Tom any chance for some pics of the diff assembly you describe?
Ive been thinking for while also of a similar setup for my 1000
to sit in the rear like the Minis going around.

I think Troy the issue with FWD and too much power is the torque
and losing wheel traction/grip so a Ducati would be the wrong engine.
A Revvy 4 cylinder would be more matching or for less than a ducati
and a little more than some 4 cyl a v4 honda would rule as they are
not built for torque but as all honda engines revs and hp.