If you are keen on an "italian girlfriend" superbike, I recommend you also check out the Aprilia Mille 1000cc (same group as MG, since you mentioned it).
Of all the Italian sportsbikes I have had (including a Ducati 998, my previous mistress), this one is the hottest by far (currently in my stable, along with the SM and an RT1100 BMW tourer), both in "real-world" performance/handling/comfort levels (doesn't kill your wrists) and in terms of reliability.
I have the upgraded "Factory" model (shocks/different wheels), but IMO the base model doesn't lack anything, having ridden a few.
Both "exotic", "bullet-proof" and very, very fast but still rideable on an "every-day" basis.
Did I say fast?
