Aprilia Tuareg 660 (2022) Review: The Middleweight ADV Built for Real Adventure

When Aprilia decided to enter the mid-size adventure segment with the Tuareg 660, the motorcycle world took notice. And rightly so. This isn't just another dual-sport machine slapped together to follow a trend. The 2022 Tuareg 660 is a purpose-built, rugged, and surprisingly refined ADV machine that blends real off-road capability with street manners. Born from Aprilia’s rich heritage in rally racing and performance engineering, the Tuareg brings something unique to the increasingly competitive middleweight adventure category.

Whether you're tackling technical trails or logging long miles on the tarmac, the Tuareg 660 feels like it’s made to go the distance—literally and figuratively.

BST Aprilia wheels carbon fiber performance rims

Design and Aesthetics

The Tuareg 660 looks like it means business. With minimal bodywork, a tall stance, and a slim silhouette, it screams functional adventure. The steel tube frame combined with aluminum brackets keeps the weight low while allowing for visual ruggedness. The rally-inspired front fairing is topped by a tall windscreen, flanked by compact LED lighting that enhances its aggressive, modern ADV character.

Color schemes like Indaco Tagelmust (a nod to desert rally colors), Acid Gold, and Martian Red help it stand out while reflecting its off-road roots. The minimalist tail and narrow seat emphasize the bike’s intent—this is not your average cushy tourer, it’s a trail-slaying machine that just happens to be road legal.

Engine and Performance

At the heart of the Tuareg 660 is Aprilia’s 659cc parallel-twin engine, borrowed from the RS 660 and Tuono 660, but tuned specifically for off-road versatility. Producing around 80 horsepower and 70 Nm of torque, it delivers usable low-end grunt and mid-range pull that’s ideal for technical terrain. Unlike its sportier siblings, the Tuareg prioritizes tractability over peak performance, making throttle control predictable and precise.

Acceleration feels strong without being overwhelming, while the top speed is more than sufficient for highway stints. The six-speed gearbox is slick and pairs wonderfully with the optional quickshifter, particularly useful when you're standing on the pegs and ripping through fire roads. Thanks to the lightweight 204 kg wet weight and well-balanced chassis, handling is responsive and composed—on pavement and off.

This bike isn’t just good at light off-roading—it thrives in it. Whether you're hitting rocky switchbacks or deep sand trails, the Tuareg remains planted and confident.

Technology and Features

Aprilia has always been at the forefront of integrating tech into its motorcycles, and the Tuareg 660 continues that trend. The bike comes equipped with a full suite of rider aids, including:

• Adjustable traction control

• Engine braking settings

• Multiple ride modes (Urban, Explore, Off-Road, and a customizable mode)

• Cornering ABS (which can be disabled at the rear for off-road use)

The 5-inch TFT display is bright and easy to navigate, offering all the info you need without being cluttered. There’s also Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to pair their smartphones for navigation and calls. Aprilia’s user interface remains one of the more intuitive in the segment.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Long days in the saddle are part of the ADV lifestyle, and Aprilia has clearly designed the Tuareg 660 with that in mind. The seat height is a manageable 860mm, and despite its upright positioning, it’s surprisingly comfortable for a range of rider sizes. The narrow tank allows easy stand-up riding, and the bar position is ideal for both seated and standing control.

The long-travel KYB suspension—240mm front and rear—is fully adjustable and works beautifully on rough terrain while maintaining a composed ride on the street. It absorbs bumps with ease and offers plenty of feedback to inspire confidence.

Whether you're commuting or carving up the backcountry, the Tuareg feels ergonomically dialed in.

Braking and Safety

The Tuareg is equipped with dual 300mm front discs with Brembo calipers and a single 260mm rear disc, offering ample stopping power. Braking is progressive and confidence-inspiring, especially considering the bike’s off-road capabilities.

The inclusion of switchable ABS (especially the ability to disengage the rear) is a welcome feature for trail riders. Combined with Aprilia’s advanced electronic safety suite, the Tuareg strikes a solid balance between on-road protection and off-road freedom.

Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance

With an 18-liter fuel tank and solid fuel efficiency figures (averaging around 55 mpg or 4.2L/100km), the Tuareg offers impressive range for long-haul trips. That’s more than 300 miles between fill-ups if you’re riding conservatively.

Maintenance is relatively straightforward for a mid-size ADV bike. The 660cc engine is known for its reliability, and service intervals are reasonable. Access to common components is simple enough, making routine upkeep manageable whether you're doing it yourself or relying on your local mechanic.

Comparison and Competitors

In the middleweight ADV category, the Tuareg 660 squares off against some heavy hitters: the Yamaha Ténéré 700, KTM 890 Adventure, and the Triumph Tiger 660. While the Ténéré is slightly more affordable and the KTM brings more raw power, the Tuareg strikes a perfect balance between performance, comfort, and tech.

Where it really stands out is in its combination of premium electronics and real off-road capability. It feels more refined than the Yamaha, and more intuitive than the KTM. The Tuareg doesn't just look the part—it plays it convincingly.

Ideal Riders and Target Audience

The Tuareg 660 is best suited for intermediate to experienced riders who want a capable ADV machine that doesn't shy away from getting dirty. It’s ideal for those who split their time between highways, twisties, and challenging trails. It’s also perfect for riders looking to upgrade from a smaller dual-sport without moving to a 1000cc-plus beast.

If you’re someone who values a lighter chassis, modern electronics, and a bike that encourages you to take the road less traveled, the Tuareg 660 checks all the boxes.

Aprilia Tuareg 660 2022 adventure touring upgrades

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The Aprilia Tuareg 660 (2022) is not just another adventure bike—it’s a serious contender that brings the Italian brand’s performance DNA to the dirt. It blends advanced electronics, thoughtful ergonomics, and a playful yet reliable engine to deliver an experience that’s both practical and thrilling.

Sure, it's not the cheapest in the segment, but you're getting a well-rounded ADV machine that does more than just look the part. It invites you to go further, ride harder, and explore deeper.

For riders looking to upgrade their Tuareg experience, our e-commerce store offers a wide selection of premium parts and accessories—from skid plates and crash bars to performance exhausts and smart navigation mounts. Elevate your ride with gear that complements your adventure spirit.