Introduction: A New Chapter in Adventure Riding
When we talk about motorcycles that capture the spirit of freedom, exploration, and thrill, adventure bikes immediately take the spotlight. Over the past decade, India’s motorcycling culture has evolved drastically. From budget commuters to superbikes, riders today want machines that not only transport them but also transform their journeys into experiences.
Enter the Aprilia Tuareg 660—a motorcycle born out of racing DNA, sculpted with rally-inspired design, and engineered for both tarmac and trails. Globally admired for its racing pedigree, Aprilia has made a bold entry into India’s middleweight adventure segment with this premium ADV offering.
Priced at ₹18.85 lakh (ex-showroom, India) for the standard variant and ₹19.16 lakh for the Dakar Podium edition, the Tuareg 660 isn’t just another motorcycle launch—it’s an adventure statement on two wheels.
In this extensive feature, we’ll break down every aspect of the Tuareg 660—its performance, design, features, variants, rivals, ownership experience, and whether it’s worth its premium price tag.
Key Specifications of Aprilia Tuareg 660
| Specification | Aprilia Tuareg 660 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 659cc, Parallel-Twin, Liquid-Cooled |
| Max Power | 80 BHP |
| Max Torque | 70 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed with Bi-Directional Quickshifter |
| Frame | Tubular Steel Frame |
| Front Suspension | 43mm Fully Adjustable USD Forks |
| Rear Suspension | Adjustable Monoshock |
| Wheels | 21-inch Front, 18-inch Rear Spoked Wheels |
| Tyres | Dual-Purpose, Tube-Type |
| Brakes | Twin Front Discs, Single Rear Disc, Dual-Channel ABS (Switchable Rear) |
| Electronics | TFT Display, Bluetooth, Ride Modes, Traction Control, Cruise Control |
| Ground Clearance | 240 mm |
| Seat Height | 860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18 litres |
| Kerb Weight | ~204 kg |
| Price | ₹18.85 – ₹19.16 Lakh (Ex-Showroom, India) |
Design: Dakar Rally Spirit Meets Italian Styling
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is an unmistakable ADV machine. Unlike many adventure bikes that lean more towards road touring, the Tuareg wears its off-road DNA proudly.
Exterior Highlights:
- Tall Stance: With a commanding ground clearance of 240 mm, it towers above regular bikes.
- High-Mounted LED Headlights: Twin-pod LED setup with integrated DRLs ensures sharp visibility day and night.
- Rally-Inspired Windshield: Tall windscreen deflects wind, reducing rider fatigue on long rides.
- Slim Seat and Tank Design: Designed to allow riders to grip better while standing on foot-pegs during off-road riding.
- Exposed Rear Subframe: Rugged look plus practical for mounting panniers and luggage racks.
- Color Options: Atreides Black, Canyon Sand, and the special Evocative Dakar Podium edition that screams motorsport heritage.
The Tuareg 660’s design isn’t just about looks—it’s about function. Every curve and angle is shaped to make long-distance adventure riding easier.
Engine and Performance: A Heart Built for Adventure
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 borrows its core engine from the Aprilia RS 660 but retunes it to suit the adventure touring format.
Engine Specs:
- 659cc, parallel-twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled
- 80 bhp @ 9,250 rpm
- 70 Nm torque @ 6,500 rpm
- 6-speed gearbox with bi-directional quickshifter
- Ride-by-wire throttle
Performance Impressions:
- On highways, the Tuareg 660 comfortably cruises at 120–130 km/h without straining.
- In the city, the smooth clutch and quickshifter make stop-go traffic bearable.
- Off-road, the wide torque band ensures enough grunt to climb hills or plough through sand.
- Vibration levels are well controlled thanks to the parallel-twin’s balance shaft design.
Unlike some rivals that are biased towards road touring, the Tuareg 660’s engine tuning emphasizes usable torque—perfect for India’s mixed road conditions.
Suspension and Ride Quality: Built for Any Terrain
Suspension is where the Tuareg 660 shines brightest. Aprilia engineers clearly prioritized rider comfort and off-road confidence.
- Front Suspension: 43mm USD forks, fully adjustable, long travel.
- Rear Suspension: Adjustable monoshock with preload and rebound settings.
- Ground Clearance: 240 mm means you can ride over rocks, potholes, or dirt mounds with confidence.
- Wheels: 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheels (the standard ADV combo).
- Tyres: Dual-purpose tyres offer a good balance of grip on asphalt and dirt.
This setup gives the Tuareg 660 an advantage over rivals like the Triumph Tiger 900 GT, which leans more towards road touring than hardcore trail riding.
Braking and Safety: Control in All Conditions
Safety and control are non-negotiable in the adventure bike world. Aprilia equips the Tuareg 660 with:
- Front: Twin discs with radial calipers.
- Rear: Single disc.
- Dual-channel ABS with the option to switch off rear ABS for dirt riding.
