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  .  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

Wife sounds more than reasonable

Welcome here - enjoy!

Awesome plan, you'll love the monster 

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 

Liz