2025 · Adventure · A variant of the Tuareg 660
Differences between the standard Tuareg 660 and the Rally
The Rally-Ready Lightweight Shredder
The Tuareg 660 Rally is the hardcore, dirt-first take on the Tuareg 660. The heart stays the same: a 659 cc parallel twin with 80 hp and 52 lb-ft, and plenty of character. What changes is everything around it. Uprated KYB suspension with 9.4 in (240 mm) of travel at both ends, taller bars, a high mudguard, a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear in a steel trellis frame. At 439 lb (199 kg) wet it sits at the light end of the middleweight adventure class, and ABS, traction control, ride modes and cruise control come standard. This is Aprilia taking off-road seriously.
It's at its best on fast gravel and challenging terrain, yet compliant enough that a long pavement day doesn't turn into punishment. That makes it a bike for experienced riders who put dirt first and still need to ride there and back. The honest caveat is about ownership. Early bikes can show a faulty fuel level sensor or a weeping water pump gasket, both addressed under warranty. On an adventure bike, reliability is the whole point, because a breakdown out there ruins everything. So ask whether both have been sorted, and buy with open eyes. Then go ride!
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 80 hp (59 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 52 lb-ft (70 Nm) |
| Displacement | 659 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tire | 150/70-18 |
| Ground clearance | 9.4 in (240 mm) |
| Front travel | 9.4 in (240 mm) |
| Rear travel | 9.4 in (240 mm) |
| Seat height | 35.9 in (913 mm) |
| Wet weight | 439 lb (199 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.8 gal (18 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Connectivity
Drivetrain
Lighting
Safety
The Tuareg 660 Rally (ZD4XB-Rally) builds on the standard Tuareg 660: the upgraded hardware, the key spec changes and where its character shifts. The full ride, specs, scoring and verdict are all right here on this page.
| Spec | Standard Tuareg 660 | Rally | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 450 lb | 439 lb | -11 lb |
| Seat height | 33.9 in | 35.9 in | +2.1 in |
I've spent years listening to riders: in paddock conversations, in owner chats, at club nights, and in the emails and messages that land in my inbox. For the Tuareg 660 Rally, the picture from all that talk is consistent. Riders praise how it copes with hard off-road going, how it looks and how it's held up so far. The complaints gather around its low-speed manners, mostly on the road.
Off-road ability is what riders bring up first. They describe suspension that absorbs high-speed hits on rough ground with confidence, and they call the Rally a capable machine once the pavement ends. Reliability gets the same steady mention: it's still a fairly new platform, and early owners report no major issues. The looks come up just as often, with the gold wheels and Dakar-inspired graphics getting the credit for a bike that reads as competition-ready. Riders also call it agile for the class, and a few put that down to the compact engine and the low center of gravity it brings. Happy owners so far!
Slow down on pavement and the tone changes. A recurring complaint is a harsh, jarring ride over small bumps at low speeds, which riders tie to the firm damping and linear-rate springs. The riding position draws similar criticism: on the road, the bar and seat position can force an uncomfortable bend in your arms, and shorter riders say they feel it most. Comfort takes the hit.
Some owners mention an abrupt throttle response at low speed. They describe jerkiness in town and in technical off-road sections, where fine control gets difficult. Past that initial stumble, they report strong midrange and top-end power from the twin. A few also flag the price: it runs high against rivals, and options like the quickshifter add to the bill. Fewer voices, but they're there.
Unusual engine noise (valves or chain tensioner)
Some owners report a metallic ticking or knocking from the engine bay, possibly related to valve train or cam chain tensioner; requires inspection to rule out serious damage.
Fuel sensor and water pump gasket leaks
Early models may experience faulty fuel level sensors or weeping water pump gaskets; both have been addressed under warranty.
Side-stand cut-off switch failures
Some owners report intermittent no-start or stalling traced to a faulty side-stand safety switch; addressed by switch replacement or contact cleaning.
TFT dash software glitches in early units
Early MY2022 owners reported sporadic TFT freezes or display anomalies; resolved via dealer ECU/dash firmware updates.
Where this Aprilia Tuareg 660 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Tuareg 660 is actually built for.
If you want one bike for slickrock, sand and the ride out there, this is it. 9.4 in (240 mm) of travel and a 21-inch front do the work, but 439 lb (199 kg) is still no enduro. Pick your lines!
Made for Bar M / Kane Creek · Imperial Sand Dunes · Johnson Valley OHV Area
It'll do your 200 to 400 mile days: cruise control, calm at speed, plenty of lean clearance. But the 35.9 in (913 mm) seat and dirt-first setup are a real compromise if you never leave pavement.
Made for Black Hills · Blue Ridge Parkway · Cherohala Skyway
For multi-day backcountry routes it's a strong fit: 4.8 gal (18 L) of fuel, adjustable long-travel suspension, manageable weight. Pack a power bank, though: there's no USB port.
Made for AZBDR — Arizona Backcountry Discovery Route · California BDR South · COBDR — Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2022
Aprilia's Sharpest Dirt Handler
Compare to the previous model →If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
