Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally in the 2025 Offroad Test

Off-roading in German-speaking regions often comes with restrictions, especially if you want to keep it legal. However, in the alpine foothills southwest of Vienna lies an enduro rider's paradise: the Red Stag Enduro Park. With over 50 kilometers of off-road trails and about 33 kilometers of demanding hard-enduro trails, the terrain offers everything an off-road enthusiast could desire. The trails are color-coded—from green to blue—making them suitable for both beginners and advanced riders. Large adventure bikes are explicitly welcome here, and riders often tackle the more or less technically demanding sections to push their fully loaded beasts to the limit. The park is operated by Enduro Extreme, which hosts eight events a year—from May to the end of October. For those interested, all information is available at www.enduro-extreme.com. It is the perfect place to thoroughly test the new Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally. Together with McGregor and off-road expert Busty Wolter, we took on the challenge to test the mid-size adventure bike under real and relentless conditions.

At first glance, the Aprilia makes it clear that it's serious. Long suspension travel, aggressive rally fender, striking graphics, and substantial seat height. The first impression doesn't deceive: the Tuareg 660 Rally delivers in performance what it promises visually. It’s no soft enduro for leisurely rides—it's a tool for serious off-road adventures!

At this year's Offroad Test Days, 1000PS is counting on a true classic: the Continental TKC 80. This tire celebrates an impressive milestone in 2025—40 years of service on expeditions and journeys around the globe. Although the rubber compound has been modernized over the decades, the core construction, including its iconic block pattern, has remained largely unchanged—a testament to timeless design that still holds up today. The TKC 80 delivers exactly what counts off-road: solid grip, excellent traction on loose surfaces, and effective self-cleaning in muddy conditions. Especially in the rougher sections of the Red Stag, the tire truly shines. Our test crew quickly agreed: the TKC 80 remains a reliable partner for tackling the rough stuff. A well-deserved spot as the standard tire for the Offroad Test Days.

The 660 parallel-twin is the smallest in this comparison, but only on paper. Right from the lower revs, the engine delivers brutal torque. Throttle response is extremely direct, perhaps too aggressive for some. At the slightest twist of the throttle, a jolt runs through the bike—sporty, yet demanding. Those who prefer a more relaxed ride can select softer mappings through the extensive electronics. In the mid-range, the engine shines—powerful, controllable, and with strong pull. It only starts to lose breath in the upper third, but by then, the next gear is usually already engaged.

With a seat height of 920 mm, the Aprilia is close to a hard enduro, but its slim waist makes mounting manageable. The ergonomics are ideal for taller riders, with a very relaxed knee angle when seated. Boots find perfect grip on the wide off-road pegs. The wide handlebar is relatively high due to the Tuareg 660's design, making it comfortable when standing. The freedom of movement along the narrow, straight seat is excellent. However, in extreme riding situations, such as steep and technical climbs, the high handlebar position may cause riders to cling too much to the bars to shift their weight forward. Sporty riders might prefer a flatter handlebar position here.

Braking is sportily direct at both the front and rear. The front Brembo dual-disc system with 300 mm rotors offers a clear, finely-tuned bite point. The rear is a bit more abrupt: the rear brake is very sharp and provides a short, crisp lever travel. During braking, the rear wheel tends to lock up easily. Combined with the low inertia of the 660 engine, this can lead to engine stalling when the rear wheel locks. In our test, this resulted in some unintended drifting. However, those who adapt to it will find a powerful and precise brake that meets high sporting demands.

The Tuareg Rally boasts the most advanced electronics package in the field. Riding modes, traction control, engine brake, ABS—all highly configurable. Impressively, even with traction control set to the lowest level, the bike remains off-road capable, making it a great practical solution for beginners. With many other manufacturers, traction control needs to be disabled to achieve any sporting progress on loose terrain. The rear ABS can be deactivated separately—and remains off even after the engine is turned off. The same applies to traction control. Another highlight: the standard cruise control, which not only ensures comfort on long rides but also allows for the intuitive and practical operation of other electronic features via the same switch.

In the Rally version, Aprilia uses linear, stiffer fork springs instead of the softer, progressive springs found in the standard model. This setup requires a certain baseline speed off-road to perform well. At low speeds, the front end feels noticeably firmer than the standard version, which beginners might find uncomfortable. However, the setup excels with stability and reserves at higher speeds. The fully adjustable damping allows for customization to personal preferences. So, if desired, the Rally can be slightly tamed.

The maintenance intervals are a practical 10,000 kilometers. Particularly pleasing: The air filter is accessible through an easily reachable flap, secured by a few screws above the tank—ideal for long, dusty tours. However, the onboard tool kit is rather minimalistic and only sufficient for minor tasks. It's advisable to pack some additional tools for long, tough tours.

At the 2025 Offroad Test Days, the two adventure suits from Leatt impress with functionality, protection, and comfort. The MultiTour 5.5 is the weatherproof all-rounder with a 3-layer construction, 20,000 mm waterproof inner jacket, and smart ventilation—ideal for 10 to 20°C and changing conditions. The FlowTour 5.5 features large mesh inserts, a sporty cut, and a waterproof outer jacket—perfect for active riders at 25°C and above. Both offer high-quality Level-2 protectors, clever details like hydration system preparation, and adjustable widths. Those seeking uncompromising touring functionality should opt for the MultiTour. Those who value lightness, airflow, and flexibility will find the FlowTour ideal.