The Ohlins AP661 STX 46 Adventure rear shock is built to improve control and consistency for the Aprilia Tuareg 660 across mixed surfaces. It is designed to manage changing loads and terrain without losing composure, helping the bike track predictably through rougher sections. The focus is on stable damping behaviour and practical external tuning for real-world adventure use.

Ohlins | Made to race, perfected to ride

Ohlins develops suspension with a strong emphasis on damping stability and repeatability. For adventure bikes, that means maintaining support and comfort as conditions shift between sealed roads, corrugations and technical trails. The AP661 is intended to be a reliable, serviceable rear unit suited to sustained use.

Design architecture

This is an STX 46 Adventure-series rear shock with a 46 mm piston format. It uses a separated oil/gas design with a remote reservoir, helping maintain damping consistency as the shock works through longer, rougher stages. The layout is aimed at keeping damping performance stable and reducing fade during extended off-road riding.

Adjustments & what they change

External adjusters provide:

• Rebound damping to control how quickly the shock extends after a bump, influencing stability and traction over successive hits.
• Compression damping to control resistance as the shock compresses, influencing support under load and harshness over sharp edges.
• Spring preload to set ride height and balance for rider weight, luggage, and passenger use.

Factory baseline intent

The supplied baseline is intended as a workable starting point for the Tuareg 660 with the fitted spring, providing a balanced mix of support and comfort. From there, rebound and compression can be tuned to suit riding pace, terrain type and how much weight is carried. Preload changes should be used to restore balance before chasing damping changes.

Setup considerations

When tuning, adjust one parameter at a time and confirm ride height balance with preload before changing damping. If the bike feels unsettled after consecutive bumps, rebound may be too light; if it feels sharp or deflects off edges, compression may be too firm. For significant changes in rider load or typical terrain, spring selection and a matched setup approach may be required.

Serviceability & lifecycle

Ohlins rear shocks are designed to be serviceable to maintain performance over time. Regular inspection and periodic servicing help keep damping consistent, particularly for bikes used in dust, water crossings or long off-road kilometres. Maintaining clean shaft condition and addressing seal wear early supports long-term reliability.