Oh don't get me wrong, I LOVE the 748's and it's the bike that got me into Ducati's.
Again, for comparison, if that's how you felt about riding a 10 year old 'slow' 748, just try and imagine the pavement curling pull of the 848 / 1098 / 1098R.
Shoot, I rode a 848 the other day for about a hour in the twisties, loving it. Hopped off and switched with my buddies on his 1098 and promptly shit myself (again). That thing is MEAN!
and the 1098R makes the 1098 feel neutered....
So weird. You really have to hop from bike to bike immediately to notice, but wow.
to the 748's!