I've been following this thread and I've stuck my 2p worth of advice in as well
BUT I just wanted to say "don't let us put you off!"
We're all giving you our opinions with great hindsight, but if
you really want a grey 748S and you're happy to pay the full price for it, then go for it!
I really wouldn't want to think that I'd put you off getting the bike you really wanted, and you ended up hating/regretting your purchase.
Owning a Ducati is abuot so much more than which bike you have, and the purchasing of the bike is only the start ... trust me when I say you'll soon be spending your hard earned cash on all the goodies to go with it!
Whatever you choose, don't forget to bring it along to your local DSC meeting and say hello to everyone!
Good luck!