My sole Ducati experience was very different to yours Simon - my ST2 was totally reliable and probably the best finished motorcycle I have owned. I only sold it because I was physically unable to ride it any distance due to hand issues.

Of my 3 Moto Guzzis, the Mille GT was totally reliable, economical & of mediocre finish. The California 1100i was an all-round miserable experience, unreliable in many areas (not just electrical) uneconomical and of mediocre finish. The Breva 750ie was totally reliable, economical and well finished (the first MG built under Aprilia ownership IIRC - but sorting ot MG bankrupt Aprilia ! ). Only sold the Breva due it's heavy-ish clutch that taxed my deteriorating hands.

My sole Aprilia (Caponord ETV1000 ) was probabaly the most comfortable bike I have owned, but the Rotax engine was awful (very vibey, no flywheels, thirsty and blighted by a wierd "slipper clutch" ). Mediocre build quality as well, though it was reliable.

"Reliable" mentioned above being that I operated the bikes without need for anything other than replacement of consumable parts during routine servicing - nothing broke, fell off or wore out.

WRT looking for something else - what are you really looking for ? You mentioned another airhead BMW, but how long did the last (seemingly very nice) example last ? You wanted another '50s single, but how long did the last (seemingly very nice) example last ? You seemed to like the RE Bullet & that was only moved on because it was too loud - why not try a standard UCE 500 rather than an imported warmed over version - there are plenty of clean, low mileage, un-messed with eaxmples about for not too much money.

Nigel B.