I have been away from motorcycling for about 10Yr. but the desire to ride never left.  So, after much research, in '05 I went looking for the ride that would fill my needs.  I found it at the Kawasaki dealer and picked out the 1500 Vulcan Classic.  First new bike for me and big enough to carry both the wife and I.  And it does just what I want it to do.  As for me, I am a heavy equipment operator and work locally here.  I was raised on a mixed farm and love the prairies (even though the winters get to me now).  But the wide open spaces make it worth the wait.  I do like the mountain riding when we get to them but with work, it is sometimes hard to get away as often as we would like.