I still remember the first morning in Nocelle, that tiny jewel of a village clinging to the cliffside above the Amalfi Coast. The sun hadn’t yet climbed over the ridgelines, and the smell of espresso drifted from the little café where locals were already chatting. Down in the cobblestone square, our Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rallys stood waiting, machines that looked completely out of place among the pastel houses, but somehow right at home with the rugged limestone peaks looming behind them.

We had come here for a reason: to test Aprilia’s most hardcore mid-range adventure bike, not on a manicured press route, but in a setting where asphalt ends and the real work begins. The Tuareg Rally has been called uncompromising, raw, even intimidating, but those were just words until the engine roared to life beneath me.

First Impressions in the Mountain Light

Before even swinging a leg over, the Tuareg Rally projects intent. The tall rally fender, the long-travel suspension, the aggressive block-pattern TKC 80 tires, it’s not shy about its purpose. Parked in a row, they looked like they were daring us to find their limits.

I had ridden the standard Tuareg 660 before, a capable machine in its own right, but the Rally spec is different. This isn’t a bike softened for commuters or casual weekenders. The stance is taller, the components sharper, the power delivery tuned for the dirt. Even standing next to it, you feel the height, 920 mm seat height is no joke unless you’re blessed with long legs.

Technical Specifications – Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally (2025)

All specs in this article are directly sourced from the official Aprilia’s website. Information reflects the manufacturer’s most recent published figures.

Specification	Detail
Engine Type	Parallel twin, crankpin offset
Displacement	659 cc
Power	80 hp @ 9,250 rpm
Torque	70 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Cooling	Liquid-cooled
Transmission	6-speed with quickshifter
Front Suspension	Fully adjustable USD fork, stiffer linear springs
Rear Suspension	Fully adjustable monoshock
Front Brake	Dual 300 mm discs, Brembo calipers
Rear Brake	Single disc, sharp response
Wheel Sizes	21″ front / 18″ rear
Tires	Continental TKC 80 (off-road focused)
Seat Height	920 mm
Fuel Tank	18 liters
Weight (ready-to-ride)	199 kg
Electronics	Riding modes, traction control, engine braking, cruise control, switchable ABS
Maintenance Interval	10,000 km
Air Filter Access	Quick-access flap above tank

The Climb out of Nocelle – Testing Torque and Traction

The first section out of Nocelle isn’t forgiving. Narrow switchbacks immediately give way to loose, rocky farm tracks, and the Tuareg wasted no time showing off its revised engine character for 2025.

Aprilia has re-mapped the engine for more low-end grunt, and it’s instantly noticeable. Where last year’s bike asked for more revs, this one just digs in and pulls. Even at walking pace, a light roll of the throttle had the bike clawing forward with authority.

The throttle response is sharp, almost too sharp in tight uphill turns. In first gear, I found myself feathering the clutch more than expected to avoid lurching. But once I got into the rhythm, that instant torque became an ally, especially on steep climbs where momentum is everything.

The Continental TKC 80s deserve their own praise here. On the chalky limestone, they bit hard without a hint of sideways drama. When the trail turned muddy in the shaded gullies, the open tread pattern cleared itself quickly. Forty years on, and these tires still earn their reputation.

Standing Tall – Ergonomics and Riding Position

Once the track leveled, I stood up on the pegs and immediately felt why the Tuareg Rally appeals to taller riders. The wide handlebars sit high, allowing a comfortable upright posture. The bike’s slim waist between the knees makes it easy to shift weight side to side, and the seat’s flat design lets you slide forward or back depending on the terrain.

For aggressive climbs, however, that high bar position means you really need to lean your torso forward. Riders with shorter arms might feel like they’re reaching rather than weighting the front end. On the flip side, for long gravel stretches, it’s incredibly relaxed, your back stays straight, your vision clear.

The Descent into the Valley – Brakes and Balance

Heading down toward the valley floor, the Tuareg’s Brembo brakes came into their own. The front dual discs are precise and confidence-inspiring, but the rear brake is almost too eager, it bites quickly, and on steep declines, I had to be delicate to avoid locking it. The combination of low flywheel mass and strong rear brake meant I stalled it a couple of times early in the day when I got lazy with the clutch.

Once I adapted, though, the braking setup became a tool for controlled slides into tight corners. Tap the rear, weight the outside peg, and the Tuareg steps neatly into line without protest. This is where its balance really impressed me, 199 kg isn’t featherlight, but the chassis hides it well when moving.

Electronics That Make Sense Off-Road

Modern adventure bikes can sometimes drown you in electronics, but Aprilia seems to have struck a rare balance. The traction control can be dialed down low enough to allow healthy wheelspin in the dirt without killing the fun. ABS on the rear wheel can be switched off independently, and crucially, it stays off even after cycling the ignition.

The cruise control might sound like a luxury in a dirt test, but on the transfer sections between trails, it was a blessing. One button press, and I could loosen my grip, stretch my fingers, and enjoy the coastal views without worrying about creeping over the speed limit.

Suspension – Firm but Forgiving at Speed

The Rally’s suspension is tuned firmer than the standard Tuareg, thanks to its linear-rate springs. At low speed over cobbles or embedded rocks, it feels stiff, almost chattery. But once you open the throttle and the pace rises, it transforms.

On a fast gravel run toward Agerola, the bike floated over washboard ripples and soaked up rain ruts like they weren’t there. It felt planted, like you could hit an unexpected dip at 90 km/h and it would shrug it off. For riders who spend more time seated and sedate, it might feel over-sprung. For those chasing the horizon, it’s exactly the setup you want.

Serviceability and Touring Potential

Adventure bikes aren’t just about weekend blasts, they need to survive the long haul. Here, Aprilia has thought things through. The air filter can be accessed in minutes without stripping bodywork, a godsend when riding in dusty environments. Maintenance intervals of 10,000 km mean less workshop time and more trail time.

The only letdown in this department is the basic tool kit. If you plan to venture far, pack a proper set of tools, you’ll thank yourself later.

Living with the Tuareg Rally in the Real World

After three days of mixed riding, from the cobblestone lanes of Amalfi villages to rugged mule tracks high above the coast, one thing became clear: the Tuareg 660 Rally isn’t pretending to be a rally bike. It is one. But it’s also surprisingly manageable for riders who aren’t Dakar veterans.

It’s happiest when pushed, climbing, sliding, and charging over uneven ground. But when the ride slows, the bike doesn’t punish you. The seat is comfortable enough for a full day in the saddle, and the fuel tank gives a practical range for touring. Pair that with cruise control, luggage options, and Aprilia’s accessory catalog, and you’ve got a bike that can carry you across continents.

Conclusion – Who Is This Bike Really For?

The 2025 Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally is for riders who see a road on the map and wonder what’s beyond it. It’s for those who think “unpaved” is an invitation, not a warning. The combination of a lively, torque-rich engine, rally-ready suspension, and genuinely usable electronics makes it a rare blend of performance and practicality.

It’s not for the faint of heart, shorter riders will struggle with the height, and its aggressive throttle can be tiring in slow technical work. But for the right rider, it’s a machine that will reward skill and feed adventure.