After a 2 month wait my replacement frame has turned up at Pro-twins.
The original '95 frame developed a crack on the top tube where the tank mounting bracket is welded on. Seems to be one of the particular weak points.
Despite many peoples issues with Ducatis you have to agree that getting a free new frame on a 10 year old bike is pretty good going... (Compare it to Suzuki and the TL-S for instance..)
Now I just have to find time to strip the bike down and fit the bits back on again.