I sold my old 650 Vstrom and went the Italian route. Bought an Aprilia Caponord 1200 Travel Pack. I still have the bike and enjoy riding it when I get the chance.
As for my next bike, would I go the Italian route again - no, too many silly little things that go wrong, nothing serious, just tedious. Plus of course the Aprilia dealer network isn't too good.
So the next bike I have will be German, and no not a R1200GS, I have tried them and really didn't like the ride. Plus of course I quite like my first name and don't want to be called Charlie or Ewan.
The bike that will get my vote next time round will be the BMW S1000XR. I like the ride it gives, as does the wife. Smooth (at high and low speeds, something a V Twin can't match), comfortable, handles well and seems to hold its price reasonably well. The one I test rode had all the bells and whistles I need and service intervals seem to be OK.
But I will still have 2 V Twins in the garage, my 2006 Vstrom 1000 GT and my Aprilia 750 Dorsoduro for short, solo, fun miles.
Have fun with your Ducati though, they seem to get good write ups and owners seem to love them. But next time you are looking for a change, take a test ride on the S1000XR, you might even end up buying one
Keith