I own the UK version of the bike. I´d definatly reccomend you buy this bike if you´re thinking of it as a first bike. The bike doesn´t look as impressive as some other 125 custom/cruisers you can get, but is generally £500+ cheaper. Great to handle, feels very sturdy at both low and high speeds. I´ve had 70mph out of my bike, but 60-65 mph is about the most you´ll get normally, although in strong winds this tends to max 45-55. I´ve had this bike for about 4 months now, and havn´t dropped it yet, despite trying! Riding pillion on this bike can be a bit uncomfortable, it tends to vibrate, alot! I guess the girlfriend wouldn´t mind the ride tho! ;) Fuel comsumption is pretty reasonable, you can get between 150-250 mile from a single tank full (12 litres), and it costs under £10 to fill up, even with current UK petrol prices.