Page 35 - Riding On Autumn 2023

Many thanks to Motorworks, Argyle Street, Hobart. GPS with a bar placed above the TFT. The windscreen is not
I had the pleasure of taking the demo Aprilia Tuareg for a short adjustable but did a reasonable job for my 178cms.
run. The bike is available in 3 colours; Acid Gold, Martian Red
and Indaco Tagelmust (red, white and blue). The first two What I did not like was the bash plate, not much thicker than
colours are available for $22,230 ride away, while it costs $300 cooking foil so one would have to invest in a better one if doing
dollars more for the multi-colour. anything more than gravel roads.

The engine is an oversquare 659cc twin, DOHC, 4 valves per Options available include:
cylinder and liquid cooled. Producing 80hp and 70Nm of torque, -Centre stand
firing at 270 degrees. Brembo brakes front and rear with -Engine guards
configurable ABS. The machine weighs in at 204kg ready to roll. -Additional LED lights
187kg dry. -Heated grips
-Quick-shifter
Electronics wise, it has traction control, adjustable engine -Comfort seats in standard, 2cm higher and 2cm lower
braking, cruise control, engine maps with 4 riding modes, two -Aprilia MIA (connect your smartphone)
are preset and two customisable. -Alarm
-Luggage options
The bike has 240mm of suspension travel both ends, with 21”
front and 18” rear wheels. Fitted with tubeless Pirelli Scorpion These are the Aprilia ones, many aftermarket manufacturers are
Rally STR tyres. providing other gear. So you can go at it until the bank balance
calls it quits.
What was it like to ride?
This bike is also available with power output reduced to comply
This bike was a real surprise and now definitely one I am with LAMS requirements, apparently at the same price as the
considering buying. The cable operated clutch was light and normal power model.
positive. Fueling was spot on and the induction noise was
inspirational. The V-Twin firing pattern also presented some Who does it suit? I have no doubt this bike would be an
character. More than adequate performance with 80hp on the extremely capable adventure bike and would be a joy to utilise
road and it would be superb in an adventure setting. in those conditions. It is however an easily ridden and adaptable
bike so it would be an effective commuter and you could use it
Comfort wise, the bike will fit anyone either sitting or standing as a solo tourer.
up to a height of around 180cms. The seat initially comfortable
starts to let you know about it, after an hour or so. Seat height is If you are thinking of downsizing your adventure bike, take
only 860mm, so relatively low for an adventure bike. one for a run, you will be amazed. If you are thinking of an
economical all-rounder you will also be pleasantly surprised.
Handling is comfortable and predictable on the road, despite the
21” front wheel. I found the front suspension a little soft but I Thanks once again to Motorworks.
note the front and rear are fully adjustable so with a little bit of
adjustment it would be great. “Safe Riding Doesn’t Happen by Accident”

In my opinion, the build quality is not as good as my BMWs Terry McCarthy #40625
but getting up there. Switchgear was fine but not brilliant, the
TFT (Thin Film Transistor) screenwas nice and clear and easy
to navigate. Aprilia have even made it easy to add your own

RIDING ON 35