Hi - I'm new to the forum and wanted to say hi and respond to this thread as I have one of each (1098S and R1200S). I love them both but guard against comparisons as I'd not love them both if I did. There was mention of saddles and ergs so for whatever it's worth I have a Sargent saddle on the 1098 which is fantastic and would have one on the R1200S also but Sargent hasn't stepped up yet with that one and I couldn't tolerate another long ride on "the plank". I bought a Corbin and much to my pleasant surprise really like it. It's as firm as the Sargent, cradles the bum, and has sufficient front rise to restrain forward slippage under braking or downhill. The Duc really demanded Heli bars (my wrists told me so) but so far I've been able to enjoy the 1200S with the stock bars. One thing that really helps if anyone doesn't know about these are Tech Spec tank grippers. I recommend the "snakeskin" which has a more aggressive "tread" and allows knee grip on the tank to eliminate some wrist strain.
I'd wanted a Ducati since first hearing the musical note of the 250cc Scrambler in the mid 60s but hesitated because of my fear of reliability issues. I haven't had problem one with my 1098 - knock wood!
My other scoots are a R1200RT for rides with the Mrs., and an S4RS Monster for my inner hooligan.
An interesting side note on saddles. The RT has a Sargent which is every bit as awesome as the one on the Ducati - everything one could desire in a sport/touring saddle. The Monster's Sargent however is another story. I think they tried to give a Superbike feel to the monster by raising the height. In doing so, they lost the more upright naked bike feel. It also doesn't cradle the bum but seems to have a "hump" that you would associate with with a stock saddle. Weird.
Well after reading some posts and writing this, I think it's time to go for a ride
David
