Both the fork and rear shock are fully adjustable for compression and rebound damping, along with preload. Keeping the ride smooth is a Kayaba suspension that features 9.5 inches of travel front and rear, and 9.5 inches of ground clearance. The Tuareg’s 660cc parallel-twin pumps out 80 hp and 52 ft-lbs of torque – 75% of which is made available from 3,000 rpm.
The subframe is also welded, not bolted on, which may increase repair costs if the subframe is damaged in a fall, but it allows for a more solid structure capable of carrying up to 463 pounds (210 kg) - that’s only 13 pounds less than the BMW R1250GS. Aprilia engineers utilized a strong and lightweight steel-tube frame with 8 mounting points to the engine, making it a stressed member. All that power is controlled by a slipper clutch and clutch assist for an easier lever pull.Ī high-performance chassis design starts with rigidity, and creating a stiff frame was a primary focus during development of the Tuareg 660.
They also infused it with more torque, of which 75% is made available from 3,000 rpm. That’s a lot of power for its size, even though it’s a detuned version of the 100 horsepower powerplant pulled from Aprilia’s RS660 Sport Bike. So What Do You Get? The bike gets outfitted with premium componentry like Brembo brakes, tubeless spoke wheels, and fully adjustable suspension that support 9.5 inches of travel and ground clearance. (Shown in Acid Gold.)Īt the heart of the machine is a 659cc parallel-twin, with a 270° crank, that pumps out a claimed 80 horsepower.
Aprilia’s fortunes might be ready to change though with their latest offering. All of these were respectable machines in their own right but never gained a huge following in the U.S. More recently, they produced the Caponord 1200 Adventure Tourer, which was discontinued a few years ago. We never received that Adventure Bike here in the States, but we did get the single-cylinder Pegaso 650 Trail in the early 2000s and Aprilia even had a stint making twin-cylinder enduros with their RXV line in the mid-2000s. Aprilia Tuareg Wind 600, a model that made its mark in Paris-Dakar racing.īack in the late 80s and early 90s, Aprilia built the Tuareg 600 Wind - a bike that competed in the Paris-Dakar rally. That might be a bit surprising coming from a brand best known for building sport bikes, but this isn’t Aprilia’s first rodeo in this space. With its blend of on and off road features like a lightweight, compact chassis, high-performance twin-cylinder engine, long-travel suspension, dirt-friendly 21”/18” wheels, modern rider aids, and array of touring amenities, it looks like they may have nailed it in terms of what many riders are looking for. Perhaps one of the more intriguing new entries in this burgeoning segment is the all-new for 2022, Aprilia Tuareg 660. With growing demand for such machines, manufacturers are starting to listen. Especially ‘true’ middleweight twin-cylinder ADV bikes that offer an ideal balance between size, weight, power, and smoothness. For years now, Adventure Riders have been asking manufacturers for lighter, more-compact Adventure Motorcycles that can both travel the distance and excel in the dirt.