I just don't buy this argument about the 'R' models being anything special interms of they 'they are race spec road bikes so what do you expect!' Uhhhrrrrm no...its a road bike, thats why it has lights/indicators etc.
To put it into perspective, my 1995 916 SP (with big valves/titanium rods/higher compression/lightweight clutch/lightweight flywheel/big cams/twin injectors) by the sounds of it should be cutting out all over the place, but it ticks over, once warmed, as sweet as a peach (ok its a little lumpy!) and can be ridden like an ER500 if required without having to be revved at the lights or restarted at roundabouts!
If I'd splashed out £13K on a new bike and it kept cutting out on me not only would I be banging on the door of Ducati UK but I would be seriously questioning the safety issues with a bike that can cut out on you when approaching roundabouts/junctions etc.
If it was me I would be seriously miffed
[Edited on 7-2-2005 by Harv748]