It´s definitely a good bike overall -- I own a 1999 model and am very happy with it. It´s my second bike, though. Unless you are pretty good size (5´10" or taller) and have at least some prior riding experience, I wouldn´t necessarily recommend it as a first bike. It is farily heavy and tall and the engine, while not as cutting edge as those of today´s sport bikes, is still a four-banger and has plenty of pop for a new rider.