Name: Luke
Location: Currently Afghanistan, but in the spring I'll be going back to Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
Bike(s) (if any): My first bike was a VStar 650 Classic. I got it as a starter bike and it was great for that, but after one Alaskan summer, I was ready to move on. My Dad has an '85 HD Sportster so I grew up around cruisers. When I went home this past September, he had just gotten an Aprilia Tuono 1000R and it was incredible. Riding it completely changed my perspective on what kind of bike I wanted next. After extensive research on the internet and talking to friends and family, I decided I wanted a Monster. I was looking at used ones, but shipping up to Fairbanks is kind of a PITA, so when my wife found out how reasonable even a new 696 is, she suggested I just get a new one ;D. So when I get back next May-ish, we're going to take a trip down to Anchorage and ride it around the Kenai Peninsula. I can't wait! As a result, 90% of my free time here has been spent reading these forums, researching what mods, reading about maintenance, etc.
How long you've been riding: About a year.
Anything else you'd like to share: This looks like a great community and I look forward to riding with you guys! If anyone is going to be in Fairbanks, AK next summer, let me know!
You'll have great rides with your father [Dolph]
Wife sounds more than reasonable [thumbsup]
Welcome here - enjoy!
Awesome plan, you'll love the monster [thumbsup]
Hey Luke,
Welcome back to AK! I'm currently down in Wasilla but will be headed back to the PNW sometime mid-summer. Congrats on your new Monster! If you happen to be riding in the Wasilla/Anchorage area and see a red and white Monster (I've got the Mach 1 skins), give me a wave ;D ;D
Liz