The latest edition of EICMA was a massive exhibition of upcoming two-wheelers from manufacturers all over the world. From production-spec models to concept bikes, the 2024 EICMA has several new models on display. One of the many brands which has been a regular feature in this auto exhibition is Aprilia.
A subsidiary of the Piaggio Group, Aprilia showcased a wide range of two-wheelers at the EICMA in Milan last week. These included the new Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally, a more rugged and off-road-friendly version of the Tuareg 660. The upcoming iteration of the middleweight adventure bike gets significant updates over the current model.
Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally: Hardware upgrades
Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally is derived from the company’s competition-spec model that made its debut at the 2024 Africa Eco Race. As expected from its name, the new Tuareg 660 Rally is more suited for trailbashing and hence it benefits from additional components and features. For starters, it gets a completely reworked suspension setup comprising fully-adjustable 43mm Kayaba front forks with a wheel travel of 240mm.
As a result, the seat height has gone up by 20mm to 880mm. The rear suspension has been stiffened which compromises on comfort in order to provide better control while off-roading. It also gets a higher handlebar with a different shape which assists in riding while standing up. The Tuareg 660 Rally ditches tubeless spoke wheels in favour of heavy-duty Ergal spoke wheels wrapped in tube-type tyres. Overall weight of the bike has dropped by 5 kg to 199 kg.
Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally: Powertrain & feature upgrades
The Tuareg 660 Rally gets the same 659cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine but this motor now gets new internals and a revised mapping which will also make it to the regular model. The engine gets larger 52 mm throttle bodies and a new ECU allowing efficient fuel burning while meeting the Euro 5+ emission norms.
It also gets a new titanium exhaust. There is no mention of change in output. The regular Tuareg 660 makes 80bhp and 70 Nm of peak torque. In terms of features, the new Tuareg 660 range gets a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally: Visual changes
Visually, the Tuareg Rally is mostly similar to the regular Tuareg barring minor changes. For starters, it gets a high mudguard and a new aluminium sump guard, which is thicker and with a more protective shape, for better mechanical resistance to impacts. The Rally version of the Tuareg 660 also gains metallic hand guards and a lower chain guard as standard fitment. Additionally, it comes wrapped in a race-replica livery similar to the one worn by the victorious Tuareg on the legendary Dakar finish line. Tuareg Rally also stands out visually for its forks, wheel rims and handlebars finished in a sporty gold anodization.Â
