I folks, just a quick hello from a Honda Fireblade owner who is taking delivery of a new Panigale on the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] September 13. I have been an active member of 1000rr.co.uk since June 2011 and love my current 2011 Fireblade just as much as the previous Fireblades I have owned over the years. I have always been a fan of Ducati and until recently only ridden a friend’s 1098S which is awesome and started the little red itch, then the Panigale came along and the little red itch turned into a much bigger and harder to ignore itch that I knew sooner or later would I would have to scratch. Cut, to present day. I scratched it. Initial negotiation followed by a test ride then further and final successful negotiation resulting that on the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] September I will be the proud owner of a new base ABS. I have asked the dealer to fit Termi cans, plus the following DP carbon goodies: tail tidy, generator and clutch covers, tank protector, a factory high tinted screen, and finally for good measure, a Ducati alarm. I have loitered in the shadows of the forum, reading and learning for a while now and was pleased to see Arthurbikemad is a member. I have great respect for Arthur’s technical knowledge, friendliness and willingness to help others. A top man. If you lot are anything like the Fireblade lot you will be baying for photos. Whilst I don't have any of the new bike yet I would like to try an attempt to pacify you for now with my current Fireblade:
Welcome to the wonderful world of Ducati. As a former Fireblade owner, I think you've made a smart move. Enjoy.
Very nice - did the same back in March and purchased a Panigale ABS model - although I went with a Tracker system as it turned out same price as an alarm Might be worth asking about that rather than an alarm?
I went from a brace of CBR1000RRs specced for the track to the Pani S. I have not tracked it yet, but wow! it is so much more exciting and involving to ride. The only issue I have now is the collection of DVLA loyalty points I seem to be collecting! Enjoy it.
The Honda - an easy, excellent do-anything motorcycle. The Ducati - a not so easy, amazing, not-do-anything motorcycle. But when it's doing what it was designed to do, it's much more fun. Howdy.