The Motorcycle Riders Pick Over The Yamaha Tenere 700
Adventure motorcycles have never been more capable than they are today. Riders no longer want machines that excel in just one environment. They expect a bike that can comfortably cover hundreds of highway miles, tackle rough gravel roads, climb rocky trails, and still feel manageable when the pavement disappears completely. Among all these choices, a handful of motorcycles have earned almost legendary reputations.
Yet, some riders deliberately choose something different. Not just because they want to stand out, but because they value a different kind of performance. They are looking beyond the popularity and focusing on weight distribution, engine character, suspension, electronics, and more than anything else, real-world capability.
ADVs Have Evolved Beyond Simple Go-Anywhere Machines
The middleweight ADV class has become the sweet spot for motorcyclists who actually do a lot of travelling. These motorcycles are light enough to manage on difficult trails while remaining comfortable enough to spend an entire day crossing states. They carry luggage, survive rough terrain, cruise at highway speeds, and even show confidence when the asphalt suddenly ends. But it is a balancing act.
A road-focused bike will run out of talent in deep gravel or sand, and one that’s built for dirt often becomes tiring during long highway journeys. The best ADVs sit somewhere in between, offering a sort of compromise between the two. This is why motorcycles like the Yamaha Tenere 700, the KTM 790 Adventure, the Honda Transalp, Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE, and BMW F 900 GS still attract so much attention. Each of them approaches adventure riding differently.
Some Riders Want More Off-Road Focus Without Buying A Rally Bike
The Yamaha Tenere 700 has earned its reputation by being surprisingly simple. The reliable CP2 engine, rugged chassis, and limited electronic interference still make it a favorite among riders who want the raw feel of a rally-inspired motorcycle. But simplicity isn’t the only path forward. Some riders want more sophisticated suspension, others appreciate a lighter-feeling chassis, advanced riding modes, or an engine with a little more urgency higher in the rev range. This is where another European middleweight enters the conversation, almost directly competing with the Tenere in terms of inspiration and focus, but with a little more electronic adjustability.
That’s Where The Aprilia Tuareg 660 Changes The Conversation
The Yamaha Tenere 700 remains one of the benchmarks in middleweight ADV biking, but the Aprilia Tuareg 660 deserves similar attention. Now, instead of relying primarily on simplicity, the Tuareg combines lightweight engineering with premium suspension, sophisticated electronics, and an engine specifically tuned for adventure riding.
Like the Tenere, it avoids the excessive bulk that’s a staple in the ADV world. It’s got manageable dimensions, thoughtful ergonomics, and an impressive power-to-weight ratio, all traits that are appealing to riders who want a little more oomph in the dirt. Everything, from its chassis geometry to its suspension setup, reflects a motorcycle designed to spend a meaningful amount of time away from the pavement.
A Parallel Twin Tuned Specifically For Adventure Riding
Rather than borrowing heavily from an existing platform, Aprilia reworked its impressive 660 parallel-twin for adventure duty. It’s the same as, but not identical to, the one in the RS 660 sport bike. The engineers at Aprilia revised the intake, exhaust, gearing, and engine mapping specifically for adventure riding. It is a 659 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin that puts out 80 horsepower and 51 pound-feet. It emphasizes stronger mid-range performance rather than top-end speed, extremely practical when it comes to paving the dirt.
Electronic throttle mapping contributes significantly to its balanced riding nature. Different riding modes adjust the throttle response to suit the changing environment, allowing riders to prioritize control over dirt or sharper response on paved roads. Combine this engine with its relatively low weight, and what you have is a bike that feels lively in any kind of situation for most riders.
Its KYB Suspension Is Built For Trails
One of the Tuareg’s greatest strengths is its suspension. Up front sits a 43 mm upside-down fork and a monoshock at the rear, both from Kayaba, both fully adjustable. Plus, they offer up to 9.4 inches of travel. A 21-inch wheel in the front, an 18-inch one in the rear, and a ground clearance of approximately 9.4 inches make for an amazing off-road machine.
The bike is fairly light too, measuring 449 pounds at the curb. Aprilia developed a steel tube frame paired with aluminum mounting plates. This gives the structure exceptional rigidity despite how light it is. And this lightness contributes not just to the bike’s acceleration, but to every aspect like low-speed maneuverability, braking, cornering, and balance — everything that will come in handy, not just in the streets but on the trails, too. Now, despite these off-road credentials, people on owner’s forums find the bike’s on-road manners almost surprising. They say that the bike’s low center of gravity makes it extremely agile and flickable.
The Tuareg Is Built To Travel Far Beyond The Pavement
The Tuareg’s styling immediately reflects its intended mission. It’s not bulky, and Aprilia keeps the bodywork slim, compact, and practical. A tall windscreen offers wind protection, and the narrow fuel tank allows riders to grip the bike comfortably when standing during off-road riding. Wide handlebars provide leverage through technical sections, and the seating position is upright, so it’s fairly comfortable for even long days in the saddle. The rear is pretty minimal, but it has the ability to mount luggage should you want.
There Is More Tech Than The Tenere 700
Aprilia equips the Tuareg with one of the most comprehensive electronics packages in its class. This includes ride-by-wire throttle control, multiple riding modes, engine maps, cruise control, engine brake adjustment, and switchable traction control. Cornering ABS can also be customized depending on riding conditions, and dedicated off-road settings allow experienced riders greater control on loose surfaces. But you’re not locked into these presets, and a set of customizable user modes is also included for better tailoring on different surfaces.
The Tuareg 660 Is A Middleweight Adventure Bike That Rewards Every Rider
Price: $12,499
The Aprilia Tuareg 660 has earned its reputation because it excels in what it does. Now, while the Tenere 700 continues to deserve its legendary status, the Tuareg offers an alternative that could appeal to a wider audience thanks to some electronic sophistication. The experienced dirt monkeys will like the Tenere for its raw performance, but the Tuareg is something that anyone can get used to since it can be tailored to any kind of performance.
Source: Aprilia USA
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