Yes, I'm finding out that there is required service intervals. Just for the first service at 600 miles, my dealer wanted to charge 450 dollars...no valve check on the first service.
Out of the 15+ jap bikes I've owned, NONE has ever had any service outside of changing the oil. I've never even changed a plug.
So, going from Jap to Italian? Yeah, big difference. You'll notice a huge riding style difference between the R1 and the S2R1000 as well. Just by the way it rides all together. You'll see what I mean when you test ride the Duck.
But, owning a Ducati is like buying a Lotus. You buy it for reasons other than convenience and practicality. If you want practical, get a mini van. If you want style and passion, get the tiny little Lotus with no back seat.
It really all depends on what you want from your bike. It has taken me some time but I am learning about all the internal components of my bike and so forth, to help keep the costs of ownership down. With a Jap bike, that was never necessary.
The S2R1000 is a beautiful and lustfull bike. I can sit and stare at it for hours. The FZ1 is so ugly that I can't force myself to look at it for more than 5 seconds. Although they're priced the same, there are certainly pros and cons to each.
FZ1:
Pros = Durability, practicality, longevity, practically no maint, great motor with unlimited power, super comfort, big and great for two people, can get hard luggage for it.
Cons = Ugliest bike in the world, people will constantly ask you why you bought it, doesn't satisfy you underlying urge to own something beautiful. No aftermarket performance parts. No way to customise it. Sure, you can take a piece of here and there, but basically it will always look like a stock bike. Handles like a brick and suspension is very very subpar.
Mostly right and left handed brain stuff.
Ducati:
Pros = People will stop you to tell you how beautiful your bike is. The looks of your bike could very well cause accidents from people not watching the road and looking at your bike. You will fit with every crowd. Although, not as fast, sportbike guys will love and respect the bike....and the cruiser guys will to. The feeling you get when you clean it or look at it. Durable and proven motor. After market parts are infinite and you can customise it to your wildest imagination. Top Notch suspension, unbeatable handling....even better than your R1.
Cons = Expensive to maintain compared to a Jap bike. Not for 2 people on longer rides. No aftermarket luggage and the high pipes will burn off anything you try to create. Not as fast as a Jap. Goofy Italian quirks. Most aftermarket parts are very high priced. Not practical.
I hope all this jabbering helps.
Tom