[whiteboyslo]

if it's mainly for highway commuting, i'd say Versys or Wee-Strom.

250 can do freeway, but everyone i talk to says it's not overly happy about it and the MPG starts to show it. oh, and a fuel-injected bike is SO much nicer.

SVs aren't the most comfortable rides, especially over any appreciable distance. it's the only reason i got rid of mine.

Ninja 650..... i've heard what mievil has heard. then again, it does seem to have a more upright position, which is nice.

GSX650F......eh. cosmetically, i can't get over the half-gixxer/half-GS500 look. doesn't seem to offer any advantages between the SV and the V-Strom, except it does (sorta) bridge the gap between the two.

now, between the Versys and the Wee-Strom, i would go with the Wee-Strom, mainly because my experience with the SV left me with a good impression of that little v-twin.

and i would echo mievil's comment to go used, ESPECIALLY if you're looking at one of the two bikes i recommended. they tend to be ridden less aggressively and often by more experienced riders. they are in demand, though, and thus hold their value well. still, i'm sure a deal is to be found.

Mike