Aprilia Tuareg 660: 2022 bikesales Bike of the Year Winner

The all-new Aprilia Tuareg 660 middleweight adventure tourer is the winner of the 2022 bikesales Bike of the Year award, proudly presented by Shannons Insurance.

Released earlier in 2022, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 has received rave reviews from motorcycle media around the globe, and the buzz has now been confirmed with a coveted Bike of the Year win.

Powered by a 659cc engine adopted from the RS 660 and Tuono 660 street bikes, the new Aprilia Tuareg 660 sees the Italian firm leap back into the competitive adventure market and resurrect the iconic Tuareg moniker from the '80s and '90s.

And after a week of thorough testing in and around the stunning town of Bright, Victoria, our expert Bike of the Year judges could not go past the Tuareg as the best all-round package for 2022.

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“The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is a dream to ride on or off road,” said television presenter and Bike of the Year judge, Kate Peck. “It is perfectly approachable for different rider heights and levels of experience for all purposes.”

Perhaps the biggest factor in the Aprilia Tuareg 660 taking out the top prize was its impressive off-road ability, which puts it right at the top of its class.

While many of today’s adventure bikes have a focus on touring comfort, the Tuareg fits into a growing corner of the segment that prioritises go-anywhere capability. And it plays that role exceptionally well.

“It is the best road-going dirt bike ever,” said another judge, Scott Kessler. “I would ride motocross on the Aprilia Tuareg!”

The Tuareg features fully adjustable Kayaba suspension with 240mm of travel front and rear, Brembo braking components, and a full suite of intuitive electronics that includes four ride modes, switchable ABS and traction control, cruise control, smartphone connectivity, and a TFT display.

Elsewhere, the Tuareg benefits from an 18-litre fuel tank, Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres (our test unit was fitted with Continental TKC80s), a comfortable ride position, and superb Dakar-inspired styling, but its relative simplicity and user friendliness were huge positives when it came time for the judges to cast their votes.

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“The Tuareg is the definition of a great all-rounder,” said bikesales Editor, Dylan Ruddy. “It is fun and easy to ride on the road, but has an off-road capability that is almost unmatched in the adventure touring segment.”

Priced at $22,230 ride away, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 is an accessible motorcycle for beginner adventure riders, while there is also a LAMS-approved version available for learner riders.

Adventure bikes are the new kings of the motorcycle jungle thanks to their versatility, ease of use, and comfortable nature, and the Aprilia Tuareg 660 is a perfect example. And that is why it has taken out the 2022 bikesales Bike of the Year award, proudly presented by Shannons Insurance.

2022 bikesales Bike of the Year finalists:
Aprilia Tuareg 660: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
BMW CE 04: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Honda CMX1100 DCT: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Husqvarna Norden 901: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
KTM 350 SX-F: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Suzuki GSX-S1000GT: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Yamaha XSR900: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Yamaha YZF-R7HO: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist