On Friday, we were invited to the exclusive South African launch of the new Aprilia Tuareg 660. With the Cape Town sunset and Table Mountain as a backdrop, the bike (in Aprilia's unique acid gold colour scheme) really shone on the showroom floor.
My initial thought on the bike was quite literally "It looks like it's Dakar ready" and coincidence, or not, the meaning of the name "Tuareg" is defined as a member of a Berber people of the western and central Sahara, living mainly in Algeria, Mali, Niger, and western Libya, traditionally as nomadic pastoralists. The bike exudes the type of styling that you would expect from a serious adventure bike contender and by simply looking at it, it seems that Aprilia has hit the mark with it, particularly for the South African rider's market. With serious tech embedded in its brain, slightly less power than the RS 660 but up on the torque curve, the Tuareg sounds like it will be a more than capable adventure motorcycle for on and off road trips.
Special mention also needs to go out to the members of the Aprilia South Africa team. They have a mission to make everyone that steps into their stores feel like family, and once you leave, you know you have another home to go to anytime.
Stay tuned for a rider review and impression coming soon.
Factory specifications of the Aprilia Tuareg 660 in further detail:
REDESIGNED ENGINE:
New behaviour, same 660 character
The parallel-twin engine now delivers maximum power of 80 HP, peak torque of 70 Nm and a significantly boosted low/mid-range curve.
The sump reduces the vertical footprint, for a ground clearance of more than 240 mm and a seat height of less than 860 mm.
APRC TECHNOLOGY:
Pure off-road performance, sports technology
Four Riding Modes, two of which are customisable (one dedicated to off-road riding).
ABS can be deactivated at both wheels or only the rear.
APRC system complete with Traction Control, Cruise Control, Engine Map and Engine Brake. All accessible via the high-visibility 5" TFT screen.
LOW WEIGHT:
Flagship equipment with minimum weight
With a dry weight of just 187 kg, the Tuareg 660 sets a benchmark for the sector in terms of lightness. Aprilia engineers have shaved off every possible gram, equipping the Tuareg with all the adventouring essentials, starting with the generous 18-litre fuel tank.
Less weight = more fun, always!
OFF-ROAD SUSPENSION:
Greater travel, no compromise
A 43 mm fork and progressive linkage monoshock, both with long 240 mm travel, ensure off-road traction and fun in places where others have to close the throttle.
APRILIA FRAME AND SUSPENSION:
The feeling that makes the difference
The Tuareg 660 is faithful to Aprilia chassis tradition - synonymous with excellence - thanks to a new tubular steel frame coupled with aluminium brackets and connected to the engine at six points, a wheelbase of just over 1500 mm, and the careful distribution of weight and centralisation of masses.
RETAIL PRICES:
R269660.00 for the Acid Gold and Martian Red colourways
R273660.00 for the special edition colour scheme that is the Indaco Tagelmust
Aprilia… definitely another home! I love these people… ♥️