Been using Ducati's for numerous continental thrashs for the last 5 years with no probs at all (touch wood
). Furthest i've been is to the Sahara desert.
Admittedly most of these miles have been on ST4/ST4s and a Multistrada but have also done just under 2000 miles in a week (avoiding motorways) on a 996SPS around France and Spain. That was actually far better than i expected other than for cramped legs at the end of a days riding. The bike is fitted with helibars which definately make it more comfortable for me.
Top man if he's still doing that at 65+. Probably helps keep him young and bloody good luck to him.