Aprilia Tuareg Rally: Adventure Bike with Racing Spirit

The Aprilia Tuareg Rally isn't just any adventure bike—it's a rally masterpiece with racing DNA, born from victories at the Africa Eco Race 2023 and 2024 under rally champion Jacopo Cerutti. With 80 HP, a weight of just 199 kg, and a rally-inspired design, it stands out significantly from the crowd. I had the chance to test it at Enduro Republic in northern Italy—an experience that not only impressed me but left me hooked. In this test report, I dive into the design, technology, and my personal riding impressions, explaining why the Tuareg Rally is setting a new benchmark for off-road adventures and making the competition sweat.

The first time I saw the Aprilia Tuareg Rally in the flesh, I was immediately captivated. The high front fender not only shields against stone chips but also gives it that unmistakable rally look that screams desert trails. The aluminum skid plate is a real statement: 50% thicker and up to 80% more resilient than the standard Tuareg, with a form that deflects stones and obstacles effortlessly—a detail that saved me a lot of worry on the trails. Add to that handguards with an aluminum core for protection against falls and branches, and a new chain guide that ensures reliability even in extreme terrain. The seat height is 913 mm, 20 mm higher than the standard version, making the transition between sitting and standing easier—for me at 1.80 m, it's perfect as I can securely reach the ground with both feet. The higher, newly shaped handlebars offer control even while standing, which convinced me immediately. The rally paint job in race replica style with gold-anodized forks, rims, and handlebars is not just eye-catching but also a tribute to its racing roots. Despite the off-road focus, it remains tour-ready, thanks to options like luggage racks or a taller windscreen—this is a bike ready for anything.

Technically speaking, the Tuareg Rally is a powerhouse with finesse. Its heart is the 660cc parallel-twin engine, delivering 80 HP at 9,250 RPM and 70 Nm at 6,500 RPM—a performance that's as impressive off-road as it is on the pavement. To meet Euro 5+ standards, the throttle bodies were enlarged from 48 mm to 52 mm, and a revised engine mapping ensures throttle response that hits like a punch, especially in off-road mode. The Kayaba suspension with 240 mm of travel is equipped with a linear elastic constant instead of progressive springs, providing more feedback and control on trails—though it makes for a firmer ride on tarmac. The APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) system is an electronic highlight: four riding modes (Urban, Explore, Offroad, Individual), customizable traction control, engine brake, cruise control, and the ability to permanently disable rider aids make it a rally weapon with brains. The SC-Project titanium exhaust with a 60-mm outlet saves weight and delivers a sound that gets under your skin. The spoked wheels with narrower Ergal rims (1.85" front, 4.00" rear) and tube tires absorb shocks better than tubeless tires—with 199 kg, it remains a lightweight in its class, offering a playful feel.

My test day at Enduro Republic in northern Italy was an experience that will stay with me for a long time—the Aprilia Tuareg Rally not only impressed me but completely captivated me. From the moment I fired up the engine and cracked the throttle in off-road mode, I was blown away: the throttle response is so direct and powerful that I briefly thought I was on a supersport machine instead of an adventure bike. "Incredible how it now responds to the throttle—they really listened to the community and eliminated the sluggish throttle response of the old Tuareg," I noted, and that's spot on. Compared to previous models that sometimes felt hesitant, the Rally version feels like Aprilia flipped a switch—in off-road mode, it becomes a weapon that whips you through the terrain with a grin. In urban mode, it remains smoother and more controllable, yet you can still sense the latent power waiting to be unleashed.

In the dirt, the Tuareg Rally shows what it's really capable of. Over rocks, through sand, or over roots—it remains calm, precise, and incredibly stable. "Fixate on a point and it goes right there," I noted, which perfectly describes it: the handling gives you a confidence I often miss in other adventure bikes. No matter how rough the terrain gets, the linear Kayaba suspension provides clear feedback that never let me down. I could feel what was happening beneath the wheels, and the bike responded precisely to every steering input. I was particularly impressed by how stable it feels despite its rally DNA—with my 1.80 m and the seat height of 913 mm, I can still confidently touch the ground, which is important to me. "For me as an adventure rider, it's ideal; many rally bikes feel like wooden horses to me, but not this one," my notes read, underscoring how well-thought-out the ergonomics are. The higher handlebars make standing on the trails a breeze, and even after hours in the saddle, I didn't feel exhausted—a sign that Aprilia focused not just on performance but also on comfort.

On asphalt, it shows a different, yet equally convincing side. It's stable, precise, and tracks every line like it's on rails—the smoothness is impressive, even if the firm suspension somewhat compromises comfort. For me, that's a fair trade-off because the Rally is born for the dirt, and that's where it shines. A highlight is the SC-Project exhaust: "The sound is truly amazing for a Euro 5+ bike," I wrote, and I can only agree. Deep, powerful, and full of character—it makes every ride an acoustic experience that gets under your skin. Of course, there are minor critiques: "The side stand sometimes catches my heel, which is annoying off-road," I noted, and that's a detail Aprilia could refine.

The display isn't the most modern, but it's practical and clear. Riding modes and traction control can be intuitively adjusted via the switches, and the best part: "The assist systems stay off after a restart if I've turned them off," I noted—a detail that's worth its weight in gold off-road, as I don't have to keep reconfiguring everything. For me, the Tuareg Rally is more than a bike—it's a tool that builds confidence, pumps adrenaline, and delivers pure joy. It carried me through every terrain as if it were saying, "Don't worry, I've got this."

The Aprilia Tuareg Rally is a bike that surprises and convinces—a true highlight for those who love adventure and off-road terrain. With its lightweight build, strong performance, and well-thought-out engineering, it conquers any terrain with ease. The direct throttle response, precise handling, and ergonomic design showcase the potential packed into this model, while its racing roots from the Africa Eco Race shape its character. Yes, it costs more than the standard Tuareg, but the quality and the riding experience justify the price for those who value performance.

This bike deserves far more attention than it has received—it's proof that 660cc is anything but outdated or slow in today's world. Thanks to technological advancements, the Tuareg Rally delivers dynamics that can keep up with larger machines without sacrificing versatility. It's a strong option for riders looking for a reliable, powerful bike that excels both off-road and on tours. After my test day, one impression remains: the Tuareg Rally is an underrated talent that every adventurer should seriously consider.