I was in a similar predicament earlier this year; was trying to decide between a KTM, Hyper and a Dorso. I was also secretly lusting after a GS but was quickly overwhelmed by the price of admission as well as overall "heft" of the bike.
Tried to do an apples-apples comparo between them and couldn't find a KTM within my price range. Looked hard at 1100 and the DD1200 and ended up with a hyper.
Not ever owning a Duc in my life and having owned two Apes, I had, in a way, been swayed heavily towards the makings of a Piaggio trifecta.
Additionally, I tend to do most, if not all, of the wrenching on my motos. Being the shadetree mechanic, the odds were looking, again, towards the DD1200. Reliability, maintenance and valve adj intervals also seemed to favor the DD; however, the DD outweighed the hyper significantly and seemed to manifest it's weight in some of the shootouts. Now, I don't put tons of faith in bike shootouts but it was mentioned several times as well as in a few forums. I didn't want a heavier bike than what I was already riding and the whole point of a sumo is their agility and flickability. The DD1200 seemed to take a backseat to the hyper in those terms but the DD750 may have been a better comparison.
So, "Why?" you may ask, did I end up with the Duc? It was more an emotional choice vs. sensibility. I have this mantra of trying to live life without regrets and that any experience can be a valuable learning experience if you take the time to learn from it. I wanted to own a Ducati - this was my opportunity and the cost of admission wasn't too steep.
I knew this bike's history from dealer down to each service interval, oil wt., dyno tune; every nook and cranny based off of my great relationship with the mechanics and service records. I also established a tight friendship with the original owner before I ended up buying.
The styling (SSA sexiness), forged marchesinis (1100s model), ohlins and additional aftermarket goodies also helped with the decision.
Your reasons for looking at these "types" of bikes will lead you to one or the other. I don't think you can go wrong; the 1100 is a tried-and-true lump of a stump-pulling motor which has been used in several models whereas the DD is the "new(er) kid" on the block.
Parts are relatively easy to source for either but I believe the hyper will have more donor bikes or 2nd hand items available due to the sheer number of units sold compared to the DD.
Insurance was about the same; not a lot of luggage/touring options. Anything with the ducati name was easily 2-3 x's more in terms of swag/gear. I lucked out as the original owner already had a givi topcase; anything more and I'd need to upgrade to a CA Cycleworks tank to make true use of the additional storage.
At the time, all I could find were a few soft saddle options for the Ape and I ultimately wanted something with more "fixed" and lockable storage hence the early thoughts of the GS. In terms of locking luggage options, the Duc won again.
Mileage was rather abysmal for "touring" purposes but falls just about right for fun and twisty afternoon trips before a stretch is needed. Funny, the tank is much smaller than the Gen II Tuono I was coming from, yet the air-cooled hyper gets better mpg.
I also had the fortune of meeting owner Bobby Crooks* @ Dubbleju in SF. I strolled in to his shop one day after running across their ad for a Tiger 1050 with full luggage. It was gorgeous. It had impeccable service records and seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. A capable twisty machine with touring lineage. Bobby turned on the light for me and actually talked me out of buying it. He heard what my intentions and shortlist of "wants" for my moto were and gave the nod to the hyper only after knowing what I wanted.
He also told me I could rent a "touring" bike from him anytime I needed to for those "rare" long(er) trips. That was the clincher.
I've owned my 2009 1100s for 4 mos. now with nary a regret...well, I'm lying; I really wish I had more time to ride her. I enjoy the hyper that much, but, then again, I'm a rider at heart. I had just as much fun on my 1986 Rebel 250 as I do on my Duc.
I hope this wasn't too long-winded and assists with some insight regarding your purchase.
It's the only bike I own and I tend to own them for a long time. One last plus; my wife enjoys riding pillion on the Duc more than my past bikes. She says the seat is comfy as is the riding position :thumbup!
*I was referred to Bobby by Gwynne (ThumperX). Bobby and I talked for over 2 hours about motos, life and family. Genuinely nice guy with an awesome collection of motos. If you're ever in SF, you owe it to yourself to check them out!
