The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is a mid-capacity adventure bike built around a compact, road-biased chassis and a torque-friendly engine. It’s aimed at riders who want a light-feeling, road-capable adventure machine that can handle gravel and light trails but spends most of its time on tarmac. Within the first few hundred kilometres you notice how the bike’s geometry prioritises control in traffic and on twisty roads rather than deep, technical off-road use.
What it is and who it’s for
The Tuareg 660 is a lightweight adventure motorcycle designed around a 659cc parallel-twin engine. That layout gives a smoother, broader torque band than a single-cylinder, which helps in urban traffic and when overtaking on highways. It’s ideal for riders who want a capable weekend explorer and a comfortable commuter—especially those who prioritise handling and engine refinement over hardcore off-road capability.
Key specifications
Below are the practical, rider-focused specs you’ll care about. Confirmed figures are widely published by Aprilia; fuel economy and real top speed vary by riding style and conditions.
- Engine: 659cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin (DOHC).
- Power: ~80–81 hp (around 59–60 kW) at high RPM—enough for brisk two-up riding but not a supersport sprint.
- Torque: ~70 Nm at mid-range—useful for overtakes and pulling out of corners without frequent downshifts.
- Top speed: ~190 km/h (manufacturer tests vary; real-world top speed depends on wind, rider weight, and gearing).
- Mileage: Expected 18–23 kmpl in mixed riding; in city traffic you’ll see the lower end, while steady highway speeds return better figures.
- Seat height / Minimum seat height: 860 mm standard seat; realistically, riders under ~165 cm (5’5″) may struggle—flat-footing requires a shorter seat or taller confidence.
- Transmission: 6-speed gearbox with slipper clutch; gear ratios favour smooth acceleration and highway cruising.
- Fuel tank: ~18 litres, giving a practical range of 300–380 km depending on riding style.
- Weight: Kerb weight around 187–196 kg depending on spec—light for the segment but heavier than small-cap single-cylinder machines.
Safety, comfort and technology
The Tuareg packs modern rider aids and comfort elements that make long days on the road manageable.
- Riding modes and multi-level traction control—useful for adapting to wet asphalt and loose gravel.
- Cruise control for long highway stretches—reduces fatigue on long straights.
- Cornering ABS and switchable ABS modes—improves braking confidence on mixed surfaces.
- Adjustable suspension with long travel—comfortable over broken tarmac but tuned more for road composure than extreme trail obstacles.
In practice, the long-travel suspension soaks bumps and keeps the bike composed in fast sweepers. This matters more than it seems: on long backroads the bike remains planted, but if you’re used to very soft touring suspension you may find it firm the first day.
Limitations & who should avoid it
No bike is perfect. The Tuareg is not ideal for intense, technical off-roading—its tyres, weight, and ergonomics are not set up for deep mud, rock gardens, or heavy enduro-style riding. If your plan is long-distance, heavy luggage touring with two-up carrying every day, the suspension ramp and narrow pillion space can become a compromise: comfort drops after full-day rides for taller pillion passengers.
Also expect higher maintenance costs than a small single-cylinder commuter, primarily due to service intervals and parts for a premium Italian brand. Shorter riders usually notice the seat height and weight when moving at low speeds.
Real riding experience
Two quick, experience-based observations:
- Throttle response is linear and forgiving—in city traffic it’s easy to modulate power without jerky clutch work, which cuts fatigue over daily commuting.
- After 200–300 km, rider fatigue shows more in the shoulders if you run aggressive handlebars and a soft seat—seat swaps or a small touring pad improve full-day comfort significantly.
The bike’s ergonomics encourage an upright stance that keeps you confident on twisty roads; however, when you push into rough gravel the Tuareg feels more like a sporty tourer with cleared ground clearance than a true rally machine. Most people overlook how quickly tyre choice changes the machine’s character—swap to more aggressive knobby tyres and it becomes noticeably better on gravel at the cost of tarmac stability.
Compare options — if you’re leaning towards buying, check local prices and test-ride both contenders before deciding. View Product and compare specs at dealerships to match seat height and handling to your body size.
Aprilia Tuareg 660 vs KTM 390 Adventure
This is a common buyer dilemma. Below is a compact comparison covering the aspects that matter when choosing between these two machines.
| Item | Aprilia Tuareg 660 | KTM 390 Adventure |
|---|---|---|
| Engine & performance | 659cc parallel-twin; ~80 hp; smoother mid-range, better high-speed stability. | 373cc single; ~43 hp; punchy low-end, lighter, more nimble off-road slow-speed. |
| Torque / Top speed / Mileage | ~70 Nm; top ~190 km/h; 18–23 kmpl mixed. | ~37 Nm; top ~150+ km/h; 25–30+ kmpl mixed (India real-world ~28 kmpl). |
| Key features | Advanced electronics, cruise control, adjustable long-travel suspension. | Good electronics for class, lighter chassis, more off-road friendly geometry. |
| Price range (typical) | Premium mid-cap segment: expect higher sticker in many markets (price varies by country, taxes). | More affordable; strong value in smaller-cap adventure segment. |
| Which rider | Choose Tuareg if you want smoother long-range touring and highway comfort with occasional gravel. | Choose KTM 390 Adv if you want lighter-weight off-road agility and lower running costs. |
| Tank capacity | ~18 litres | ~14–14.5 litres |
| Braking & safety | Cornering ABS, multi-mode traction control, larger discs (better high-speed braking feel). | ABS with off-road mode; lighter, easier to correct at low speed. |
Which should you pick?
If you ride long distances frequently and want a more refined engine and highway composure, the Tuareg is sensible. If you live where narrow lanes and trail work are common and budget is tighter, KTM’s 390 Advantage is the sharper tool.
Alternatives
Other bikes in this bracket include single-cylinder midweights and larger-capability travelers. The main deciding factors will be seat height, weight, and service network in India or your local market—don’t ignore test rides.
FAQs
- What is the minimum height to ride Aprilia Tuareg 660?
- With the standard 860 mm seat, riders shorter than ~165 cm (5’5″) will likely find flat-footing difficult; a lowering kit or an experience with lowered seats is recommended for shorter riders.
- Is the Tuareg 660 suitable for heavy off-road use?
- No — it manages light trails and gravel well, but heavy enduro or rock sections are not its forte due to weight, tyre choice, and engine layout.
- How does the parallel-twin engine affect maintenance?
- Parallel-twins generally offer smoother power delivery than singles, but expect slightly higher service costs compared to low-displacement singles due to complexity and premium parts.
- What mileage can I expect?
- Real-world figures tend to sit between 18–23 kmpl depending on traffic and speed. In city-heavy conditions expect the lower range; steady highways push it up.
- Does it come with adjustable suspension?
- Yes—suspension is adjustable and long-travel, designed for mixed surfaces. The trade-off is that very soft touring suspension might feel plush but less controlled on tight twisties.
Conclusion
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is a capable, modern mid-size adventure bike that leans toward on-road performance with genuine light off-road ability. Strengths are a smooth parallel-twin, highway stability, and modern electronics. Limitations include seat height for shorter riders, higher purchase and maintenance cost than small singles, and it’s not a replacement for a dedicated enduro bike. If you want a comfortable two-up capable weekend adventurer that’s also a refined commuter, it’s a strong contender. If you plan heavy off-road use or prioritise the lowest running cost, consider the KTM 390 Adventure or similar single-cylinder alternatives.
Check Price at local dealerships and schedule a test ride—your inseam and luggage plans will decide this more than the brochure.
Buy Now only after confirming seat feel and low-speed handling in person; that matters more than spec sheets.
