Aprilia Tuareg 660 first look preview

Extreme motorcycling is divided into two completely different camps. One appeals to £600 giants with 4-foot-wide bags on bespoke two-lane dirt roads. The other likes 400-pound bikes that are smaller, funnier, and dirtier. Like real adventure, some would say. No offense to the huge set of luggage.

For followers of the second method, rejoice. Brand new 2022 Aprilia The Tuareg 660 follows previous forays into twin adventure territory. Aprilia’s 2006 SXV 550 is a V-twin supermoto (you read that right), while ’06 RXV 450 is said to be the first V-twin production enduro bike in history. Approximately 15 pounds lighter than DR-Z400S, it appeals to its mid-range power and long-range capabilities.

Collector’s warning: Neither the SXV nor the RXV sold well, with at least one anonymous dealer joking about the “two-for-one” deals offered to clear inventory. No problem.

But back in 2022, the Tuareg 660 adopts a side-by-side, forward-leaning configuration based on the path of success. RS 660 and Tuono 660. At 412 pounds dry, the Tuareg is nearly 100 pounds heavier than the Honda Africa Twin, 30 pounds less (wet) than V-Strom 650, 20 pounds less than KTM 890 Adventure, and close to Yamaha Tenéré 700, its real competitor. A recognized 80 horsepower and 51.6 pound-feet of torque puts it nicely in the middle of this year, about 6 hp higher than the Ténéré.

Travel riders will experience this power when holding onto a wide, tapered handlebar atop a narrow body volume 33.9 inches tall, a height accessible to most people. They will have a 59.1-inch wheelbase with 9.4-inch travel suspension for both front and rear. All create great mobility on the saddle.

In addition to the eyes, ears and right hand, power and handling are negotiated through APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) with a wire-to-wire driver assistance package. This includes traction control, cruise control, engine braking and four customizable driving modes. A 5-inch TFT display (that’s thin-film transistor liquid crystal) complements the LCD lighting with DRL.

The fuel tank has a capacity of 4.8 gallons. Not huge, but enough to last time and miles, considering the thirst of the smaller twins, which is said to be around 42 mpg.

All are packaged in one of two color (and price) configurations. The MSRP costs $11,999 for the Acid Gold and Martian Red plan, while the classic Indaco Tagelmust scheme costs $12,599. The Indaco Tagelmust colorway best represents the Taureg — Paris-Dakar-esque inspiration and is visually similar to the gorgeous 1990 Aprilia Tuareg 600 Wind. Think the original Honda Africa Twin? Fun fact: It’s a V-twin (look up).

Aprilia’s reputation for reliability and warranty issues is not without its merits, but the strategy is sensible and appealing. The power-to-weight ratio means you can get in and out comfortably and with no more hassle than a traditional touring rig. With the Tuareg, you may not have to choose between a four-lane road and a trail path. It all makes up an ADV bike beyond its weight. It might just be the thing to make dirt-based fun last longer and go further.

2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660 Specifications and prices

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