Faults:

Rear brake light stopped working - caused by the connector between the brake light switch and the loom getting filled with water. This was fixed in 5 minutes by cleaning the connectors. The reason water got in is the connector is exposed to the elements.

General Comments:

I bought this bike because I wanted something I could blast through corners on, tour and commute on and I wanted a shiny red Ducati in my garage - this bike does it all!

I've ridden it 400 miles in one go on back roads stopping only for fuel - once! Yep it has a 200 mile tank range. Over that distance it was quiet, comfortable and fast, cruising as fast I dare without getting banned. Two up and with the panniers absolutely full and a tank bag fitted, the wife and I did 350 miles in one go no problem. Both of us we comfy and the bike still averaged 53 mpg! We did the Isle of Man TT course on it: the bike was great the wife was scared...

My Ducati ownership has only included 1 major service, Ducati did the belts and valve clearances I did the rest. Total parts and labour £300. Aside from that ownership has been key in, add fuel, ride. The clutch rattles loudly, but hey, it is a Ducati, right?!

My only criticism is that the acceleration is pretty average (only 74 BHP at the back wheel) and to hustle you have to put major input through the 'bars. But it is a sports-tourer not full-on sports bike. Chains and tyres last for ages though!

My advice; buy a really nice one with full Ducati service history, or at least proof it has been serviced at the scheduled intervals with genuine parts and just enjoy it. These bikes are really, really cheap, now so no need to buy a rough one.