Testing the 2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660 in Sardinia, Italy. (Photo by Milagro)

We test the 2022 Aprilia Tuareg 660, a new adventure bike with a 659cc parallel-Twin derived from Aprilia?s RS 660 and Tuono 600 sportbikes. Tuned for a broad spread of torque, in the Tuareg 660 the engine makes 80 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and 51.6 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. MSRP is $11,999.

The engine is carried in a lightweight tubular-steel trellis frame and wheelbase is 59 inches. Aprilia claims a 449-pound wet weight and 275 miles of range from the 4.75-gallon fuel tank.

As with other bikes in Aprilia?s lineup, the Tuareg 660 gets the Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC) electronics suite with selectable engine maps and settings for traction control and engine braking. ABS can be switched off entirely or just at the rear wheel. Standard equipment also includes cruise control and a 5-inch TFT color display with Bluetooth connectivity and navigation via the Aprilia MIA app. The bike also has full LED lighting
The Tuareg 660 has fully adjustable suspension with 9.4 inches of front/rear travel, with a 43mm inverted fork and a rear shock with progressive linkage. There?s 9.5 inches of ground clearance for off-road riding, and the Tuareg 660 rolls on 21-inch front/18-inch rear spoked wheels with tubeless tires.

Aprilia hosted a press launch for the Tuareg 660 in Sardinia, Italy, and the test route included paved roads, dirt, gravel, and mud. Contributor Peter Jones found the Tuareg...