-Aprilia’s first ADV in India
-Powered by a 660cc, parallel-twin engine
-Available in three paint schemes
Aprilia India has launched the new Tuareg 660 adventure motorcycle in India. This is its first middleweight ADV and marks Aprilia’s foray into the highly competitive space. The Tuareg 660 is priced at Rs. 18.85 lakh for the Atreides Black and Canyon Sand colours. The Evocative Dakar Podium paint scheme will set you back by Rs. 19.16 lakh.
With this, the Aprilia has brought its unique flavour to the adventure motorcycle segment in India. The bike’s design, for instance, looks very purposeful and almost Dakar-bike-like. This is evident in the styling and positioning of the LED headlight, above which lies a tall windscreen. The size of the fuel tank, radiator shrouds, and side panels indicate Aprilia’s stance of having as little bodywork on the bike as possible.
The exposed sub-frame and the almost non-existent tail section, save for the taillight, indicators, and the numberplate holder again highlight the function-over-form approach that Aprilia has taken with the Tuareg 660.
Under the minimal bodywork is a tubular frame that’s suspended by a 43mm USD front fork and a progressive linkage rear monoshock. Braking duties, meanwhile, are taken care of by twin discs at the front and a single disc at the rear. The Tuareg 660 rides on a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheel combination shod with tubeless tyres.
Powering the Aprilia Tuareg 660is a 659cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that makes 80bhp and 79Nm. The motor is paired with a six-speed gearbox.
In terms of electronics, the Tuareg 660 has four ride modes, out of which two are customisable. Also, there’s multi-level traction control, switchable ABS, cruise control, engine brake control, and more. The settings of these rider aids are accessible via the five-inch TFT display.
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 appears to be an adventure bike with more of an off-road bent. Bikes like the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE (Rs. 10.30 lakh), Honda XL750 Transalp (Rs. 11 lakh) and the BMW F850 GS (Rs. 12.95 lakh) are its main competitors in the Indian market. However, this Aprilia is significantly more expensive than all its rivals.
