I am not a Ducati fanatic, but here are my first impressions on the new 1098s:
My brother just got his Ducati 1098s in black yesterday. He stopped by my house after work to show it off. Of course, I HAD to take it around the block!!!
First impressions:
SITTING:
1. seat is really high, putting a LOT of weight on the wrists
2. seat is very flat and hard
3. can't turn handlebars full stop without busting knuckles on fairing (parking lots)
RIDING:
1. WOW!
2. I pulled out of my driveway and SLIGHTLY rolled on the throttle and it pulled harder than a top fuel dragster (not that I have any experience with one)
3. front brake is extremely grabby
4. WOW!
Sorry the review is so short, but my ride was only around the block.
One more note...he mentioned that it stalled out 4 times on the ride over...a common problem with these bikes. I think he is taking it back in for a dealer review today.