Hi Mate, Funny enough I did the same, I gave up my 999 after my close friend decided to try and become one with my bike! (did a decent job too!)
I repaired the bike, but it just never felt the same, I gave it up and then tried all and I mean all the jap thou's, several thousand pounds of debt later I have bought a new Ducati, and I love it.
Take the plunge man you won't look back.
I am new to the forum myself, but welcome.