New owner - Ft Campbell, ky

[Nacho696]

Back in 2008 while deployed to afghanistan, I first saw the Monster And fell in love. Told myself " I'm going to own that bike"

Got back to Germany and I had to buy a new car, so I picked up a  2010 Ford Raptor.

Came back stateside last October with the dreams of still owning one

Months of searching Craigslist and local dealerships and found one owned by a nice older gentleman for a great price with only 1300 miles on it.

well, Sunday 18 March I brought her home.  Beautiful white 09 M696. ( on tapatalk, or I would post pics)

This bike is a work of art. I hope to learn a lot from this community and join some of you on the road.

[Curmudgeon]

Welcome! And thanks for your service!!!

[gmerri]

Welcome and thanks for your service.  I'm still on the dealer loaner and my black 796 arrives (fingers crossed) Friday.  The ride is incredible having put on about 350 miles since Saturday (loaner).  My only problem is that is way to early for me to be feeling this comfortable on a bike again, it just goes where you look and is scary on how easy it handles.  It has 14T and pretty snappy.   Stock has 15 and my dealer says wait and try it til the 600 mile break in.  My new found friend Curmudgeon continues to counsel on the need for the sprocket.  I'm a fellow veteran but saw only stateside tour in the late 80s at Ft's Benning and Stewart.  I'm down in Franklin, TN but a ride on the Natchez Trace is calling.  They are having a total control class www.nashvilleriders.com on the Mar 30 and April 1 in Old Hickory.  I'm registered for the 1st.  Seems highly recommended. Ride safe.

[Curmudgeon]

Now that you are spoiled...  We should probably start a pool to see how far from the dealership you ride before you turn around for that 14T.  Not sure I can fathom your dealer's attitude. When I told mine that his demo was horribly overgeared, he told me flat out that the 14T was the most common mod on new Monsters. Make sure your dealer has one on the shelf! Also don't leave the place before he sets up the rear sag with you on the bike wearing all your gear.

How many miles on that demo? By now it's probably getting smoother. They take a while to break in, so don't be discouraged while you slowly loosen yours up. Agreed, the bike is a little gem of course.

Rubber side down!