I sold my 11 990 a couple of months ago, and recently bought a 14 690. So I have a good idea of the difference between the two. A few guys can make the 990 look like a motocross bike out in the ruff. I'm not one of them. For me, the 990 was a great over the road bike, with the occasional foray into the ruff. I just never got comfortable off road with the 990, mainly due to the weight. I ended up dropping the 990 and tearing my bicep tendon picking it up (bike unloaded). During my recovery from surgery for the repair, I decided the 690, weighing 150# less, was the way to go for my riding plans in the future. The 990 is alot more comfortable on the road than the 690, a whole lot. Off road, there's no comparison between the two, the 690 is pure confidence. All you need to decide is what you're going to do with your next bike.