Yamaha 1300 Tourer - Yamaha 1300 Tourer Fansite

Greetings to all from wintry northern New York. I discovered this wonderful site as I was seeking information about my 1300 Tourer. I just recently returned from Afghanistan where I served for a year as the Brigade Chaplain for 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division. I used to ride a Vulcan 800A but sold it to my brother before I deployed so it wouldn't have to sit idle for a year. When I made the decision to sell the Vulcan, I began to research my next bike. I needed a more powerful scoot since my lovely wife enjoys motorcycle adventures with me. Soldiers love Harleys but I guess I'm too much of a rebel to buy a bike that people say I "need" to fit in and be cool and accepted. Harleys are good bikes but there are lots of good bikes! I just love to ride! I eagerly read the reviews as the 1300 was released and liked what I read. I kept a picture of the VStar 1300 with me throughout the whole deployment. Just two weeks after returning from Afghanistan, I found a beautiful silver 2007 Tourer for sale. I bought the bike but, alas, it is sitting in my garage as I wait for the roads to clear. I don't mind the cold - I rode my Vulcan year-round when I was stationed in North Carolina; the coldest ride to work being 19 degrees. It's the snow, slush, and thick salt I don't want to subject my bike to. With the bike in my garage I'm one step closer than when I was gazing at the picture in Afghanistan. Winters are long here, but they don't last forever. Anticipation is building! It's only a matter of time. It's great to be with all of you! See you on the road!
Brad