How does the 2026 Aprilia Tuareg 660 handle? Here is our comprehensive test covering performance, top speed, real-world fuel consumption, pros, cons, and off-road behavior.

Quick Info Sheet (TL;DR)

The Engine: 659cc parallel-twin (270° firing order), putting out 80 HP with a robust and steady pull right from low revs.

Real-World Fuel Economy: An excellent weighted average of 40.5 MPG (approx. 17.2 km/l), peaking at over 47 MPG (20 km/l) on extra-urban transfers and providing a range close to 185 miles (300 km).

The Chassis: Kayaba suspension with 9.4 inches (240 mm) of travel, Tubeless cross-spoked wheels, and a 21-inch front wheel.

The CrazyWheels Verdict: A refined and well-balanced project that continues to set the law for handling precision and electronic package, held back only by a slightly soft rear shock during extreme sports riding.

In the crowded mid-size adventure segment, the 2026 Aprilia Tuareg 660 historically represents one of the most dynamically evolved and effective projects. Positioned in the premium market bracket with a starting price set at €12,300, Noale’s crossover clashes with fierce competition pushing engine displacements higher and higher.

We put the Tuareg 660 through its paces to check whether the Venetian twin preserves its crown as the category's dynamic benchmark.

The Twin-Cylinder Engine and Real-World Performance

The 659cc powerplant pushes out 80 HP at 9,250 RPM and 52 lb-ft (70 Nm) of torque, combining brilliant top-end pull with exceptional tractability down low.

Power Delivery and Roll-On: Pull between 3,500 and 7,000 RPM is constant and vigorous, allowing for smooth sixth-gear roll-ons even at lower speeds without stuttering.

Top Speed: True top speed sits around 115–118 mph (185–190 km/h, brushing 124 mph / 200 km/h indicated on the dash with a long stretch), a value more than adequate for a dual-sport with a 21-inch front wheel.

Real-World Fuel Economy and Range

The thermodynamic efficiency of the Venetian engine delivers pump numbers that are very convincing in real-world use:

Extra-Urban and B-Roads: Easily clearing 49 MPG (approx. 20.8 km/l).

Mixed / Urban Riding: Recorded average drops to about 36.5 MPG (approx. 15.5 km/l).

Test Weighted Average: Total overall feedback settles at 40.5 MPG (approx. 17.2 km/l).

Paired with an 18-liter (4.8-gallon) fuel tank, actual range easily guarantees clearing 185 miles (300 km) before the low fuel warning light comes on.

Riding Dynamics: Chassis and Off-Road

It is on the dynamic front that the Tuareg expresses its best character, thanks to a high-tensile steel trellis frame and a premium hydroformed swingarm.

On-Road and Through the Twisties: Corner entry is lightning-fast and geometric precision is an absolute benchmark. The only limit of the Kayaba suspension setup (with 240 mm of travel) lies in a rather soft factory tuning, which generates slight pitching under heavy braking if you adopt an aggressive sports riding style on asphalt.

Off-Road: On dirt roads and flowing trails, a wet weight kept around 450 lbs (204 kg) and the stock Tubeless wheels offer immediate confidence, allowing you to absorb obstacles naturally.

Daily Compromises: Wind Protection and Passenger Life

The bike's racing and off-road setup requires accepting a few minor compromises in long-range touring use:

Wind Protection: The stock windscreen offers shelter up to about 70 mph (110 km/h); past this threshold, taller riders will experience turbulence on their shoulders, making an upgraded taller screen useful.

Seat Height: Positioned at 33.9 inches (860 mm) from the ground, the seat requires caution during stationary maneuvers for anyone under 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.

The Passenger: Space available is decent, but proximity to the rider and the compact overall dimensions make long trips an experience best reserved for those accustomed to crossover life.

The CrazyWheels Verdict

"The 2026 Aprilia Tuareg 660 confirms itself as one of the most balanced, fun, and technically successful motorcycles in the dual-sport landscape. It has a sublime chassis and a premier APRC electronic package. Minor hydraulic limits in the rear shock under a full load do not undermine a top-tier overall value."

Pros and Cons

The Pros:

Chassis effectiveness and directional precision superior to the category average.

Complete, intuitive APRC electronic package with effective dedicated maps.

Stock Tubeless cross-spoked wheels for maximum road safety.

The Cons:

Rear shock absorber feels a bit softly damped during aggressive sports riding or two-up.

Challenging seat height for riders under 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).

Windshield wind protection could be improved for long highway transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Aprilia Tuareg 660 suitable for beginners starting off-road?

Yes, thanks to weight balancing, clean power delivery, and the specific Off-Road map, the bike is exceptionally intuitive even for knobby-tire novices.

Do the wheels mount Tubeless tires?

Yes, it adopts cross-spoked wheels natively built for Tubeless tires, allowing you to quickly patch punctures with a standard string kit without removing the wheel.

What is the real-world fuel consumption recorded during tests?

The recorded weighted average sits around 40.5 MPG (17.2 km/l), with peaks exceeding 47 MPG (20 km/l) on extra-urban routes at a touring pace.