The Tuareg are a nomadic people who inhabit the vast and unforgiving Sahara Desert of Northern Africa.
In ancient times they controlled trans-Sahara trade routes all the way from the Atlantic in the east to the Red Sea in the east and the Mediterranean in the north.
They are known as the “blue people” due to the indigo-dyed clothing they like to wear and stain their skin with.
But the Tuareg refer to themselves as the “imohag”, meaning “free people”.
No surprise then that Aprilia chose the name Tuareg for a desert racer-style model which it originally launched back in 1986 and which continued in production in different guises until 1994.
These bikes were raced in legendary events including Paris-Dakar and the Pharaohs Rally.
Now the name has been resurrected by the Italian firm in the form of this 660cc parallel twin-based model.
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It was pretty much a forgone conclusion that the motor would be a peach, derived as it is from the 1100cc RSV4 and used in the excellent RS 660 and Tuono 660.
In this form, however, it has been modified to provide more low and mid-range torque, with 75% of the maximum 52 ft lb available from around 3,000rpm.
The engine sits in a bike which certainly looks the desert-going part.
It has a muscular front end, big tank, tapered rear, long swingarm, hand-guards, belly pan, spoked wheels and knobbly rubber.
Note that the top section of that “tank” is in fact an airbox, so the fuel weight is actually slung lower than you might think.
On board, the seat is quite high off the ground and is long straight and fairly narrow – enduro-style.
There’s an easy-to-read 5in colour TFT instrument panel and a range of electronic wizardry, including traction control, cruise control, adjustable engine braking and four ride modes.
These can be selected delightfully easily while on the move with a single button on the right.
Power is delivered in a perfectly smooth and linear pattern via the excellent ride-by-wire throttle and acceleration is pleasingly quick and sporty.
A mechanically assisted clutch means gear changes are super smooth via the super soft handlebar lever.
There is also an optional quick shifter for clutchless gear changing.
The steel tube frame, with welded-on subframe, combines superbly with 43mm USD Kayaba forks and a fully adjustable Kayaba rear monoshock to provide precise, crisp handling on the tarmac.
On the dirt, that long swingarm and the 240mm of travel in the forks soak up all the bumps while keeping everything under control.
Overall then, this Aprilia is a genuine all-round adventure bike, suitable for touring, commuting and green-lanes, and more than living up to the associations with the iconic Tuareg name.
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