Subtitle: “Aprilia’s Desert Dominator Hits the Sands – A Glimpse into the Rugged Future of Adventure Bikes”
In a triumph of engineering prowess and off-road mastery, Aprilia has entered the rugged world of desert rallies with the latest factory racing version of their parallel twin Tuareg 660 adventure bike. Two of these formidable machines were showcased in the 15th Africa Eco Race, a testament to Aprilia’s commitment to conquering the challenging terrains of the iconic event.
1. From MotoGP to Desert Dominance
Following their stellar success in MotoGP, Aprilia has elevated its presence in desert rallies with the Tuareg 660 factory racing version. This venture aligns with Aprilia’s ‘Back to Africa’ project, signaling their return to major African rally raid events. The brand has not only embraced the challenge of the Africa Eco Race but also hinted at a more rugged iteration of the Tuareg 660 for adventurous enthusiasts.
2. Collaboration for Excellence
The Tuareg 660 factory racing version is a result of a collaboration between Aprilia Racing and GCorse, a specialist company founded by former Ducati MotoGP test rider Vittoriano Guareschi and his brother Gianfranco. This partnership has produced a competition machine that marries the spirit of the Tuareg twin with performance enhancements tailored for the demanding African terrain.
3. Triumphs in Competition
Before gracing the Africa Eco Race, the Tuareg 660 factory racing version showcased its prowess in the Italian Motorally G-1000 class championship, where factory riders Jacopo Cerutti and Francesco Montanari left an indelible mark. Cerutti dominated six out of eight rounds, setting the stage for international success at the Transanatolia Rally in September 2023.
4. Race-Ready Enhancements
While the race bikes draw heavily from the production Tuareg twin, significant upgrades have been incorporated. The chassis and the 659cc twin have undergone meticulous rework, featuring a supplementary fuel tank for extended range. Öhlins suspension, a complete SC Project exhaust in titanium, and a specific Sprint Filter enhance the bike’s off-road capabilities. The rally spec ‘road book’ console replaces the standard TFT dash, underlining the Tuareg’s commitment to conquering challenging landscapes.
5. Triumph in the Sands
The debut at the Africa Eco Race showcased the Tuareg 660 factory racing version’s dominance, with a victory on the second stage. Jacopo Cerutti, the factory rider, expressed the bike’s exceptional performance on the dunes and challenging terrains, emphasizing its outstanding feel and feedback.
As Aprilia continues to redefine adventure biking with its Tuareg lineup, the factory racing version marks a thrilling chapter, combining racing DNA with off-road excellence. The Tuareg 660 stands tall as a symbol of Aprilia’s commitment to conquering diverse terrains and delivering unparalleled experiences for adventure enthusiasts.
