Hello FiscusFish,
  I have had my license for 20 years and love riding bikes.  Having owned several makes and models throughout the last two decades I have always had a penchant for Italian motorcycles, particularly the Ducati. 
 I totally agree with you, Ducati should be liable for faults/problems, for example the feed and return oil lines, front brake banjo bolt and latterly side/kick stand all of which need replacing on my bike, the stand on my bike is an absolute joke, I need to place 2 slabs underneath, each of which is about 25-30mm thick.  I am not knocking Ducati, I'm indeed enthusiastic about them however I do feel that they have a responsibility to replace without cost the above parts to all 
Multi owners.  I also Understand that if an owner wants to upgrade his exhaust pipes for a pair of Termi's this is different. 
 Take care and safe motorcycling 
  [Edited on 4-7-2005 by Italian Stallion]