- Traction Control with multiple levels.
- Engine Brake Control for downhill precision.
Whether you’re tackling twisty ghats, braking on wet highways, or sliding on a dirt trail—the Tuareg 660 has your back.
Features and Electronics: Adventure, the Smart Way
Modern riders demand not just performance, but also tech—and the Tuareg 660 doesn’t disappoint.
Key Features:
- 5-inch Color TFT Display: Crisp, bright, and fully digital.
- Bluetooth Smartphone Connectivity: For navigation alerts and calls.
- Cruise Control: Essential for long-distance highway rides.
- 4 Riding Modes: Urban, Explore, Off-Road, and Individual.
- Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC): Suite of traction control, engine brake control, and ride-by-wire settings.
- Full LED Lighting: Better illumination and energy efficiency.
These electronics not only enhance rider confidence but also make the Tuareg 660 more versatile.
Variants and Pricing in India
| Variant | Price (Ex-Showroom) | Color Options |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ₹18,85,000 | Atreides Black, Canyon Sand |
| Evocative Dakar Podium | ₹19,16,000 | Dakar Rally Livery |
While the premium pricing may raise eyebrows, Aprilia justifies it with exclusive design, premium build quality, and advanced features.
Rivals: How Tuareg 660 Compares
The Indian ADV market has some strong players. Here’s how the Tuareg stacks up:
| Bike | Engine | Power | Price (Ex-Showroom) | ADV Bias |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aprilia Tuareg 660 | 659cc, 80 BHP | ₹18.85–19.16 Lakh | Off-road + Touring | |
| Triumph Tiger 900 Rally | 888cc, 93 BHP | ₹14.5–15.95 Lakh | Balanced ADV | |
| Honda Africa Twin 1100 | 1084cc, 98 BHP | ₹16–17.55 Lakh | Touring + ADV | |
| BMW F 850 GS | 853cc, 90 BHP | ₹12.95–13.75 Lakh | Touring Focused | |
| Yamaha Tenere 700 (expected) | 689cc, 72 BHP | ~₹12–14 Lakh | Hardcore Off-road |
Analysis:
- The Tuareg 660 is more hardcore off-road capable than the Tiger 900 or BMW F 850 GS.
- It’s more premium-priced than Yamaha Tenere 700 (if launched in India).
- The Africa Twin still leads in power and long-distance touring but is heavier.
Riding Experience
The Tuareg 660 feels planted, nimble, and forgiving.
- On Highways: Smooth cruising, stable even at 140 km/h.
- In the City: Surprisingly manageable, though tall seat height may bother shorter riders.
- Off-Road: Long-travel suspension + switchable ABS = confidence to push limits.
- Comfort: Ergonomic handlebar-seat-footpeg triangle makes long hours easy.
Ownership and Maintenance
Buying an Aprilia in India is about passion—but practicality matters too.
- Service Network: Limited compared to Triumph or Honda.
- Maintenance Costs: Premium but manageable compared to liter-class ADVs.
- Spare Availability: Might take longer in smaller towns.
- Resale Value: Niche product, so may not command strong resale.
Fuel Efficiency
While no one buys a premium ADV for mileage, the Tuareg 660 offers ~20–22 km/l on highways and ~16–18 km/l in cities. With its 18-litre tank, riders can expect a range of 300–350 km per tank—ideal for long trips.
Buyer’s Guide: Who Should Buy the Tuareg 660?
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is perfect for:
- Riders upgrading from Royal Enfield Himalayan or KTM 390 Adventure.
- Touring enthusiasts who want an exclusive, premium ADV.
- Adventure riders who prefer off-road dominance over pure touring.
- Bikers who want Italian design and aren’t afraid of premium ownership costs.
Not ideal for:
- Short riders (860 mm seat height is tall).
- Budget-conscious buyers.
- Riders without access to Aprilia’s limited service network.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
✔ Dakar-inspired design, premium looks.
✔ Superb off-road capability.
✔ Advanced electronics package.
✔ Light and slim compared to big ADVs.
Cons:
✘ Expensive for a middleweight ADV.
✘ Limited service reach in India.
✘ Tall seat height not friendly for all.
Conclusion
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is not just another ADV—it’s a rider’s dream machine. With its Dakar-inspired styling, 659cc parallel-twin engine, long-travel suspension, and advanced features, it’s ready to conquer both Indian highways and Himalayan trails.
Yes, it’s priced higher than rivals, but for enthusiasts who crave exclusivity, off-road dominance, and Italian flair, the Tuareg 660 is worth every rupee.
In short: It’s not just about the destination—it’s about enjoying the journey. And with the Tuareg 660, that journey becomes an adventure.
Disclaimer
The details provided in this article are based on available data and may change as per official updates. Prices, features, and specifications can vary across dealerships. Always verify with your nearest Aprilia showroom before making a purchase decision.
