The Ducati is a high-performance motorcycle. I would not recommend it as first bike if you have no motorcycle experience.

The Vstrom is a good first bike, cheap, flexible, enough power and performance to be fun, not to much to get you in trouble.

Neither bike are going to be good off-road, they ...

I'll be 68 in September. I just got my 2004 Multistrada 1000DS and I love it. Two years ago I sold my 748....mainly because of the riding position putting weight on my wrists and hands....but I missed it. The MTS is great fun.
Ken
Austin, TX

I'm impressed, I hope that I can still ride a sports ...

I used to have a Honda ST1100, (EDIT). So I found the ST too heavy, and prefer a lighter bike, but still have luggage.

I also sold my ST1100 (Pan European) for the same reason & bought a Multistrada :D
Now I ride the Multi everywhere. Does the Canberra to Phillip Island trip for the Moto GP in a ...