When I was in the US I had a Kawasaki Ninja 250 (basically the ex250 with sportbike plastic and better brakes) which I liked a lot - it handled great, used almost no fuel, and was cheap to service the one they sell now is basically unchanged since Reagan was president.

They don't seem to sell it here, and I'm wondering if somebody can suggest a suitable replacement. I don't want to go up to something like the 600 - the more aggressive riding position kills my back after an hour or two of riding, and I also have very short legs. I'm not wed to the sportbike fairings, just want something cheap and simple that handles well and is up to long-distance/motorway rides as well as city traffic dodging.

Ideas?