Jack, Ducati is probably THE MOST UNCOMFORTABLE BIKE ever made. SImply go sit on one and youll see exactly what I mean. The Hayabusa is actually pretty comfortable for a sport bike, because of the gel seat, and actually surpasses many other sport bikes in comfort too. As far as performance, the Ducati was designed for racing and th Busa for a track.
Let me put it htis way, if I was going to buy ANY type of sportbike the Ducati would be last. Why? Comfort - the Ducati suxx. Performance - most people arent going to race the Ducati on a track which makes the Busa better because it is more comfortable and practical. The Ducati would ONLY win in a turns war. Sound? Who cares for a sport bike. Change the pipes to something of your liking. Awesomeness? There is something to be said about being on the fastest production motorcycle ever made. Maintenance? Ducati is known to have a higher breakdown rate because its hand made. Lastly, which you never asked, think about the price. Hayabusa is MUCH cheaper than a Ducati.
I have had this conversation MANY times about Ducati. If you are sponsored by Ducati it is an awesome motorcycle. However, most people are not which means it is a waste of time. If you simply go sit on each bike you will know exactly what I mean about comfort. Considering how huge Ducati is in the racing world, you would thik they would spend $.02 on a better seat.
Anyone who tells you anything different than what Im saying is either ignorant or bought a Ducati because they thought it was the best.
GL