A genuinely well-rounded, plush-riding middleweight that handles rough lanes with composure, held back slightly by its higher-revving engine at very slow speeds. Rider ability, terrain, weather and tyre choice still move the real answer more than the bike alone does.
Four separate scores, not one blended number, so you can see what's actually driving it.
Beginner friendliness
4/5
Road usability
3/5
Technical off-road capability
3/5
Green-lane suitability
3/5
Full specs
Price (new, OTR)£10,600
Engine659cc
Power80hp
Torque70Nm
Weight (wet)204kg
Seat height860mm
Fuel tank18L
Real-world range~230 mi
Economy~58 mpg
Wheels (f/r)21" / 18"
Ground clearance240mm
Suspension travel (f/r)240mm / 240mm
ABSYes
Traction controlYes
Ride modesYes
Service interval6,200 miles
Licence requiredA
What we actually found
Owners consistently praise the Tuareg 660 as one of the most dynamic and balanced middleweights on the market. Riders report that its 204kg wet weight and 240mm Kayaba suspension give it a plush, floating feel over rough washouts and rocky steps. The 659cc twin is praised for its rev-happy character and seamless off-road electronics, though owners note that ultra-slow technical crawling requires a touch of clutch slip.
Pros for green laning
Class-leading suspension travel: 43mm forks and rear shock provide 240mm of travel at both ends and 240mm of ground clearance, soaking up deep washouts and rock gardens.
Low centre of gravity and weight: at 204kg wet with an 18-litre sub-frame wrapped fuel tank, it feels lighter on its wheels and easier to paddle than most mid-weight twins.
Full-size 21"/18" tubeless wheels: spoked tubeless rims allow the use of aggressive road-legal knobby tyres with the convenience of instant plug repairs on trailside punctures.
Tailored electronics: dedicated Off-Road mode instantly disables rear ABS, reduces engine braking, and allows on-the-fly traction control adjustment via handlebar toggle.
Cons and limitations
High-revving power delivery: the 659cc twin (80hp/70Nm) delivers its punch higher in the rev range, requiring active clutch slip in slow-speed, trials-like technical crawls.
860mm seat height: combined with a moderately wide stand-over junction, footing securely on uneven, rutted cambers can challenge shorter riders.
Exposed fuel tank bodywork: the low-hanging lower tank lobes and plastic fairing panels are prone to scuffs in rocky drop-offs without aftermarket crash bars.
Smaller UK dealer network: dealer footprint and specialised diagnostic tooling are less widespread across remote UK regions than Japanese competitors.
Based on manufacturer specifications and independent motorcycle press reviews.
Remember: a rank here assumes reasonable stock tyres and a competent rider in decent conditions. The right tyres, or the wrong weather, can move a lane from easy to genuinely hard regardless of what bike you're on. Check a lane's own difficulty and hazards on the map before you go, don't rely on a bike score alone.
Find where to actually ride it
Browse legal green lanes and byways across England and Wales, filtered by difficulty, on Holloway's map.
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