are you wanting a sportbike, cruiser, or sport touring
sportbike the CBR600rr will be plenty for you, and is a nice bike, handles great, tons of power, and great styling.
cruiser wise, its really what you want for comfort and budget.
a shadow spirit can be had for around 6k, and they are alike a sportster riding posistion, straight bars, rough suspension, forward controls, 750cc v twin not the fastest, but for the price a nice bike, if you want something more comfortable, the shadow aero, same motor, jsut differnet riding position, alot more comfortable, kind of liek a fatboy harley. cna be had for a little over 6k
both are shaft drive.
if you got a little more cash to spend, either the VTX1300 or VTX1800.. the 1300 is cheaper, but the VTX1800 has a dual pin crank, and is signifigantly faster. both are decently comfortable, but i personally like the styling and power better on the 1800.
also the VTX1800 can be had in many different styles to suit your taste.
for sport touring, the VFR800 intereceptor is an incredible bike, wiht great styling 800cc V4 motor, and alot of comfort.
i say go to a dealer sit on a few and see what you like.