From what I’ve gathered so far, I’m taller than you by quite a bit (you’re 5’10”, right?), AND I’ve been riding a GSX-R around the track for the past year, yet I don’t mind the riding position or the power of the 250 at all. That’s especially funny because the pre-’08 250 had MORE power and MORE legroom (though lower seat height) than the ’08 that I have. I mean, sure, it could be that I’ve “been there done that” with respect to power and so I can appreciate the Ninja more knowing I can hop on the speedster any time I get the itch, but still…
I dunno man, I think you’re trying to talk yourself into a bigger bike. You may be legitimately right, and it could make a lot of sense for you. I don’t deny that possibility. But I’m not convinced, nor do I think you’re convinced yourself. I think you’re just intoxicated by your upgrade options
I’m not saying this because I think you’re going to squid yourself on a big bike. I’m saying this because, and this is especially true of supersports/bikes, you may discover it’s not what you wanted after all.
You’re worried about ergos? I just got back from a two hour ride on the GSX-R (I’m trying to push it to its next service before my next track day this coming Weds) and man, my back hurts! It’s fine around the track because you’re in proper riding position, but you can’t do that on the street. You don’t have visibility and you’re harder for others to see when you’re crouched down. What that means is that, even though the bike wants you angled forward, on the street you have to fight that and try to sit up. This is impossible to do in a remotely comfortable way. On the other hand, going back to the Ninja is going to feel like getting in a Lazy Boy in comparison. It’s so nice and upright!
Anyway, if you feel you must (and you do know best…if you’re honest with yourself), I’d absolutely concur with the recommendations of the SV650SF/Ninja650R. It’s a much friendlier bike in day-to-day riding, and it’s just about as fast as a race bike in the 0-60mph test. I’d still stay away from the naked/streetfighter (e.g. Triumph Street — not Speed — Triple) type unless you REALLY want to do yourself in. Those are just naked sportbikes with more upright riding positions in disguise as normal motorcycles.