Aprilia bersedia untuk mempertahankan gelaran Africa Eco Race (AER) mereka yang dimenangi pada percubaan pertama mereka dengan motosikal Tuareg 660.
Pengeluar yang berpangkalan di Noale, Itali itu memenangi perlumbaan AER ke-15 pada Januari tahun ini, setelah Jacopo Cerutti menewaskan gandingan kegemaran Pol Tarres dan Alesssandro Botturi yang menunggang Yamaha Tenere T7.
Komitmen Aprilia terhadap AER menyusuli keputusan yang memberangsangkan dalam perlumbaan sulung Tuareg 660 dalam Rali Transanatolia (TAR) 2023. Walaupun Yamaha meraih kemenangan, Aprilia menduduki tempat ketiga hasil tunggangan Francesco Montanari.
Aprilia juga pernah memenangi Kejohanan Permotoran Itali (Italian Motorally Championship) bersama Cerutti pada 2023, selain daripada Perlumbaan Eko Afrika dan Rali Transanatolia. Pasukan itu juga akan mempertahankan gelaran ini.
Jacopo Cerutti berkata semasa pengumuman projek itu, “Kami menang pada penampilan sulung kami, jadi terdapat jangkaan tinggi. Matlamatnya adalah untuk memenangi Kejuaraan Itali sekali lagi dan berusaha untuk mencapai prestasi terbaik di Afrika. Saya memulakan latihan sejurus selepas Perlumbaan Eko Afrika , dan saya berasa dalam keadaan baik untuk musim baharu.”
Francesco Montanari menambah: “Saya sedang berlatih dan bersiap sekeras mungkin. Saya berharap dapat mengulangi prestasi tahun lalu dan meningkatkan keputusan saya, terutamanya dalam Perlumbaan Eko Afrika. Kami juga berazam untuk Kejohanan Itali, dan saya akan cuba melakukannya terbaik dari saya.”
Projek itu kini dipanggil Aprilia Tuareg Racing dan lebih bercita-cita tinggi daripada sebelumnya, maka mereka akan bersaing dalam:
Perlumbaan Eko Afrika dijadualkan pada 28 Disember 2024 – 12 Januari 2025.
Kejohanan Permotoran Itali bermula pada 20 April.
Serbuan Hellas Rally dari 24 Mei – 2 Jun.
Perhimpunan Transanatolia dijadualkan pada 31 Ogos – 7 September.
Massimo Rivola, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Aprilia Racing, berkata: “Selepas penampilan sulung yang luar biasa tahun lalu, di Itali dan di Afrika, jangkaan sangat tinggi. Matlamatnya adalah untuk mengesahkan kepimpinan kami dalam sektor baharu ini. Kami mempunyai nama bersejarah dan penting sebagai Tuareg, dan melihat motosikal yang cantik dan berkuasa di habitat semula jadinya adalah satu kebanggaan bagi Noale.”
Aprilia is ready to defend their Africa Eco Race (AER) title which they won on their first attempt on the Tuareg 660.
The Noale-based manufacturer took the victory of the 15th AER race in January this year, which saw Jacopo Cerutti beating the favourite pairing of Pol Tarres and Alesssandro Botturi on the Yamaha Tenere T7.
Aprilia’s commitment to theAER followed an encouraging result in the Tuareg 660’s debut race in the 2023 Transanatolia Rally (TAR). Although Yamaha took the win, Aprilia finished third with Francesco Montanari riding.
Aprilia had also won the Italian Motorally Championship with Cerutti in 2023, apart from the Africa Eco Race and Transanatolia Rally. The team will also defend this title.
Jacopo Cerutti said during the announcement of the project, “We won on our debut, so expectations are high. The goal is to win the Italian Championship again and strive for the best possible performance in Africa. I started training immediately after the Africa Eco Race, and I feel in good shape for the new season.”
Francesco Montanari added: “I am training and preparing as hard as possible. I hope to repeat last year’s performance and improve my results, especially in the Africa Eco Race. We are also determined for the Italian Championship, and I’ll try to do my best.”
The project is now called Aprilia Tuareg Racing and is even more ambitious than before, with them competing in:
Africa Eco Race is scheduled for 28 December 2024 – 12 January 2025.
