Exploring the new Aprilia Tuareg 660: A Fresh Adventure in India’s Motorcycle Scene
Aprilia Tuareg 660 Design: Minimalism on Wheels
When Aprilia designed the Tuareg 660, it appears they threw out the conventional playbook. The bike stands out with its minimalistic design philosophy, which might raise eyebrows at first but makes a lot of sense for off-road resilience.
The absence of extensive bodywork, like the bare-bones approach to the headlight and the lack of cowlings, isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s a practical choice that minimizes damage during inevitable off-road spills.
The Tuareg’s design is all about functionality, sporting a slim fuel tank and a streamlined rear that omits the usual side and tail sections, leaving just the essentials in place. This approach not only reduces the weight but also the potential repair costs when the adventure takes a tumble.
Innovative Features of the Aprilia Tuareg 660
Aprilia is renowned for integrating advanced electronics into their motorcycles, and the Tuareg 660 is no exception. This bike comes loaded with cutting-edge technology aimed at enhancing the riding experience on various terrains. It features four customizable ride modes, dual-channel ABS with three settings, and adjustable traction control, all of which are controlled via a user-friendly 5-inch TFT display. These sophisticated electronics, common in Aprilia’s models like the RSV4 and RS660, ensure that riders can tailor the bike’s behavior to match their riding style and the demands of the trail.
Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Tuareg 660
Powering the Tuareg 660 is a 659cc, parallel-twin engine that delivers 80 bhp at 9,250 rpm and 70 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. This engine configuration is chosen for its compact design and the effective torque distribution it offers, making it ideal for both cruising highways and navigating rugged trails. The engine’s strong mid-range performance is particularly beneficial for adventure riding, where variable power delivery can define the ride quality. Its direct competitors, like the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE and the Honda XL750 Transalp, also use parallel-twin engines, but Aprilia’s implementation promises a blend of power and agility that’s geared for enthusiasts.
Hardware and Handling
Beneath its minimalist exterior, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 boasts a robust hardware setup designed to tackle both the challenges of off-road riding and the demands of on-road performance. The bike is built around a sturdy tubular steel frame, providing the necessary durability and flexibility for varied terrains. Suspension duties are managed by a 43mm fully adjustable Kayaba fork with 240mm of travel at the front and a matching Kayaba monoshock at the rear, ensuring that the Tuareg can handle bumps and jumps with ease. The braking system, featuring 300mm dual discs at the front and a 260mm disc at the rear, ensures reliable stopping power, crucial for the unpredictable nature of adventure rides.
Aprilia Tuareg 660 Pricing: A Premium Proposition
The Aprilia Tuareg 660’s price tag has been a topic of much discussion. Priced at Rs. 18.85 lakh for the Atreides Black and Canyon Sand variants, and Rs. 19.16 lakh for the Evocative Dakar Podium scheme, the Tuareg 660 is positioned at the upper end of the mid-range adventure bike market in India. This places it in direct comparison not only with mid-range contenders like the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE, Honda XL750 Transalp, and BMW F850 GS but also with higher capacity bikes such as the Triumph Tiger 900 and Honda Africa Twin, which are priced similarly. One contributing factor to its higher price point is India’s significant import duties, which inflate the costs of many imported bikes.
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 brings a unique flavor to the Indian adventure motorcycle market with its distinctive design, advanced features, robust engine, and premium pricing. Its entry is poised to attract biking enthusiasts who value performance and innovation, even if it comes at a higher cost. Whether the Tuareg 660 will carve out a niche in this competitive segment remains to be seen, but it certainly adds an exciting option for adventurers looking to explore new terrains with a bike that combines style, technology, and resilience.
