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Aprilia Tuareg 660: Six Months of Italian Adventure
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 arrived as an unknown quantity—a manufacturer known for sportbikes and scooters attempting the adventure segment with typical Italian confidence and uncertain execution. Six months and 9,000 kilometres later, the verdict is more positive than skeptics (myself included) anticipated. The Tuareg succeeds where it matters while failing in ways that matter less. It's genuinely competitive with established alternatives rather than merely acceptable for a first attempt.
The 659cc parallel twin shares its architecture with the RS 660 sportbike but receives tuning that prioritizes low-end torque over peak power. The result is 80 horsepower with a character that rewards enthusiastic riding without demanding it. The engine pulls cleanly from low RPM in ways that four-cylinder backgrounds make surprising—it's genuinely tractable in technical terrain where constant gear changes would distract. Fuel consumption has averaged 4.8L/100km across mixed riding, competitive with the segment despite the relatively modest 18-litre tank limiting range.
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Off-road capability exceeds the factory suspension's limitations. The Kayaba units provide adequate control on maintained trails but become overwhelmed quickly as terrain difficulty increases. The 240mm of travel suggests serious intent; the damping calibration suggests compromise toward road comfort that limits dirt performance. An aftermarket suspension upgrade transforms the chassis from trail-capable to genuinely competent—it's frustrating that this investment is necessary on a €12,000 motorcycle, but the underlying platform rewards the expenditure.
Build quality has been excellent with one exception: the side panel fasteners vibrated loose within the first 2,000 kilometres and required thread-locking compound to stay secured. This is minor but annoying. Otherwise, nothing has broken, loosened, or required unscheduled attention. The fit and finish meet expectations for European pricing, with attention to detail that justifies premium positioning. The switchgear feels quality; the TFT display remains readable in varied lighting; the ergonomic adjustability accommodates my tall frame without compromise.
Pro Insight
Experience teaches lessons that manuals cannot. Learn from every ride.
Key Point
Take your time to understand the fundamentals before pushing boundaries.
The Tuareg competes directly with the Yamaha Ténéré 700 at similar pricing. The Aprilia offers more power, more technology, and more refined road manners. The Yamaha offers proven reliability, simpler systems, and lighter weight. Neither is objectively superior; they suit different priorities. The Tuareg has earned its place in my garage through competence rather than novelty—the highest compliment for a manufacturer's segment debut.