i got a 280 for my first trials. 
i wasnt happy about it but there weren't any bikes for sale in south wales at the time. and i wasnt gonna travel miles just to buy a bike. 
my opinion? yes a 280 is a bit of a handful. once its up in the rev range and you start losing control, there is no stopping it, it puts you on your a***. 
i got no intention of keeping it, never have, not even when i bought it. 
its a 2006 that i bought to learn on. once i got the basics nailed, im going to chop it in for a MY 10/11