- Rally version of the stunning Tuareg 660 is expected to land in NZ in September.
- A host of changes should make it better for more adventurous riders.
- 5 kilo weight loss thanks to new wheels and exhaust.
The highly anticipated Aprilia Tuareg 660 Rally has been confirmed for the New Zealand market, priced at $23,990 + ORC—just $1,000 more than the base variant. Set to land in late September, the Rally version brings serious off-road upgrades to an already proven adventure platform, delivering outstanding value for Kiwi riders who crave performance and durability in the rough stuff.
Building on Aprilia’s racing success in the Africa Eco Race, where the Tuareg Rally claimed a dominant victory with Jacopo Cerutti at the helm, this new variant is the closest a production Tuareg has come to a full-blown rally-raid machine. Developed in partnership with Aprilia Racing and GCorse, the Tuareg Rally translates racing pedigree directly to the dirt.
What makes the Rally stand out is its sharpened focus on hardcore off-road ability—this isn’t just a cosmetic makeover. The new high front mudguard and toughened aluminium bash plate give the Rally serious trail presence, while upgrades like a taller seat and reshaped handlebar improve rider control during technical sections and fast stand-up riding. There’s also added peace of mind with reinforced handguards and a heavy-duty chain guide—small details, but ones that speak to the bike’s serious off-road intent.
Aprilia hasn’t stopped at protection and posture. The Rally’s suspension setup, while still based on the already capable 240mm-travel Kayaba units, has been re-tuned with linear-rate springs. The result? Less plushness on the road, but far better support and feel in rugged terrain—especially when pushing the pace. It’s stiffer, taller, and more responsive where it counts.
Power delivery has also been given the race treatment, thanks to new engine mapping that delivers sharper, more immediate throttle response—something Cerutti himself had a hand in fine-tuning. When you’re riding technical climbs or navigating deep sand, that responsiveness can be the difference between flowing through and getting bogged down.
The Rally shaves weight, too—dropping from 204 kg to 199 kg in running order. That reduction comes courtesy of lighter Ergal wheel rims and a fully titanium SC Project exhaust system, which also gives the bike a sharper, more aggressive bark on the throttle.
Rally champion Jacopo Cerutti, who helped develop the bike, is proud of how close the production model is to the race-spec machine.
“It was fascinating to be involved in developing a production model like the new Tuareg Rally,” Cerutti said. “The goal was to make it as similar as possible to the bike with which we won the Africa Eco Race, and I can say we succeeded! With the right tyres, it can easily take you over the desert dunes.”
The finishing touches tie the Rally to its competition roots: gold-anodised forks and handlebars, Dakar-inspired race replica livery, and purposeful details that echo the terrain it was born to conquer.
While the Rally takes the spotlight, Aprilia has quietly rolled out updates across the 2025 Tuareg 660 range. All models now feature larger 52mm throttle bodies for improved efficiency, a new lightweight generator for sharper response, and some fresh visual tweaks—namely a sleeker headlamp structure and two striking new colour options: Tornado Green and Hailstorm White.
Aprilia is also expanding its lineup of accessories, with Rally-grade protection now available as add-ons for standard Tuareg owners. Heated comfort seats, off-road wheelsets, and matching adventure riding gear—developed in partnership with Alpinestars—round out a package aimed squarely at serious adventurers.
For those not quite ready to wait for the Rally’s spring arrival, Aprilia NZ is clearing out remaining MY24 Tuareg 660 stock with a $2,000 runout discount. It’s a sharp deal on what’s already a class-leading middleweight ADV bike, and a tempting proposition before the next-gen machines arrive.
