The Ducatis are doing fine in this part of the country (Southeastern US) I have the Mulitstrada 1000DS, which is more of a sports touring bike, with a more upright riding position. It will still go very, very fast, and begs to go there as often as I'm willing to put it there. There is nothing that feels quite like a Duc, and definitly nothing that looks quite like the Italian styling and attention to detail. Heres a pic of my bike, with the topcase for carrrying neccesities...like a first aid kit... [smiley=nervous.gif] I've only had it to 130mph, but it had some more to go....steady as a rock at that speed, but things happen mighty quickly at that speed....
Really, I just put rainsuit and jacket in there, but it will hold a full face helmet as well...