Alex, I know what you mean by getting attached to the little bike, some people question why I would choose a 250, I think it's self explanitory, Basicly it's more fun to go fast on a slow bike than slow on a fast bike, (I think I'm paraphrasing our host Alex here) I was never really moved by the EX500, but I have never riden one either, If I was in the market for a 500 twin, I think I would rather have a Suzuki GS500, I realize that it has significantly less power than the 500 ninja (being an air cooled 2 valve per cyl motor) but I like the looks of the perimeter chassis. Some people just can't seem to understand... If I wanted 150+ horsepower motorbike with top shelf suspension, I would just go buy one.
BTW, are you still riding or has winter gotten there yet? I have been to your beautiful state in the summer, nice place