Aprilia is officially back in the ‘ADV Game’, and back in a big way with the unveiling of the all-new Tuareg 660. Today the company released images and key specs, giving us our first look at the Tuareg completely unobscured. No more blurry spy shots, no more plants in the way, just the bike in its final form.

We’ve been keeping a close eye out for this much-anticipated reveal after Aprilia Marketing Manager, Cristian Romeo Barelli, confirmed a few months ago they’d be releasing it as a 2022 model. The launch of the Tuareg 660 makes this the third Aprilia model to use the company’s 660cc parallel-twin powerplant. That same unique engine character that has been praised in the RS 660 and Tuono 660, will soon be available in an Adventure Touring chassis. 

Visually, the bike looks stunning in its Red, White, Blue livery that pays tribute to the old Tuareg 600 Wind of the 80s. It also has a modern triple LED headlight, clear rally-style windscreen and big front air scoops that give it a distinctive look. A flat single-piece seat, wrap-around skid plate, upswept exhaust, 21″/18″ wheels, oversized 1-1/8″ bars, serrated platform-style footpegs, hand guards, and tall stance all give it an aggressive off-road appearance as well.

From the video, we can see a tubular steel frame supports the 660cc engine as a stressed member, which is said to produce 80 horsepower and 52 ft-lbs of torque. Plus, the Tuareg gets outfitted with premium componentry like Brembo brakes, tubeless cross-spoke wheels, a 43mm USD fork with progressive linkage suspension (both adjustable) that support an impressive 9.5 inches of travel and ground clearance. With its 412 pounds dry weight, it’s also fairly light for the class, similar on paper to its main rival the Yamaha Tenere 700.

Unlike the T7, the Tuareg’s electronics package is state of the art with traction control, fuel maps, engine braking, four ride modes (two customizable), switchable ABS for either rear or both wheels, and cruise control, all accessible through a 5″ color TFT display. It also differs in the additional inch and a half of suspension travel it offers, which is more on par with the KTM 890 Adventure R and Tiger 900 Rally. The wheelbase is fairly short at 59.1 inches as well, which along with a reasonable seat height of 33.9 inches, should give it good maneuverability on the trail. Fuel capacity is on the low side though at 4.8 gallons, but the smaller displacement engine should sip fuel conservatively when not on the gas.

Considering the full package, this is an impressive new offering from the Italian marque. With the market trending toward lighter, more dirt-focused machines, Aprilia has answered the call with the Tuareg — a serious off-road adventure bike with a relatively low weight, capable chassis and well-equipped electronics package. The only question is the price. Considering all the electronic goodies and premium componentry, we’d expect it to be priced closer to the KTM 890 Adventure than the T7. Hopefully, they can keep it in the $12,500 range. We’ll find out soon enough and will report back more details as they become available!

Aprilia Tuareg 660 Specs

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.