Italian Motorally Championship begins on 20 April.
Hellas Rally Raid from 24 May – 2 June
Transanatolia Rally scehduled for 31 August – September 7.
Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO, said: “After such an extraordinary debut last year, both in Italy and in Africa, expectations are very high. The goal is to confirm our leadership in this new sector. We have a historic and important name as Tuareg, and to see such a beautiful and powerful motorcycle in its natural habitat is a source of pride for Noale.”
Aprilia has updated the Tuareg 660 with a new colour scheme for 2024. The adventure bike, known for its off-road prowess and unstoppable spirit, now dons an even sportier and more adventurous look, thanks to the introduction of three new captivating colour schemes.
The latest Tuareg MY 2024 is available in two fresh and nature-inspired color schemes: Atreides Black and Canyon Sand. These color options pay homage to the natural landscapes where the twin-cylinder adventure bike thrives, showcasing its close connection with the great outdoors.
Additionally, Aprilia introduces the Dakar Podium color scheme, a tribute to the Aprilia RXV 4.5 that clinched third place, including three leg wins, in the 2010 Dakar Rally, ridden by Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez.
One striking change that accompanies these new color schemes is the bold and aggressive red frame. This frame design not only adds a sporty touch but also symbolizes the racing spirit of the Tuareg, which recently made an impressive debut in off-road competitions as part of the “Back to Africa” project.
Developed in collaboration with GCorse and the Guareschi brothers, the Aprilia Tuareg is making waves in the Italian Motorally Championship and secured a remarkable third place finish in the Transanatolia Rally during its international debut. The next exciting chapter for Tuareg is conquering the African desert, a journey that aligns perfectly with its name.
A standout feature of the Aprilia Tuareg MY 2024 is its superior off-road technical package. The front mudguard proudly displays its top-class suspension travel of 240 mm, highlighting its authentic off-road capabilities.
In keeping with its off-road focus, Aprilia is expanding the range of accessories dedicated to the Tuareg for 2024. Among the additions is an air filter specifically engineered for off-road and dusty road conditions. This filter enhances engine protection by effectively filtering out dust from the intake.
The Tuareg 660 is Aprilia’s answer to tackle the middleweight adventure segment which previously dominated by the likes of Yamaha’s Tenere 700 and KTM’s 890 Adventure.
Akrapovic features a new exhaust system designed specifically for the Tuareg 660.
adds 1.2hp and 2Nm.
Despite being a fresh model, the Tuareg 660 garnered a lot of attention ever since the motorcycle was teased at the 2019 EICMA.
Modeled after Aprilia’s newest 660 platform, the Tuareg also features top of the range electronic package and suspension.
While the 660cc parallel-twin mill makes a good throbbing sound, it still missing that robust adventure voice note like a proper ADV.
This is where Akrapovic comes in as the Italian expert has a new exhaust system developed specifically for the Tuareg 660.
Made out of lightweight titanium with stainless steel link pipe, the exhaust system is designed as a slip-on for the Tuareg.
Apart from delivering a proper ADV sound, the exhaust shed 1.9 kilograms from the stock pipes. Given how tall the Tuareg is, the weight loss is definitely a plus for any ADV riders.
Akrapovic also claimed that the new exhaust adds 1.2hp @ 4,800rpm and 2Nm @ 4,800.
Like the rest of the material, the link pipe and the optional header are also built out of stainless steel material.
However, it is important to take note that the installation for the new exhaust will invalidates the bike’s Euro5 compliance, making it not street legal.
As we are about to march into the new year, motorcycle manufacturers have been busy updating their 2022 portfolio.
The conclusion of EICMA 2021 showcased a host of manufacturers proudly presenting their 2022 motorcycles, while some decided to rely on online presentation.
Despite each manufacturer’s wide range of models, the adventure segment is the one to look out for next year.
Here are the top seven all-new adventure bikes to look out for in 2022:
1 .Aprilia Tuareg 660
Aprilia’s officially unveiled the 2022 Tuareg 660 in November and instantly became a hit among ADV fans.
Weighs at just 186kg, the Tuareg is set to become a fan favourite thanks to Aprilia’sAprilia’s latest 660cc parallel-twin with a 270-degree crank engine.
