Have you been holding your breath since approximately June 2023, just waiting to learn more about the Aprilia Tuareg Rally, and what it would evolve into for production?
I mean, I hope you've breathed between then and now, because we first got a peek at the prototype more than a year ago. While the production bike doesn't have the same Öhlins by Andreani suspension found on the competition bike, which could disappoint some, there are still some sweet upgrades over the standard Tuareg 660 that are worth consideration.
We'll start with the suspension since we've brought it up. On the Tuareg Rally, it's still the same Kayaba affair with 240mm of suspension travel that you'll find on the Tuareg 660, only it now gets linear rather than progressive springs to stiffen things up. This improves handling on rough terrain, says Aprilia.
Of greater interest to Aprilia Tuareg fans will probably be the sweet new SC Project full exhaust system that comes standard on the Tuareg Rally, complete with a titanium can. Other trick bits include a new, thicker aluminum skid plate with a shape that's been redesigned for added protection, new hand guards with metal cores, a new chain guide, a 20mm higher seat over the standard 660, a taller handlebar with an enhanced shape, and heavy-duty spoked Ergal wheels fitted with tubed tires.
Gallery: Aprilia Tuareg Rally
In total, the changes to the Tuareg Rally reduce the bike's curb (or bivouac) weight by five kilograms (that's 11 pounds), in full running order. The Tuareg 660 weighs in at 204 kg (just under 450 pounds), while the Tuareg Rally is 199 kg (just under 439 pounds), according to the team from Noale.
And of course, we can't not talk about that competition-derived paint and graphics scheme. Do you still really want a nicer suspension? Maybe, but there's always something, right? It's never finished, so it's always a question of whether what you're buying will get you closer to where you're going, and how much value you feel is represented.
Pricing hasn't been announced yet for the Tuareg Rally, but once it is, we'll be sure to keep you updated.
Are you excited about the Tuareg Rally, or do you wish that Aprilia took it further? Let us know in the comments.
