Aprilia Tuareg 2022: Adventure Bike Review

Hey guys, let's talk about a bike that's been making some serious waves in the adventure touring world: the Aprilia Tuareg 2022. If you're someone who craves the open road, whether it's paved or not, and you want a machine that can handle it all with a bit of Italian flair, then you're in the right place. The Aprilia Tuareg isn't just another ADV bike; it's a revival of a legendary nameplate, and man, did Aprilia deliver! We're talking about a motorcycle designed from the ground up to tackle everything from your daily commute to traversing continents. It’s got the looks, the performance, and the pedigree to back it up. This isn't your average soft-roader; this is a serious off-road capable machine that doesn't shy away from a challenge.

Rediscovering the Legend: The Aprilia Tuareg's Heritage

Before we dive deep into what makes the 2022 Aprilia Tuareg so special, it's important to understand its roots. The original Tuareg, launched in the 1980s, was a true icon. It was built for adventure, for traversing the vast deserts and challenging terrains that the name suggests. It was rugged, reliable, and had a spirit of freedom that resonated with riders. Aprilia has managed to capture that same spirit and infuse it into this modern iteration. They've taken the core philosophy of its predecessor – a go-anywhere attitude – and blended it with cutting-edge technology and design. It’s a nod to the past, but with a laser focus on the future of adventure motorcycling. This isn't just a cosmetic update; it's a complete reimagining, built for the demands of today's adventurous rider. The heritage isn't just a marketing gimmick; it's baked into the DNA of this bike, promising a connection to a lineage of exploration and a spirit that’s truly untamed.

Powering Your Adventures: Engine and Performance

Now, let's get down to the heart of the matter: the engine. The Aprilia Tuareg 2022 is powered by a brand-new, liquid-cooled, 659cc parallel-twin engine. This mill is derived from Aprilia's excellent RS 660 platform but has been specifically tuned for adventure riding. We're talking about a healthy 80 horsepower and 67 Nm of torque. What does that mean for you, the rider? It means you've got enough grunt to get you moving quickly, whether you're accelerating out of a corner on a twisty mountain pass or tackling a steep off-road climb. The power delivery is smooth and tractable, making it easy to manage even when you're standing on the pegs. Aprilia has focused on giving the bike a strong mid-range, which is crucial for off-road riding where you need responsiveness rather than peaky top-end power. The engine's character is a fantastic blend of excitement and usability. It’s responsive enough to be fun on the road, with enough torque to pull you through challenging terrain. The engineers at Aprilia have done a brilliant job of making this engine feel both potent and predictable, a combination that’s essential for confidence-inspiring adventure riding. You'll find yourself not constantly searching for gears, but rather enjoying the linear pull that allows you to focus on the trail ahead. The exhaust note is also a pleasing rumble, adding to the overall sensory experience of riding this machine. It’s the kind of engine that makes you want to keep going, pushing the limits of where you can explore.

Designed for the Trail: Chassis and Suspension

The chassis and suspension are where the Aprilia Tuareg 2022 truly shines, especially when you compare it to many of its competitors. Aprilia has equipped this bike with a robust steel-trellis frame that’s designed for both strength and lightness. But the real stars of the show are the suspension components. You get long-travel, fully adjustable suspension from KYB, offering a generous 240mm of travel at both the front and rear. This is serious off-road capability right out of the box! What this means for you is that the Tuareg can soak up bumps, rocks, and ruts like they're not even there. It provides a plush and controlled ride, whether you're cruising on the highway or deep in the dirt. The long travel also means you have ample ground clearance, allowing you to tackle obstacles without fear of damaging your bike. The suspension is also highly tunable, so you can set it up to your specific weight and riding style, whether you prefer a softer, more compliant ride or a firmer, more planted feel. This level of adjustability is usually found on much more expensive, specialized off-road machines. The geometry of the bike also contributes to its agile handling, making it feel surprisingly nimble for an adventure bike. It’s a testament to Aprilia's engineering prowess that they’ve managed to create a bike that’s both comfortable on long distances and incredibly capable when the going gets tough. The ability to fine-tune the suspension means you can truly optimize the bike for whatever adventure you're embarking on, ensuring comfort and control on every type of terrain.

