I don't know the answer to the color/year question. I guess since the owner doesn't know for sure, I guess the emblem is removed or lost? Only way I know to tell from a glance is the 500 variator/tranny case is MUCH bigger than the 250. Looks as big as a whale on the left of the rear wheel. Check out pictures of my orange '07 500 in "New to me 500" topic on second page of Eye Candy forum here. And, by the way, that case changes a little in appearance from year to year but 500's is always bigger I believe.