Aprilia set foot in India a long time ago, however, it was able to reach the masses with the SR 150 scooter. While the scooter drove sales for the company in India, enthusiasts who were already aware of the brand wanted one thing — the RSV4, the company’s flagship.
Over the years, Aprilia developed products to fill the gap and cater to the fast-growing middleweight segment which is gaining popularity in Europe. On this line, new products came in the forms of the RS660, Tuono 660 and the motorcycle in the limelight, the Tuareg 660.
Aprilia Tuareg 660 — Why is it so expensive?
There are several factors to look at the reason behind the eye-watering price of Tuareg 660. Firstly, the motorcycle is a direct import, meaning it is sold as a CBU in India. The motorcycle is made in Italy and sold here, which attracts 50 percent duties, profits, and dealer benefits before reaching the customer. Also, manufacturing motorcycles in Italy itself is an expensive affair.
The next aspect to look at is the top-of-the-shelf components the Tuareg gets — fully adjustable Kayaba suspension at both ends with 240mm travel, Brembo brakes at both ends, and spoked tubeless wheels at both ends. That said, the Aprilia Tuareg also gets a full suite of electronic aids, ride modes, traction control, and more.
While the above may not justify the pricing completely, it does give us a fair bit of understanding of what the mid-size adventure motorcycle offers. Now, looking at the Tuareg’s closest competitor in India, the Honda Transalp, which carries a price tag of Rs 11 lakh, ex-showroom.
When comparing the two motorcycles, the Tuareg gets a lot more, as the Transalp does not get adjustable suspension, misses out on cruise control, switchable engine maps, and more. The reason for this is that if the Transalp was better equipped, it would eat into the sales of the larger Africa Twin, while Aprilia does not have this issue as the Tuareg 660 is the company’s flagship adventure motorcycle.
Now, everything considered, it comes down to personal choice, and if someone is willing to pay Rs 18.85 lakh ex-showroom for the Tuareg. It comes down to what one prefers, and one cannot go wrong in any way opting for the Tuareg. However, if it were me, my money would go on the new Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro.