Aprilia Tuareg 660 2026 — Specifications

It is discreet, even relatively anonymous in the trail market. Its displacement, perhaps a little too modest for enthusiasts of the genre, penalizes it compared to the Yamaha 700 Ténéré and other BMW 800 GS or the economical Voge DS800. Yet, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 is a pretty good machine for those who want to do it all! Its weight of less than 200 kg (in this Rally version) in running order is a major asset for off-road riding.

A recently marked efficiency by a victory in the Africa Eco Race. Aprilia therefore decides to puff out its chest to make it known and presents a more radical machine in its presentation (to match market desires) with the Tuareg Rally.

The third fable of Jean de la Fontaine fits quite well with this evolution of the Tuareg. The little Italian trail seeks, like the frog, to gain in size to better compete with the stars of the category. Fortunately, the story will end better for the motorcycle than for the frog… To virilize its look, the recipe is well known: high front fender, large (even huge) engine guard and a nice splash of color that takes up the colors of Aprilia in competition. The engine guard is thicker than on the base version to better resist impacts.

To this aesthetic kit, you’ll add a SC Project titanium silencer, slightly narrower spoke wheels than the standard model but above all with this gold tint that harmonizes with the forks. The control position is modified by a higher rally seat of 20 mm and the addition of a raised handlebar to favor maneuverability in a standing position. Information is within the rider’s view through a 5-inch horizontal screen. The motorcycle has not yet adopted the vertical screen positioning like a roadbook, a refinement seen on the Yamaha 700 Ténéré or the Kove 800 X.

Unlike some competitors who, by putting on a rally suit, increase the size of the fuel tank, Aprilia has chosen to stick with a standard 18-liter tank. Compared to the base version, reinforced handguards are noted. The slight 2025 restyling of the front end also benefits the Rally model.

The 660 cm3 twin-cylinder engine receives new, larger throttle bodies: 52 mm against 48. This modification (essential to the air / fuel mixture) does not allow for better performance but perhaps avoids losing a few horsepower with the transition to Euro5+. We still find the same 80 horsepower from an engine designed for a sportbike: the RS 660. Already recalibrated for off-road use, this Rally version gains a more aggressive mapping with a better response to acceleration.

An engine that also receives numerous electronic assists such as: traction control, engine braking adjustment, 4 Riding Modes including 2 customizable plus an off-road mode, cruise control, an ABS deactivatable on the rear wheel or both wheels, etc…

The Tuareg Rally receives Kayaba suspensions fairly similar to the base model except that the springs here are no longer progressive. More sporty, the Rally will therefore also be a little less comfortable and more physical to handle in the rough / pushing at high speed. The stroke remains 240 mm. The wheels follow the same philosophy. The rim is slightly narrower than on the standard model and is no longer tubeless but fitted with an inner tube.

The weight has been reduced by 4 kg, a gain undoubtedly largely achieved on the exhaust and on the new rims.

Despite the undeniable qualities of the Tuareg model, reinforced here in the Rally version, this Aprilia has a flaw… How do you want to be smaller and at the same time more expensive than THE reference? Indeed, where a Yamaha 700 Ténéré costs between 11,199 euros and 12,399 euros for its Rally version, the Italian costs a straight 13,999 euros with its Rally jogging suit.

When Europe was only fighting against Japan, it could pass. But now, China is entering the dance with proposals that are currently very competitive on budget and not without qualities. When you see a CFMoto 800 MT-X proposed at 9,999 euros (base KTM), you realize that you are unlikely to cross many Tuareg Rally in the street!

Vincent Beaucousin - Photos constructeur