I say DONT GET A DUCATI as a first bike full stop. It will end up costing loads more that a jap bike. I had a TZR125 for a couple of years. I then did my DAS (a few days on a GS500) and got an R6. I got t-boned in April and replaced it with a 748. Im only 22 so still feel like i have it all to learn but its true that you control the bike and not the other way around. I nearly crashed the R6 in the first 5 mins because i was so scared of it but that feeling soon passed.

While my 748 had a service they loaned me a 620ie monster which was ok for a couple of days but i was just bored of it after that.

I think that you will adapt to anybike you get within a few rides and as long as you treat the bike with some respect you will be fine. I saw an ad in MCN for an SV1000 for 3K!!!! Bargin mate The 650 is also def worth a look. Better performance than the 750ss and cheaper to buy run and insure.