Rider-Centric Design: Ergonomics and Technology

Aprilia knows that adventure riding is all about the rider, and they've put a lot of thought into the Aprilia Tuareg 2022's ergonomics and technology. The riding position is upright and commanding, providing excellent visibility and comfort for long days in the saddle. The handlebars are wide, giving you great leverage for controlling the bike off-road, and the seat is well-padded without being overly soft. The footpegs are positioned perfectly, allowing for comfortable standing or sitting. But it's not just about comfort; it's also about smart technology. The Tuareg features a full-color TFT display that's bright, clear, and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. It offers a wealth of information, and you can customize what you see. You also get multiple ride modes (Urban, Rally, Off-road, and a customizable one), each altering the engine's power delivery, traction control, and ABS settings. Speaking of rider aids, the traction control is multi-level and can be turned off completely when needed. The ABS is also switchable for the rear wheel, a must for off-road shenanigans. There's also cruise control for those long highway stretches, making fatigue a thing of the past. Aprilia has integrated these electronic aids seamlessly, so they enhance your riding experience without being intrusive. They’re there to provide an extra layer of safety and confidence, allowing you to push your boundaries a little further. The user interface for the electronics is intuitive, so you're not fumbling with buttons while navigating challenging terrain. It’s technology that serves the rider, not the other way around. This thoughtful approach to design ensures that the rider is always in command and comfortable, no matter the conditions or the distance.

Ready for Anything: Off-Road Prowess

This is where the Aprilia Tuareg 2022 really sets itself apart. While many adventure bikes lean more towards the road-biased end of the spectrum, the Tuareg is genuinely built for off-road. The long-travel suspension, ample ground clearance, spoke wheels (19-inch front, 17-inch rear) with tubeless tires, and the carefully chosen riding modes all point to its serious off-road intentions. The engine's torque-rich nature and smooth power delivery make it easy to control on loose surfaces, and the advanced traction control system can be dialed in to provide just the right amount of grip. The rally mode, in particular, sharpens the throttle response and reduces traction control intervention, giving you the confidence to explore more challenging trails. The bike feels balanced and surprisingly agile when standing, which is crucial for off-road control. You can easily shift your weight and steer the bike with your legs. The durability of the chassis and components means you can push it hard without worrying about breaking something. Aprilia has clearly thought about the types of stresses and strains an off-road adventure bike endures. The under-engine protection is substantial, safeguarding vital components. The overall package is one that inspires confidence the moment you point it towards the dirt. It’s not just about being able to ride off-road; it’s about being able to enjoy riding off-road, pushing your limits and exploring further than you might have thought possible. This bike transforms the perception of what an adventure bike can be, blurring the lines between a road-going tourer and a dedicated off-roader.

On the Road: Comfort and Versatility

While the Aprilia Tuareg 2022 is an off-road beast, it's also a remarkably capable and comfortable machine on the tarmac. The 80 horsepower parallel-twin engine has enough zest to make highway cruising effortless, and the optional cruise control takes the strain out of long journeys. The upright ergonomics and well-padded seat ensure rider comfort mile after mile. The bike feels stable and planted at speed, and the long-travel suspension, while excellent off-road, still manages to provide a compliant and smooth ride on imperfect roads. You won't be bouncing around like you might expect from a bike with this much suspension travel. The fairing offers decent wind protection, deflecting the worst of the wind blast, and the overall build quality feels solid and refined. It’s a bike that can genuinely do it all – commute to work on Monday, hit a trail on Saturday, and embark on a multi-day road trip on Sunday. The versatility of the Tuareg is one of its strongest selling points. It’s not a compromise; it’s a jack of all trades that’s genuinely good at most of them. You don't have to sacrifice comfort or performance on the road to get serious off-road capability. This balance makes it an incredibly appealing package for riders who want one bike to do everything. The fuel range is also respectable, further enhancing its touring credentials. You can confidently plan long routes without constantly worrying about finding a fuel station. The blend of performance, comfort, and capability on both tarmac and trail makes the Aprilia Tuareg 2022 a truly unique proposition in the adventure motorcycle segment.

The Verdict: Is the Aprilia Tuareg 2022 for You?

So, who is the Aprilia Tuareg 2022 for? If you're an adventurer at heart, someone who dreams of exploring beyond the pavement, but also needs a bike that can handle the daily grind and long highway stints, then this bike should be high on your list. It offers a fantastic blend of off-road prowess, on-road comfort, and modern technology, all wrapped up in a package with a rich heritage. It’s a bike that encourages you to explore, to push your boundaries, and to discover new places. It’s not just a motorcycle; it’s an invitation to adventure. For riders looking for a true mid-weight adventure bike that doesn't compromise on capability, the Tuareg is a serious contender. It’s priced competitively, offering excellent value for the level of performance and features you get. If you want a bike that’s as happy carving up a mountain pass as it is navigating a rocky trail, and you appreciate Italian engineering and style, then the Aprilia Tuareg 2022 might just be the perfect machine for your next epic journey. It's a bike that promises not just transportation, but an experience. So, get out there, explore, and make your own adventures with the incredible Aprilia Tuareg!