Should I get a Ducati?

Hello everyone

Question for ya's ...

So I passed the Riders Safety Course with flying colors, and would like to advance into the Intermediate Course when the time comes (500 miles of riding, I think the rule is?); which is done with your own bike, instead of one they provide. However, I don't have a lot of money, and I want I bike that I can proud to own, since I intend to keep it. I'm 40 years old (I look 27), and just got out the Marine Corps; so while I have the energy of a young guy who can't wait to go fast, I actually have the wisdom of an adult, and have no intention of being reckless with my first bike. I just want something I can enjoy riding, and to save money on gas, since I drive a Jeep Wrangler (JK), lol. Granted I'm looking at sport bikes, I plan on being very careful; I have a wife and 5yr old daughter to consider, so I'll be treating it more like a touring-bike than ever attempting to see it's limits.

That being said, I want a cool bike!
I like sexy things, and believe I have pretty good taste.
So I'm wondering what you guys recommend, because I have limited options where I'm from (central PA, also known as "Pennsyltucky"), and a limited budget. In other words, most of the bikes I see listed for sale around here, are either missing titles, have road-rash on them from being dropped, or they're nice but way over budget ...

So I've narrowed it down to two that don't seem so bad, and I'd like to know what you guys think. Mind you, I do care a lot about "community"; I've been a car guy my whole life and have been a member of the Toyota Supra/Lexus SC300 community for nearly 20yrs, so I'm the type who sticks to his pride so to speak. From what I gather (having heard from friends who ride, and general internet discussion on FB groups, etc.), Ducati has a pretty tight group. Is that true?

Deep down, I really want the Ducati, because A. I've always loved the 748 Monoposto, so even though that's out of my price range, owning any Ducati is the next best thing to having my actual dream bike ... And B. I know the reputation this brand has for producing excellent bikes. (And there might be a C. although I prolly shouldn't say it haha ... My neighbors one of those guys who thinks he knows everything about anything, but never has a positive thing to say when you ask him a question, "Awww you don't want that bike, because ...", or "Ohh, that car has this problem, which means you're gonna ..." or "Yeah, but shooting that gun is gonna cause this issue ..." and now he wants everybody to bow to his new Harley Davidson.

So I kinda wanna get a Ducati even more now, because, uhh ... his Harley Davidson

And I feel horrible even saying this, cus he's a good friend, but even his wife told mine (on the DL) "He's pissing me off with this damn Harley Davidson thing." lol.

But that's not gonna be the deciding factor.
What I need to know is, which bike will I be able to appreciate for many years to come, and also not die on?

So my options are:
1991 Honda: CBR 600 F2
2001 Ducati: 750 Sport (why is there no fuel gauge on it?)

Whattya's think?