This is my first bike and I couldn't have asked for anything better. This little gem has taken me from being scared to death to ride in heavy traffic to feeling very confident in just about any traffic situation.
If you're looking for the big cruiser image in a smaller package, look no further. With the dual pipes and all the chrome you could ask for on a 250, the stock version of this bike will get noticed.
Without comparing this bike to its big brothers, the starts on this little machine are pretty healthy - I haven't had any problems taking off from a stoplight/stop sign/steep hill with a car wanting to go over the top of me. It doesn't quite have the rumble of the larger bikes, but it does have a little bit of a purr.
This bike also started beautifully after sitting in the Kansas cold, untouched, for two months. You would have never known it wasn't being used regularly.
Overall, if you're looking for a starter bike with enough power to get you around town and big cruiser looks, this is the bike for you.