Greetings from Portugal!

Hi everyone! I just found this community while I was searching for more info on the new 1199 Panigale and I have to say that this forum has a great layout and I hope many more ducati lovers join this community.

I do not own any Ducati but I'm a long time fan of this great manufacturer and would definitely love to have the new 1199 panigale, specially the tricolore S. But since I don't have a big experience with this kind of superbikes, I think that it will be more wise to start with something not so powerful. So I'm planing to get a 848 soon and later on upgrade to the 1199. By the way, do you know if Ducati is planning on launch a bike with a smaller engine, something like a 849?

Hello! Welcome to the site, glad to have you!

dsant said:

do you know if Ducati is planning on launch a bike with a smaller engine, something like a 849?

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There will be no 849 for 2012. Ducati has finished announcing their model lineup for the upcoming year and their midrange superbike is still the 848. For 2012, the 848 comes in 2 flavors... 848 Evo or 848 Evo Corse SE. I would expect to see an 849 release in 2013 or 2014.

What kind of motorcycles have you owned? Have you ever ridden any Ducati models or will this be your first?

Since I'm only 21 I d't ride for a long time, and never owned a bike myself. I only ride the bikes of some relatives of mine once in a while, and no, I never riden a Ducati. Although this, I really love Ducati since my childhood. I really like its history, spirit and exclusivity. So, I can say that regarding my riding experience I can call myself as a rookie but there is always a first time to start being more experienced. And I know that starting with a superbike could be a little too much, because of that I will not buy a 1198 or 1199. Even the 848 will probably be a little too much, but I really like the bike and wouldn't trade it for any 600cc japanese bike.

Welcome. I think you are at a perfect age to start. Start on something smaller and then build up. I started on a 748 at a late age and I believe it's better to have started on a smaller bike at a younger age. As the old saying goes, it's more fun driving a slow car fast than a fast car slow. I think the same holds for bikes.

Welcome!! Any pics you can share? How is the riding in Portugal and across the border into Spain? That's one area of the world I would love to visit!

512BB said:

Welcome. I think you are at a perfect age to start. Start on something smaller and then build up. I started on a 748 at a late age and I believe it's better to have started on a smaller bike at a younger age. As the old saying goes, it's more fun driving a slow car fast than a fast car slow. I think the same holds for bikes.

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Yes I will probably start with something a little bit smaller than a 1198/1199 or 848, although I want the 848 so much But even the 848 can be a little bit to powerful for my skills and riding experience. I'm pretty confident with my skills but I'm also aware that I have too much to learn yet.

1098 Mike said:

Welcome!! Any pics you can share? How is the riding in Portugal and across the border into Spain? That's one area of the world I would love to visit!

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Are you asking for pics of bikes or of portuguese roads and landscapes? I do not own any bike yet so I can't post pics of it, but if you are asking for some pics of some of the best roads for riding a bike I think I can get some.

I might sound a little bit suspicious but Portugal is a great place for riding a bike. Our weather is great, there are sunny days most of the year, even from November to February, when is the rain season here, sometimes there are a few weeks where the sun shines all the day. Regarding the roads, we have a big amount of roads in the middle of some mountains with great and funny corners. We also have long lowland roads that cross big farmlands, and some of the roads that I like most are the ones close to the coast where you can ride and always have the sea by your side.

I'm stuck with work now but when I get some time I will post some pics soon. You are very welcome here!