Interesting change from R1 to 749, I guess thats a similar parallel to a Fazer -> ST3.
RE: Agricultural feel, you mention better suspension (agreed), better handling (agreed), better engine ( well, I guess that depends on your definition of better
). You mentioned the R1 obviously makes more power, and Im not really searching for outright power, more usable power and torque.
What I was trying to get at, was that a Jap in line 4 is very smooth (characterless perhaps), and a v-twin against it feels very different. Also, a jap in line 4 is worryingly reliable and stable (e.g. you dont notice much difference in performance between 10 miles and 10,000 miles on the clock).
I guess I just have an itch to scratch for a v-twin, and a Ducati.
Interesting comments on the finish, I too keep my bike pretty pristine, and dont tend to ride in the worst weather, its good to hear your experiences and opinion.
Cheers.
RBW.