering 9.4 inches of wheel travel. While that is the same as the standard Tuareg, Aprilia has swapped the progressive-rate springs with linear constant-rate ones, which should improve handling while off-roading. It also reduces static sag, which adds height to the bike.
SC Project Exhaust And Ergal Rims Save 11 Pounds
The Tuareg 660 Rally features an SC Project titanium exhaust with a 60mm outlet, improving performance and sound. And the bike sits on heavy-duty spoked Ergal rims with knobbies and inner tubes. Combined, the exhaust and the rims save 11 pounds over the standard Tuareg, making this among the lightest middleweight adventure bikes you can buy today. Rounding out the package are Brembo brakes on both ends.
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Gets The Rest Of The ADV Formula Right, Too
The Tuareg 660 Rally’s off-road performance-first nature does not compromise its comfort and tech package. It features a seemingly spacious and long seat, along with a large handlebar, neutral foot position, and a windscreen up front, which should make it comfortable for long hours on the road. The Rally model’s seat is also raised by 20mm, and Aprilia says this will improve control while saddling the bike.
Backed By Aprilia’s APRC Suite
On the tech front, the Tuareg 660 Rally features an APRC electronics suite that’s designed with off-road performance in mind. It features four riding modes, of which two are customizable. There’s also traction control, cruise control, engine map, and engine brake, along with ABS that can be completely switched off. All of these features are accessible via a 5-inch TFT display. To help with comfort, Aprilia also offers a range of accessories, including side and top cases, a center stand, multiple seat options, protection bars, heated grips, and more.
Stunning Rally Race Replica Livery From Dakar ‘24
We cannot talk about the Tuareg Rally 660 without also mentioning its stunning looks. The Tuareg is a unique motorcycle and looks ready to rally, and the Rally version only improves on it. It features a mudguard, gold anodized bits here and there, and an aluminum sump guard, which gives it a rugged look. It also wears the same Rally Race Replica livery that was on Jacapo Cerutti’s bike when he won the Dakar rally back in 2024. This might just be the closest thing you can get to a proper rally raid bike today.
Source: Aprilia