I don't know Rasher so can't comment. I do know Giles however, trust me, he knows nothing about bikes. His knowledge of and ability on a bike is akin to his knowledge of and ability with a camera
Andres
I know what I like and what I don't like.
I could not split the R and S, prefer conventional suspension to the Semi Active guff, especially as the R comes with a pukka PDS shock with remote reservoir compared to a 1970s style emulsion shock on the S.
Even if the electronics do help, they are helping a cheapo low quality shock perform better rather than enhancing a top quality shock. I assume the R unit is fully rebuildable as well as fully adjustable rather than having 3 settings that the KTM test rider liked....
...having switched my order to an S I am rather hoping I do agree with said KTM test rider!
I have no idea why KTM do not just give the option to alter the 3 standard modes, maybe giving the ability to move each setting up or down a notch or two, and in the case of Semi-active adjust the level of electronic interference in each mode as well, all it would take is a few lines of computer code!
I was going to get the smaller S sized wheels for the R - and two weeks ago this was still going to work out over £500 cheaper than an S model with the second set of wheels, but with another grand off the S model overnight due to the wonders of KTM stock / production / pricing control its all change and the S is now about £400 cheaper even with the crash bars added.
Both are fantastic bikes, in a way I was very curious about the R and I am sure I would of loved having it, but during demo rides I could not really separate them "as configured" but if anything the S nudged it on the road - mainly due to the smaller wheels giving me more feel and confidence (and it might well all be in my head)
I am sure I will get used to the weirdness of the suspension, but on the Demo rides I preferred Sports mode as it "felt right", but the way the S does not dive up front or pitch at the back during braking and acceleration is impressive, I just think it lacks the comfort over bumps I got with both my 1090 and 1190, as a sporty-tourer it is pretty awesome, and I think the Semi Active stuff would give a big advantage when two-up.
Even better is I prefer this years colours to next - and there is going to be a price rise for next year so the discount is even bigger if you compare to a 2019 bike.