The small weight increase did not make a noticeable difference to me. In conclusion, they are both great bikes. If you are considering a 2018 1090R at sticker, maybe you should go see what you can get a 1290 for. That being said, I have seen 1090's for $12,000 out the door, but I did see a shop demo 1290 with 75 miles on the clock for $14,500. KTM 1290 Super Adventure S Frame, Suspension, Brakes. With a chassis overhaul for 2021, the KTM engineers have tweaked weight distribution with a shorter chassis, new subframe & longer swingarm. Cornering feels sharp and consistent, thanks in part to moving the steering head back by 15 mm and re-locating the front section of the engine. WhVrm2.