Aprilia’s first learner-approved adventure motorcycle, the Tuareg 660 L, will arrive in Australian showrooms by July in three colour schemes.
It comes a month after the release of the full-powered Tuareg 660 in May/June.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed for either bike.
The output of the full-powered version is 58.8kW (80hp) at 9250rpm with 79Nm of torque at 6500 revs.
To qualify under Australia’s learner-approved motorcycle scheme (LAMS), the 660cc parallel-twin engine has been detuned to 35kW (47.6hp) at 5500rpm and 61Nm of torque at 5000rpm.
All other technical features of the learner adventurer are unchanged and include such features as LED lighting, traction control, four riding modes and even cruise control. A quick shifter is available as an accessory.
These adventure models are part of the new 660 platform following the RS 660 and Tuono 660.
They represent a return to adventure riding after the Caponord was discontinued, but promise to be much more dirt oriented with 21-inch front wheels and tubeless tyres on spoked wheels.
Other adventure characteristics are a light wet weight of 204kg, 18-litre fuel tank and fully adjustable Kayaba suspension.
Tuareg revives a model name Aprilia last used in 1985.
The name is also used by VW for their SUV although it is spelt Touareg. Both names refer to a nomadic Sahara tribe.
Tuareg 660 was designed by the Piaggio Advanced Design Centre in Pasadena, California.
It will arrive in a choice of Acid Gold, Martian Red (black and red) and Indaco Tagelmust inspired by the 1988 Tuareg Wind 600.
Aprilia has developed a range of accessories:
- Lockable aluminium panniers
- 33-litre aluminium top box
- Tubular engine guards
- Auxiliary LED lights
- Centre stand
- Chain guide
- Touring windscreen: this ensures greater protection for the rider from the air for a more comfortable trip. It is made of 4mm thick metacrylate and is sturdy and durable.
- Comfort seats
- Aprilia smartphone multimedia system
- Electronic anti-theft system
Aprilia will also have a range of adventure helmets, clothing and gloves as seen in the photos on this page.
Aprilia Tuareg 660 – Technical specs
| Engine type | Aprilia forward-facing twin-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooled, dual overhead cam (DOHC) with silent chain drive on the right side, four valve per cylinder. |
| Bore and stroke | 81 x 63.93mm |
| Engine capacity | 659cc |
| Compression ratio | 13.5:1 |
| Maximum power at crankshaft | 80hp (58.8kW) at 9250rpm
47.6hp (35kW) at 5500rpm (LAMS) |
| Maximum torque at crankshaft | 70Nm (7.13kgm) at 6500rpm
61Nm at 5000rpm (LAMS) |
| Fuel system | Airbox with front air vent. 2 Æ48mm throttle bodies, Ride-by-wire management |
| Ignition | Electric |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Transmission | Six-speed, Aprilia Quick Shift (AQS) System up and down available as accessory |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet clutch with slipper system |
| Secondary drive | Chain, drive ratio 15/42 |
| Electronics | APRC Suite that includes ATC (traction control), AEB (engine brake) AEM (engine maps), ACC (cruise control) Four riding modes (Urban, Explore, Off-road, Individual) |
| Chassis | Frame in steel tubing and built-in subframe screwed aluminium plates connecting the frame to the engine |
| Front suspension | Fully adjustableÆ 43mm upside-down Kayaba fork with counterspring. Wheel travel: 240mm |
| Rear suspension | Aluminium swingarm. Progressive linkage. Fully adjustable Kayaba monoshock. Wheel travel: 240mm |
| Front brake
Rear brake ABS |
300mm double disc Brembo callipers with 4 horizontally opposed Æ 30/32mm pistons. Axial pump and metal braided brake line |
| 260mm diameter disc; Brembo single piston Æ 34mm floating calliper. Master cylinder with separate reservoir and metal braided hose Multimap ABS |
|
| Wheels | spoked with aluminium drop centre Front: 2.15×21-inch, Rear: 4.25×18-inch |
| Tyres | Tubeless, Front: 90/90-21, Rear: 150/70 R 18 |
| Dimensions | Wheelbase: 1525mm Length: 2220mm Width: 965mm Saddle height: 860mm Headstock angle: 26.7 degrees Trail: 113.3mm |
| Weight | 204kg kerb weight (187kg dry weight) |
| Emissions compliance Consumption | Euro 5 4.0 litres/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 99g/km |
| Fuel tank capacity Colour range |
18 litres (3-litre reserve) Indaco Tagelmust, Martian Red, Acid Gold |
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com
