you might want to look in on a Kaw ZRX1200R, my dad has one and the styling is more retro, so its not for everyone. The 1200 CC engine in it is a bored out ZX11 motor and is tuned more for torque and midrange. It feels like a big bike, but does not have so much power that it will scare you. Has about 112 hp and 75 ft lbs of torque, they havent changed the model in the past few years so you could pick up an 02 model (the same as my dads) and it will be identical to a brand new 05 except for the color. As i said before, the way it looks is not my style, but a lot of guys ride em and they all tell me its a great bike, and from riding it i agree with em its a lot more torquey than my 636, but a lot heavier, my first bike was also an EX, and my 636 is deff enough power for me, also look into a Suz SV1000S, sporbike styling, with a torquey midrange V twin.