A bike's price tag isn't usualy a reflection of its performance or reliability.
For example. My GSXR 1000 was about 10,000. It is hella fast, and relatively maintence free. A Ducati 996 runs aruond $15k or so. The Duc requires a lot more attention. The valves need adjusted every 5000 miles or so. Of course, you have to take the bike to a shop for the adjustments. That can get costly after a while. Not to mention that you will be bikeless for a week or two during riding season while it sits in the shop. The Duc has decent power and excellent handeling. All in all, I think the Duc is just an overpriced 'pay attention to me' toy.