Despite being detuned to make 80hp and 70Nm, it features a host of technological advancements, including Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC), traction control, riding modes, engine brake settings, and cruise control that can be accessed via a 5″ TFT display.
Equipped with a 21″ and 18″ front/rear wheel, the Tuareg 660 is definitely one of the top ADV bikes to look out for.
2 .Husqvarna Norden 901
The Norden 901 is definitely one of the most beautifully designed ADV bikes ever built by Husqvarna, despite its first attempt at building a dual-purpose motorcycle.
Underneath the sick fairing sits an 890cc parallel-twin engine (taken from KTM’sKTM’s 890 Adventure) that makes 103hp and 100Nm.
Despite sharing the same engine with the 890, the Norden features taller suspension travel from the WP Apex suspension setup, 215mm and 220mm, as opposed to KTM’s 200mm.
The Norden 901 also come equipped with traction control, cornering ABS, auxiliary LED lights and a quickshifter.
With a 19L tank, the Norden 901 is definitely should be on your list if you’re looking to get some range week in week out.
3. Benelli TRK 802
There has been no shortage of middleweight adventure bikes debuting at EICMA, and the upcoming Benelli TRK 802 is the most surprising.
Continuing the success of Benelli’sBenelli’s TRK 502 that debuted in 2015, the TRK 802 makes a good 76hp and 67Nm @ 6,5000rpm.
As usual, the TRK 802 is a bit underpowered and a bit overweight (dry weight rated at 226kg) to be a hardline competitor of the other European and Japanese models; however, it makes a strong offerings thanks to its design and ridiculously affordable price tag.
Moreover, you get decent specs, including Brembo’sBrembo’s brake, a full LED light setup with DRL and a fancy 7-inch TFT display.
4. MV Agusta Lucky Explorer 9.5 & Lucky Explorer 5.5
*Lucky Explorer 9.5
MV Agusta has officially announced its first attempt into the adventure-bike scene with the introduction of two near-production prototypes at EICMA 2021.
The Lucky Explorer 9.5 features a new 931cc 3-cylinder powerplant that makes 123hp and 102Nm, while the Lucky Explorer 5.5 is equipped with 550cc parallel-twin engine co-developed with a Chinese manufacturer, Qianjiang Motorcycles.
*Lucky Explorer 5.5
The two motorcycles also adopt the same Lucky Strike-inspired colours featured on the iconic Cagiva Elefant.
The 9.5 comes with two transmission types: a Rekluse automatic clutch and a semi-automatic electronic actuated transmission similar to the Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT’sDCT’s.
5. Triumph Tiger 1200
Triumph Motorcycles has officially unveiled its top of the line Tiger range with the heavily updated Tiger 1200.
According to Triumph, the construction of the new Tiger 1200 focused solely on creating lighter and much powerful ADV bikes with class-leading handling and specs on and off-road.
At the centre of the building is an all-new T-Plane crank engine that was previously introduced on the Tiger 900 range.
The all-new 1160cc powerplant now makes 147hp @ 9,000rpm (8.5hp increase than the previous generation) and 130Nm @ 7,000rpm (8Nm up).
The Tiger 1200 now features GT and Rally edition with the new Explorer version that boasts a 30L fuel tank, higher-spec kit, and added electronics.
The Tiger 1200 GT and GT Pro features semi-active Showa suspension and gets a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear cast aluminium wheel, while the Tiger 1200 Rally and Rally Pro are equipped with 21″ front and 18″ rear tubeless rims for superior off-road handling and ability.
However, the Triumph Tiger 1200 Explorer gets an impressive blind spot detection system developed by Continental, which is considered to be a huge selling point for any ADV bike these days.
6. Ducati DesertX
If your 2022 vision is to dream big, we suggest you to ‘Dream Wilder’ with Ducati’s latest addition, the 2022 DesertX.
Heavily inspired by the rally raiders that competed in the Paris-Dakar Rally during the 80s and 90s, the DesertX appears in heavy off-road elements combined with distinctive twin circular LED headlights with DRL (Daytime Running Light).
