The Aprilia Tuareg 660 Does It All and Does it Well

If you're like most bikers you can't afford more than one motorcycle at a time.
In that case you have to make that all-important decision of what to spend your hard-earned money on. Sport bike? Cruiser? Tourer? Dirt bike?

How about something that can do a little bit of everything? 

That's where the new 2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660 comes into the picture. It's one of those Swiss army knife-type bikes that offers you the tools to get the job done. Whatever it may be.

In this case, it's the mount you want to hop on when you don't know where the road is going to take you. Or maybe there's no road at all.

The Tuareg 660 not a hardcore off-road machine or one that you can use to stafe apexes on the track. But, like I said, it can do a bit of everything and do it well. It sits in that sweet spot of mid-size adventure bikes, not too big and not too small. Goldilocks would love it.

The power delivery is smooth and there's enough on tap to let you keep up with traffic on the freeway and have some fun in the twisties and while playing in the dirt. Aprilia claims 80hp on this model and who am I to argue?

While having off-road fun the fact that you can switch off the ABS at the rear or at both wheels gives that extra bit of control dirt bikers are looking for on the trails where it's not such a bad thing to lock up the rear tire. (Locking up the front is another matter completely.) Speaking of brakes, those 300mm discs with Brembo calipers do an admirable job.

Traction control is a handy addition that works well to adapt power delivery to conditions. Wheel spin can be plenty of fun when you're in the dirt but not so welcome at other times. As they say, variety is the spice of life so enjoy your spicy TC selections. (Whatever that means.)

Even average-sized humans like myself can feel comfortable thanks to a manageable 34" seat height which is confidence inspriring and plenty high enough on the road to see what's holding up traffic in the stop-and-go world. There is 9.45" of travel at both ends which is plenty for both city potholes and fire roads alike. 

The 18-litre tank should give you fairly good mileage if you don't push the 659cc parallel twin too hard.

This is a bike that seems to be aimed at the Yamaha Ténéré 700 with comparable performance off road and a bit better on road. It's a little pricey but if you want a bike that's an entirely new model or something that's a bit different, you might want to consider this as your do-everything ride. You can get one for $12,599 US.

You can find out more thanks to the intelligent writers and riders at VisorDown, Web Bike World, and ADV Pulse for different views.

Aprilia is going all-in with the Tuareg with three special packages you can take advantage of along with your bike.

Tuareg Training lets you learn or improve your off-road skills on a Tuareg in the Piacenza Apennines. You can choose from group lessons or one-on-one sessions with Enduro Republic instructors. Lessons are adapted to the skill level of the participants.

Cost is 450 Euros per person, 400 Euros for two participants, and 350 Euros per person for groups of three or more. If you use your own Tuareg you get a 200 Euro discount. Courses are scheduled all year round, on weekends (Friday, Saturday or Sunday).

The Tuareg Freeride lets you ride a Tuareg on just about every kind of surface, including 
dirt roads, tracks, cart tracks, along with hidden and winding asphalt roads on which to test the versatility of the Tuareg 660 and enjoy of a unique natural environment and its extraordinary views.

It costs 450 Euros for an individual for one day, 400 Euros for two participants, and 350 Euros per person for groups of three or more. You get the same 200 Euro discount if you use your own Tuareg. Freerides are scheduled all year round, on weekends (Friday, Saturday or Sunday).

The Tuareg Bivouac offers two days of adventure on a Tuareg 660, traveling through the hidden valleys of the hinterland towards a secret bivouac point, where you can spend the night in a tent with dinner prepared on the coals. There's a full support team to take care of you along the way and transport all your gear. It costs 750 Euros for two days per person or 400 Euros if you use your Tuareg.