Hi and welcome.
The thing about this board is that with so many owners posting (espcially when they have troubles) you get to hear about these things when you wouldn't normally.
Sure, there have been some sad stories that might make you want to give up on Ducati's (I said might, OK?) but when all's said and done it is only one or two here and there.
I've had my own problems but the main concern recently seems to be about the front coil failing. Knowing about these things in advance is a good thing though.
I've had a 2003 749S from new (18 months now) and love it more every time I go out on it (awwww). I can honestly say that if i "lost" it i would probably buy another one. Might be the 05 749R though if I did, but only because I could.
There are a couple of recalls on the earlier ones, but I won't go into detail because you don't actually say whether you are thinking of buying new or 2nd hand.
Mines a pint of best , thanks.
[Edited on 5-5-2005 by HW]