Welcome aboard, Keith.
If you've got some cosmetic damage from the theft, that sounds like an excuse for some upgrades and modifications! (And a great winter project!)
Also, if you're new to Ducatis, you may find the low-speed running 'challenging', especially if you're coming from a Japanese in-line four. Many on here, (myself included), have found that a reflash improves matters greatly. Here's the most recent thread on the subject (also featuring a 796).
http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/s...ad.php?t=57856