i had an ex500 as my first bike, and i was very glad i went to a 600cc i-4 (cbr600 f4i) instead of a 750 or 1000. it has plenty of power, very smooth, and much more manageable on corner exits. i'm sure i don't compare to you, the Rossi of Ravenna (at least, that's what they call you around those parts I hear), but i think you may feel the same way. but then again, i don't know you at all, so take it for what it's worth: a few words of advice from just some random guy on the internets.