Motorcycle specifications ApriliaTuareg 660 Rally 2025 Out of anonymity?

It is discreet, even relatively anonymous on the trail bike market. Its displacement, probably a little too modest for enthusiasts, puts it at a disadvantage compared to Yamaha's 700 Ténéré, BMW's 800 GS and the economical Voge DS800. Yet Aprilia's Tuareg 660 is a damn fine 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-roading.

An efficiency recently marked by victory in the Africa Eco Race. Aprilia has therefore decided to get its chest out and present a more radical machine (in line with market demand) with the Tuareg Rally 2025.

The frog that wants to be as big as the ox.

Jean de la Fontaine's third fable fits this Tuareg evolution quite well. Like the frog, the little Italian trail bike is trying to grow in size to better compete with the stars of its class. Fortunately, the story will end better for the bike than for the frog... The recipe for a virile look is well known: a high front fender, a big (even huge) engine cowl and an attractive dauber in Aprilia racing colors. The hoof is thicker than on the basic version, to better withstand impacts.

The kit also includes a titanium SC Project muffler, and spoked wheels that are a little narrower than the normal model, but above all in a gold hue to match the fork. The control station has been modified with a rally saddle 20 mm higher and the addition of raised handlebars for better handling in the standing position. A 5-inch horizontal display brings all the information to the rider's attention. The bike does not yet adopt the vertical positioning of the screen like a roadbook. A finesse seen on the 700 Ténéré or the Kove 800 X.

Unlike some competitors who, donning the rally costume, increase the size of the fuel tank, Aprilia has opted to stick with the original 18-liter canister. Compared to the basic version, the handguards have been reinforced. The slight restyling of the front end in 2025 also benefits the Rally model.

Euro5+, - 4 kg on the scales, new suspension settings

The 660 cm3 twin-cylinder receives new, larger throttle bodies: 52 mm instead of 48. This modification (essential to the air/petrol mixture) doesn't improve performance, but perhaps avoids losing a few horsepower with the switch to Euro5+. The result is 80 dynamic horsepower from an engine designed for a sports car: the RS 660. Already recalibrated for off-road use, this Rally version gains a more aggressive mapping with improved throttle response.

The engine is also equipped with a host of electronic aids, including traction control, engine brake adjustment, 4 driving modes (2 of which can be customized) plus an off-road mode, cruise control, ABS that can be deactivated on the rear wheel or both wheels, etc..

The Tuareg Rally is fitted with Kayaba suspensions similar to the base model, except that the springs are no longer progressive. More sporty, the Rally will therefore also be a little less comfortable and more physical to ride in hard/broken conditions at high speed. Wheel travel remains 240 mm. The wheels follow the same philosophy. The rim is a little 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 saving no doubt largely achieved on the exhaust and new rims.

Too expensive to succeed?

Despite the undeniable qualities of the Tuareg model, reinforced here in the Rally version, this Aprilia has a flaw... How can you be smaller and at the same time more expensive than THE reference? Where a Yamaha 700 Ténéré costs between €11,199 and €12,399 for its Rally version, the Italian costs a whopping €13,999 with its Rally jogger.

When Europe was only fighting Japan, that was fine. But now, China is entering the fray with a range of models that, for the time being, are both budget-competitive and not devoid of quality. When you see a CF Moto 800 MT-X priced at 9,999 euros (KTM base), you'd think you're not going to see many Tuareg Rallies on the street!

Vincent Beaucousin - Manufacturer's photos