I also like the 88+ 250 styling but prefer the bigger brother much better. The 88-07 was style after the 87-90 Ninja 750r to make it appear a bigger bike then it was and the 250 decal was removed. The 08+ 250 is even bigger and heavier then the 88+. I'm tempted to get a 88+ as a companion to my 750r but only so much room in the garage. It funny as 88+ 250 outlive its older brother by 20+ years and most forgot about the relations between the two bikes.
My 750 has been modifed quite a bit but the styling is exactly the same as stock so you can still see the resemblance to the 88+ 250