Thanks guys, good stuff in here. I think I'd probably snap up an SV650 if I saw a good deal..... And I'm def leaning torwards the 650... the only real advantage, other than price, of an ex-500, is more experience riding different kind of bikes. That's part of the fun for me, and as a developing rider, experience trying out different rides is worthwhile. Granted, it might be an expensive lesson Unless I sell my blast soon, It's looking like I won't be acquiring a new bike this fall... I tend to just pucker up when I think about taking money out of the bank. If I sell my blast, then I'll be in top gear mode to buy a new bike, and have the cash sitting in a pile. As it is now, I have $800 in cash under my matress + a bank account with plenty in it... Just hurts to think about withdrawing it, so I'd much rather sell the blast. The important thing is that I'm not desperate, and if I can make myself be patient enough, I can wait for the winter to get a good deal, and take it, and then sell the blast in the spring. I add $400/month to my cash-pile for a new bike. Course, it's tough to test-ride and ride it home in the winter, unless you guys just mean cold temps, (not snow) and cold temps don't bother me AT ALL for riding.