Rally bikes are built for crossing deserts, bashing dunes, and days spent riding flat out across unforgiving terrain.
And while the Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally is an adventure bike rather than a dedicated desert racer, it’s clearly a motorcycle capable of tackling serious terrain with its high-spec suspension, acres of ground clearance, 21″ front and 18″ rear wheels, and more.
So, what happens when you take Aprilia’s flagship adventure machine and drop it onto British backroads? After all, no matter how trail-ready it is, if you buy one in the UK, you’ll be doing plenty of road riding.
To find out, we swung our leg over a Tuareg 660 Rally outside parent company Piaggio’s offices near the famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit and took it for a spin. It was only a short run out, but blue skies, dry tarmac, and a spirited pace quickly revealed whether this rally-inspired machine makes sense away from the sand.
You’ll be able to find out for yourself at the ABR Festival 2026 (26-28 June) where you’ll be able to test ride all the latest adventure, touring, trail bikes, and more from the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers. Get your tickets today at www.abrfestival.com.
OK, let’s find out more about Tuareg 660 Rally…
The suspension makes the difference
The first thing you notice is the 913mm seat height. This is a tall bike, no getting away from it. At six foot, I could get both feet down, but only just. Shorter riders might find it a stretch and may well find themselves better suited to the standard Tuareg model with an 860mm saddle.
Out on the road, though, it all makes sense. The Rally’s suspension feels firmer and more controlled than the standard bike. There’s still plenty of travel to deal with bumps and broken surfaces, but when you start pushing on, it holds itself together better. Tip it into a corner and there’s less wallow, less movement. It just feels more composed.
It’s still an adventure bike, but one that feels happier being ridden with intent. And it made short work of the numerous potholes and broken roads in the countryside around Silverstone.
The riding position just works
Aprilia hasn’t tried to reinvent anything here, and that’s exactly why it works so well. Wide bars, upright back, generous legroom, it’s a classic adventure bike setup, and it feels immediately natural. You sit high, with a commanding view of the road, and everything falls easily to hand.
What stands out is how it adapts. At a steady pace, it’s relaxed and comfortable, but as the speed builds, it feels just as natural to lean forward slightly, elbows out, getting more involved. It’s a position that works just as well when you’re pressing on as it does when you’re taking it easy.
The engine has a mischievous side
On paper, 659cc and 80hp might not sound like much. On the road, it feels like plenty.
Twist the throttle and the bike responds instantly. There’s a lively, naughty edge to it, a willingness to surge forward that makes it feel more eager than the numbers suggest. You don’t need to chase performance or wring the throttle. The performance is there.
At the same time, the bike doesn’t feel intimidating. At low speeds, the throttle is controlled, if perhaps slightly jerky, but it’s predictable enough to make manoeuvres easy whether you’re sitting or standing. It’s a nicely judged balance between excitement and usability.
It feels smaller than it should
For a tall bike running a 21-inch front wheel and long-travel suspension, the Tuareg Rally feels surprisingly manageable.
At slow speeds, it’s well balanced and easy to control. It doesn’t feel top-heavy or awkward, which makes a big difference when you’re picking your way through tighter sections or just getting used to its height.
As the pace increases, that confidence carries through. Even with some movement in the suspension, the overall package feels relatively tight and coherent. The chassis, engine, and suspension all work together in a way that makes the bike feel smaller and more precise than it actually is.
It sounds properly good
This might not be the most technical point, but it’s one of the most noticeable.
The Rally version of the Tuareg comes with an SC Project exhaust, and it sounds superb. There’s a proper bark when you open the throttle, a raw, aggressive note that adds to the whole experience.
While the standard bike already sounds good, this just gives it a bit more attitude. And it suits the bike perfectly.
Anything we’d change? Not much, but there are a couple of small points. The screen isn’t adjustable, which feels like a missed opportunity on a bike designed to cover such a wide range of riding. Being able to lower it off-road and raise it on longer road sections would add useful versatility.
The TFT display is also on the small side. It works well, but in a world of ever-larger screens, it might feel a little modest to some riders.
Verdict
The standard Tuareg 660 set a high bar by combining comfort, off-road ability, and genuinely enjoyable road manners in one well-balanced package. The Rally version builds on that.
It’s taller, firmer, and more focused, with a setup that encourages you to ride with a bit more intent. Yes, the height might put some riders off. But if you can manage it, you’re getting a do-it-all bike that feels composed, capable, and full of character.