More power will always make your engine wear faster of course, but the kind of traffic in the area where I live and work means that driving a 50cc 4T is no option for me (it is in fact dangerous over here, I've tried it), and the pathetic drivers license laws in the Netherlands (compared to the rest of Europe) would mean that I have to get a full motorcycle license for even a small 125cc scooter, even while I have a drivers license for cars since 1994 (and driving experience with mopeds and scoots since 1986)...
I could buy at least two Agilitys for the price of a motorcycle license, and the thought of being treated like a 17 year old again taking tests and exams makes my stomach turn, so I don't mind giving up a little reliabilty !!
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Well, I got my full 'A' licence a month ago :-) Options were A1,A2 and A(21+ )
No big deal and cost me about 200 eur + 20 eur new plastic drivers licence form in police. Two pages of written test, and practical exam on the road with motorcycle more than 50 cc and with at least 3 gears. And I had 'L' plate for a week on my Downtown 125(self lerning).
It was worth it and feels good. Few days ago I drove my friends yamaha fz 600 :-). By the way, I'm still keeping my agility 50.
Don't know why it's so expensive in NL, but I advise you to get yourself an A licence.