John, I can confirm what BDG says, 20,000 miles on my '4S, no comfort problems even on 5-600 mile days. I have the 4 pad calipers on mine(standard on 999 range, and first used on 996R) fabulous brakes. Don't bother with ABS it just adds weight and no the standard brakes are not linked. My '4S was doing 200 miles + to a tank last summer, 3000 miles round europe 2 up with panniers and tank bag, that was at 110 cruising so economy is good. The things I would recommend are 14 tooth front sprocket-makes a HUGE difference and the above fuel consumption was after the mod, and some wonderweb on the seat to stop your wife crashing into you when you hit the brakes-they are that good! Set the suspension up for your style and ENJOY those passes-we did, and the 'Ring 2up!
John