Aprilia Tuareg 660: A versatile adventure bike with racing spirit

The Aprilia Tuareg 660, featuring a 660cc parallel-twin engine, combines compact size, low weight, and potent power, making it a versatile adventure bike for both on and off-road riding.

Aprilia took the adventure bike world by storm with its Tuareg 660, powered by a 660cc parallel-twin engine derived from the dominant 1,100cc V-4 unit that excelled in Superbike competition. This engine showcases its versatility through a combination of compact size, low weight, and an ideal balance of power and torque, making it perfectly suited for adventure biking.

The 660cc twin engine features an 81mm bore and a 64mm stroke, with a forged crankshaft that incorporates 270-degree set crank throws for exceptional balance. With a 13.5:1 compression ratio and 48mm throttle bodies, it delivers a claimed 80 peak horsepower at 9,250 rpm and 51.6 lb.-ft. peak torque at 6,500 rpm. This broad torque range, spanning almost 3,000 rpm, ensures a highly responsive and flexible engine, crucial for off-road performance.

The Tuareg 660 boasts a steel tubing trellis frame with six connection points and solid rear swingarm pivot axle placement, offering a total of 9.4 inches (240mm) of wheel travel. The bike features 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels equipped with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires for tackling challenging terrains. Brembo 300mm rotors and twin-piston calipers provide efficient braking power.

Designed by renowned designer Miguel Galluzzi, the Tuareg 660 is characterized by its slim, elegant, and functional appearance. With a dry weight of 412 pounds, a 60-inch wheelbase, and a seat height of 33.9 inches, it combines agility with off-road prowess.

The Tuareg 660 has already proven its mettle in various competitions, potentially earning the Italian Motorally title and securing a third-place finish in the Transanatolia Rally. For 2024, Aprilia has updated the bike’s styling and graphics with new colors, including Atreides Black, Canyon Sand, and Dakar Podium, inspired by Aprilia’s 2010 Dakar Rally performance. Additionally, a new accessory air filter has been introduced to protect the engine during the roughest off-road rides.