I had a 97 Ninja 250 for 4 years. I rode it a lot. (mostly commuting)
It was fun but tiring. 7000 RPMs and above for anything over 55mph kinda sucks. I was able to ride it aggressively but there was no way I was staying with someone on a 600SS if they decided it was time for me to get left. I can ride fairly aggressively on the street and pushing that thing was a little scary at times. I haven't ridden the new one yet, and I'm sure it's better in every way. Riding the 97 like my ass was on fire was fun, but I was pretty alert the whole time I was doing it.