See these:
http://ducatisportingclub.com/xmb/vi...=9331#pid75962 and
http://ducatisportingclub.com/xmb/vi....php?tid=11552 but don't let them put you off!!!
Basically it just needs servicing at a Ducati dealer or specialist - any numpty can work on Jap machines but working on a Ducati properly requires specialist training and knowledge that most ordinary bike dealers won't have. Servicing is expensive, but just figure that into your costs.
Other than that, go for it! There wouldn't be the hundreds of DSC members and Ducati owners if they were really, really bad machines!