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Head to head

Aprilia Tuareg 660 vs Ducati DesertX

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Aprilia Tuareg 660 and Ducati DesertX are among the most cross-shopped adventure bikes of 2026. The Aprilia Tuareg 660 undercuts the Ducati DesertX by about $5,496, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Ducati DesertX leads on power with 110 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Aprilia Tuareg 660
Our pick
8.5

Aprilia

Aprilia Tuareg 660
Ducati DesertX
8.3

Ducati

Ducati DesertX

The verdict

The Aprilia Tuareg 660 edges it overall at 8.5/10, but the Ducati DesertX wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Ducati DesertX

A2-legal, 110 hp.

Most exciting

Ducati DesertX

110 hp and 0.49 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Aprilia Tuareg 660

Our 8.5/10 at $12,499, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Aprilia Tuareg 660

204 kg with an 860 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Aprilia Tuareg 660

Our top score in this matchup at 8.5/10.

Price & rating
Price$12,499$17,995
KickTheStand score8.5 / 108.3 / 10
Performance
Engine659cc twin937cc twin
Power80 hp110 hp
Torque70 Nm92 Nm
Power-to-weight0.39 hp/kg0.49 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension43mm KYB USD fork, fully adjustable, 240mm travel46mm KYB USD fork
Rear suspensionKYB monoshock, fully adjustable, 240mm travelKYB monoshock
Front brakesDual 300mm discs, BremboDual 320mm discs, Brembo M50
Rear brakesSingle 260mm disc, BremboSingle 265mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight204 kg223 kg
Seat height860 mm875 mm
Fuel capacity18 L21 L
Suitability
ClassAdventureAdventure
A2 licenceNoYes
Good for beginnersNoNo
Best foradventure, touringadventure, touring, sport

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Aprilia Tuareg 660 vs Ducati DesertX: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 or the Ducati DesertX?

The Ducati DesertX makes the most power at 110 hp and 92 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 or the Ducati DesertX?

The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $12,499.

Which is lighter, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 or the Ducati DesertX?

The Aprilia Tuareg 660 is the lightest at 204 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Aprilia Tuareg 660 or the Ducati DesertX?

For a new rider we'd point to the Ducati DesertX: A2-legal, 110 hp and 223 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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