Go 2nd gen. You wont regret it. I have done the Ivans FCE (a must do for a 2006) and had my stock seat redone by Greatdaytoride and got rid of the OEM Dunflops. I'm very happy with it. It has more power and handles better than any bike I've ever ridden, and is all day comfortable. The first gen seems to have had some serious vibration issues. BTW, if anyone wants a Corbin leather riders seat, I have one to sell.