Built around an all-new steel trellis frame, the DesertX features a fully-adjustable Kayaba suspension setup, Brembo M50 callipers and Bosch Cornering ABS.
At heart sits the 937cc Testastretta 11-degree Desmodromic engine capable of producing 110hp @ 9,250rpm and 92Nm @ 6,500rpm.
Despite being fitted with the same plant as the Hypermotard and SuperSport 950, Ducati has updated the powerplant with lighter components.
The DesertX offers six riding modes comprising of Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro and Rally. Riders can also adjust the power modes accordingly.
Looking at how Ducati saved the DesertX for the last after introducing the Multistrada V2, Streetfighter V2 and the updated Panigale V4 S, it is safe to assume that the Borgo Panigale factory is putting high hopes for the new machine.
There you go, folks, a complete look into what’s in store for you for 2022. If you like what you see, then perhaps it’s time to save up and get the adventure bike of your dream.
Looking back at the list, we expect 2022 to be a year full of adventure, in a good way.
Aprilia has finally provided us with detailed insight into the all-new Tuareg 660 two months after its global sneak preview.
Powered by the same liquid-cooled DOHC 660cc parallel twin with 270-degree crank found in the RS 660 and Tuono 660, the Tuareg 660 gets 80hp and 70Nm.
Despite the detuned engine, the Tuareg only weighs around 186 kilograms thanks to the collective effort of using the parallel-twin engine as the stressed member of the tubular steel frame.
As previously mentioned, the Tuareg 660 offers off-road ergonomics like the Yamaha Tenere 700 with wide handlebars and narrow midsection.
It also features an adjustable 43mm USD fork and monoshock with progressive linkage that offers 9.5″ off the ground.
The bike also comes equipped with a 21″ front wheel and an 18″ rear wheel paired with tubeless tyres.
Other notable features include:
full LED light setup
Brembo brakes
18L tank
Aprilia Performance Ride Control (APRC)
traction control
riding modes
engine brake settings
cruise control
5″ TFT display
Aprilia adds two new colours to the range, with Acid Gold and Martian Red joining the iconic blue/white/red colour scheme.
According to the Italian firm, the Tuareg 660 will hit showrooms worldwide by February 2022.
Aprilia did really well in generating a buzz for the upcoming Tuareg 660 by placing it in an obscured box and putting it on display at the EICMA 2019.
However, it took more than a year for the Noale-company to unveiled the Tuareg 660, as it finally broke cover in July 2021.
While it shows the overall aesthetic of the motorcycle, Aprilia refrained from disclosing any information about the bike except we know it is powered by the same 660cc parallel-twin engine and fitted with a 21″ front wheel.
In the latest development, Aprilia has just dropped a 2.44-minute video of the upcoming Tuareg 660 titled ‘The Concept’ on its official YouTube channel.
In the video, Cristian Romeo Barelli, Brand Manager of Aprilia, talk us through the design process and how it came to know as the Tuareg without revealing detailed aspect of the bike.
As the Italian firm already confirmed attendance at this year EICMA 2021, we’ll have to wait for Aprilia to unveil the full details later officially.
Earlier this month, Aprilia officially unveiled the Tuareg 660, a middleweight adventure motorcycle powered by the new 660cc parallel-twin found in the RS and Tuono.
Unlike the road-focus RS and Tuono, the Tuareg offers serious off-road capabilities thanks to a 240mm long-travel suspension, 43mm fork with single shock absorber and 1500mm wheelbase, making it a serious rival to the Yamaha Tenere 700.
While it may seem a bit far-fetched to compare the Tuareg to the established Tenere, the Noale-based company has equipped the new motorcycle with advanced riding aids.
Firstly, the Tuareg tops out at 80hp and 70Nm, that’s more than the 72hp found on the Tenere.
Moreover, the Tuareg weigh at just 187kg (dry), putting it within the same league as the Tenere 700.
Moving on to electronics, the Tuareg 660 gets Aprilia’s latest APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control), which offers four riding modes (two customisable), traction control, cruise control, engine mapping, and ABS, accessible via a 5″ TFT instrument.
Aprilia is yet to release the official price for the Tuareg, but we expect the Tuareg to make its way here in Malaysia soon.
