Ok, I've been putting around on my EX500 for a while now, and the more I ride the more I want "more." I have really gotten interested in sport-touring and I've been hanging out at an ST forum a lot picking up info. I've been eyeballing the forums for newish SV650s, reading tons of reviews on bikes, from the SV to the 650 Vstrom, the 1000 Vstrom, the YZF600R, you name it. LOTS of reading. While I was doing my looking and sport-touring forum posting, someone PMe me with an incredible deal. Something I really can't pass up. It's a 2005 (yes, 2005!) Triumph Sprint ST with 6500 miles on it. I went and looked at the bike and it is really perfect. Never dropped, no scratches, it's mint. Comes with soft bags and two extra tires (the current ones are still fine). The owner is mature and has taken great care of it (has all the receipts). I think I'll pick it up on Sunday.
I might just keep riding the EX for a while more and then switch...we'll see.
For the uninitiated, that bike (on the showroom) is $10,800.