I purchased my 250 in April of 2009. I have ridden it to and from work since then. I absolutely love the handling and breaking system. They are very efficient and give what the specs say. The 2 wheels up front with the independent suspension is fantastic. You have to ride one to believe the extra security you feel with the two front wheels and independent suspension. You can lean it into a turn at pretty close to the 40 degrees stated.
I would have no problem about purchaing the 500 CC unit and giving my wife the 250.
Gas mileage is great.
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