From the moment the Aprilia Tuareg 660 comes into view, it’s clear this is more than just a bike – it’s a declaration. The weight of its storied name, “Tuareg,” resonates deeply. First introduced to the motorcycling world in 1985, it’s a name synonymous with exploration, adventure, and unbridled freedom. This latest incarnation not only captures that essence but elevates it.

Aprilia has always been known for its flair for design and their sheer enthusiasm for creating motorcycles that aren’t just machines but experiences. This latest offering draws heavily from their 660 lineage. But here’s the catch – it’s not just a proficient motorcycle on the tarmac; it’s a beast that feels equally at home while eating up the dirt.

When you start chatting about “weight to power” ratios in the bar, it can get tedious. But with the Tuareg, it’s a conversation starter. We’re looking at a tantalizing 80 HP from a twin-cylinder, a bike that weighs less than my weekly grocery shop (a mere 412 lbs, or 187 kg when dry), and a design that looks like someone on an adrenaline high sketched it out.

Ah, the design! Now that’s a tale. The Tuareg’s silhouette was sculpted at the Piaggio Advanced Design Center in sunny Pasadena. The team, led by Miguel Galluzzi, seems to have had a simple mantra – “If it doesn’t need to be there, get rid of it!” The result? It is a motorcycle that exudes functionality with flair, with every curve and component telling its tale. And the nod to the 1988 Tuareg 600 Wind with the graphics and logo? Tip of the hat, Aprilia.

When you talk ergonomics, Aprilia has hit the sweet spot between the worlds of single-cylinder enduro and adventure biking.

Let’s be honest: combining those two worlds is like trying to blend wh Crafted Elegance: The Intersection of Form and Function iskey with wine, but somehow, they’ve made it work. With its 4.76-gallon (18-liter) fuel tank ensuring a staggering 280-mi (450-km) range, riders can comfortably traverse both city streets and rugged terrains with a riding posture that doesn’t leave you yearning for a chiropractor.

Then there’s the chassis. Aprilia has a rich history of crafting some of the world’s finest chassis architectures, blending performance with impeccable feedback. The Tuareg 660’s frame, constructed with high-resistance steel tubes, melds strength with agility. Paired with the Kayaba suspension system offering a generous 240 mm travel, this machine is ready to tackle just about anything you throw at it. And with the Tuareg’s 21” front and 18” rear tubeless aluminum wheels, you’re essentially on Pirelli-clad stilts, ready to conquer landscapes.

The racing world sat up and took notice when Aprilia announced its ambitious “Back to Africa” project, aiming to revive the brand’s presence in the iconic African raids. The venture not only pays homage to the legendary competitions of yore but is also an emblematic statement of Aprilia’s commitment to high-performance motor racing.

The venture’s most critical milestone was recently marked at the Transanatolia Rally, which took place from 2nd to 9th September 2023 in Turkey. In this rigorous race spanning 1555 mi (2500 km), from the shores of the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea, Aprilia presented two specifically developed Tuareg bikes, a testament to their preparation for the much-anticipated future endeavors in the African desert.

Two of Aprilia Racing’s factory riders, Jacopo Cerutti and Francesco Montanari, were entrusted with these mechanical marvels in an ensemble of skilled racers. Their participation was more than just a race; it was the actualization of extensive testing and positive results previously achieved in regions like Sardinia and Friuli.

The underlying foundation of these rally raid Tuareg bikes traces back to their counterpart that has already made a significant mark in the Italian Motorally Championship. Jacopo Cerutti’s performance is particularly noteworthy. Out of the six races held so far, Cerutti clinched four category wins. And adding to the aura of the Tuareg’s debut in the Italian series, he is currently dominating the G-1000 class, tailored for multi-cylinder bikes exceeding 600cc.