Absolutely nothing wrong in enjoying the bike (ST4s Yr2001 Yellow) to its full. Just get out there and have fun.
Done 14k so far. I live in Switzerland and enjoy the delights of the high twisty mountain passes (tough on brakes, engine braking, clutch, and gear box). I ride quickly as my swiss speeding fine proves (£1,800 - yes that's not a typo - and a 6 week ban to go with it). The bike has run wonderfully and with regular servicing (Italia bike Lincoln - yes I do ride a round trip of 1,500miles back to Blighty just to visit my favourite dealer).
I cannot share the same views as those expressed recently in "RIDE" magazines 2003 reader survey. I just wonder if those riders a) know how to ride a Duc and b) understand that on-time servicing by those who share our passion for Ducati is vital. I've had some funny unexplained incidences, but nothing that has dumped me at the side of the road. And don't run away with the idea that the bike has not been caught out in some appaling monsoons - it has (why is Belgium and Luxembourg always wet?). What has been been changed apart from the regular service items is new clutch plates at 12k as well as new chain and sprokets at the same time. Tyres (std Pilot Sports) are currently wearing at 4k for the rear and 6k for the front. New brake pads still not required and no sign so far of any disc warp - fingers crossed for the future. My only grumbles are the crap headlight and the chain tensioning (there must be a better, quicker and more precise way). I'll gladly share detailed experiences with anyone re the bikes performance, alpine biking routes, places to stay etc.