The 2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660 is a new middleweight adventure bike with a 659cc parallel-Twin derived from the RS 660 and Tuono 660 sportbikes. (Photos by Milagro)

Having now ridden the Aprilia Tuareg 660, it?s easy to see that this machine will be a serious contender in the middleweight adventure class. Slim, stripped, lightweight, and without nonsense, it is a bike of pure function.

The narrow 659cc engine of the Tuareg 660 defines this motorcycle?s personality. Besides powering the Tuareg down routes of pavement or dirt, its narrow parallel-Twin provides svelte comfort and control while producing a respectable 80 horsepower, with as little motorcycle as possible between the rider and the engine. While it?s doubtful anyone will gaze longingly at the Tuareg 660 in admiration of its beauty, many may well gaze at it in admiration of its performance. It has a gracefully malicious personality.
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is available in three color schemes: Indaco Tagelmust (above, $12,599), Acid Gold, and Martian Red (both $11,999).

The Tuareg?s powerplant is a modified version of the engine in the RS 660 and Tuono 660 sportbikes, itself derived from the front cylinder bank of the 1,099cc RSV4. The Tuareg?s twin-cam profiles are the main difference, tuned to supply a flatter, wider powerband. It?s an engine that is without any midrange dips or glitches, and no stumbles or lurches throughout throttle positions. It shares the 81mm bore from the RSV4 as well as the heads an...