I was slowly converting my S2R into the cafe racer type with low clip ons etc., and realised that I should just buy a Sportclassic1000S and be done with it.
They now sit side by side in the garage
Immediate differences are, the low clip ons on the monster are still higher than the Sport, the seat on the sport is really high and I'm on tiptoes at a standstill- so not for shortys! Traditional Ducati heavy clutch is tiring after years of the 800s light APTC clutch, and engine braking means I dont use the brakes as much as on the monster.
I haven't noticed any of the headshakes and unsettled suspension that others have reported but maybe the S is different enough from the unfaired bike. The power is very much more noticable on the 1000 cc engine though I think the 800 smoother, the extended reach to the bars means your arms are straighter with more weight on them and hitting bumps at low speeds can transfer through the arms as throttle movements and lumpy running,once your used to that you can easily compensate but it still catches me out now and then.
I'm still running stock pipes on mine though I'mm looking around for some nice ones-dont like the Termis as they look too 'modern' to me and they are stupidly loud.
Currently in the running are conti reps from Keihan in the UK and Dennis Foran in Oz, and reverse cone megaphones from Road and Race in Oz.
I buy my bikes with the heart so dont care about everday practicalities, like comfort for instance. Do it!