Why this Aprilia might be the only adventure bike you ever need

Middleweight adventure bikes are taking over the industry. While this may seem like an exaggeration, every major motorcycle manufacturer has one or is about to launch one. To say the least, we’re spoiled for choice with a middleweight ADV for just about any wallet and purpose. All of these bikes offer a balance between street and off-road performance, with each brand offering a different level of compromise. The one thing all these bikes have in common is the fact that they can all comfortably meet the need for bike storage. But if you’re looking for something you can easily keep forever, we think this Italian bike might be the best option.

The Aprilia Tuareg 660 might be the only adventure bike you’ll ever need

MSRP: $12,499

Depending on your personal preference, there are actually several other middleweight adventure bikes that could capture your heart. All equally capable of creating a long-lasting bond, all equally good. The Aprilia just has that Italian charm, that little bit that is desperately difficult to explain, but can only really be felt. While other middleweight adventure bikes certainly existed before, the Yamaha Tenere 700 was the model that really kicked this segment into overdrive. It turned out to be more of a proof-of-concept than anything, as the industry suddenly realized how much interest there was in a motorcycle like this.

Suzuki was the first Japanese manufacturer to blink and quickly put an entirely new modular parallel twin into production. The V-Strom 800DE is a great bike, but it is a bit on the heavy side. Honda then hit back and probably hit back harder. The Transalp isn’t the turnkey adventure bike that Tenere and V-Storm promise to be, but rather a blank canvas that encourages buyers to customize it to whatever they want, thanks in large part to a very low base price. Most other high-end European bikes are more expensive, with the sole exception of the Chinese-made KTM 790 Adventure.

While it should be a little more street-oriented, it’s still more off-road capable than most. The Aprilia occupies a part of the market that splits the difference between the larger, more tech-heavy bikes and the more affordable Japanese crowd. It has proven to be quite an effective trick as the bike has won over many fans since its introduction, including us. The value proposition is visible to everyone, and it is also slightly different.

Rivals

• Yamaha Tenere 700

• Suzuki V-Strom 800DE

• Honda Transalp

• KTM 790 Adventure

The Tuareg has a reliable parallel-twin engine

Power: 80 hp

Aprilia Tuareg specifications

Like most middleweight competitions, it runs on a modular platform. The only difference here is the fact that the 660 was primarily a sportbike engine. The RS 660 produces just over 100 hp and is quite tense for a street-oriented sports bike. So it makes sense that Aprilia gave the adventure bike a completely different tune.

The Tuareg has been optimized for mid-range performance and while there isn’t much more torque, torque is now available across most of the rev range. In this condition, the Tuareg will be slightly more economical than the RS/Tuono 660. It will also be more reliable, at least in theory. So far, the 660 platform has proven completely reliable after some initial wobble, while the RS 660 was still in its first year of production.

The Tuareg has all the bells and whistles

Competent off-road suspension and a comprehensive electronics package

One thing Aprilia is known for is electronics. In the past, the brand has been closely associated with all kinds of wiring issues, but it has since rebounded and turned this negative into a resounding positive. Aprilia has consistently led the way in engine technology, and the Tuareg is no exception. Nowadays ABS and traction control are almost a given in this price range, but ABS, which can be switched off as soon as you drive off-road, is not. The traction control is also adjustable and you get a selection of riding modes to play with. It also has good wind protection and cruise control for longer journeys.

The biggest challenge facing modern adventure bike manufacturers is balancing features and weight. To achieve lower weight figures, some characteristics are usually not sufficient. Or on the other hand, weight takes a backseat in favor of more modern technology. Somehow Aprilia managed the almost impossible task of finding an ideal balance between the two. The company hasn’t skimped on the suspension either.

It’s fully adjustable both front and rear, and while it may not be from one of the fancy aftermarket brands, Kayaba has been in the business for decades and knows what they’re doing, especially off-road. The chassis is understandably very different from the sports/naked bike. It ditches the aluminum double girder in favor of a steel trellis chassis supported by aluminum plates.

All said and done, facts and figures are one thing, but this isn’t a motorcycle that can be sold on paper. This is a bike that needs to be felt. It has something that others don’t have, and touches the heart of motorcycles in a way that the more rational Japanese bikes just can’t. It’s also more affordable and in most respects more capable than the heavier, higher-end European competition. It is not perfect and the dealer network is relatively small, but it is certainly worth testing, even if it requires some travel time.

Features

• Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC)

• Driving modes

• Adjustable traction control

• Switchable ABS

• TFT dashboard with smartphone connectivity

Chassis, suspension and weight specifications