rented one for 3 days while mine is undergoing some changes first day i logged about 180 miles on it... yeap i can hear the noise in 5th, it doesnt bother me... sounds worse if lugging, but i dont lug.... power is smooth, feels torquey.... 6th gear is awsome on interstate... its a nice scoot but nothing exceptional over my 06.... i would buy one if in the market....