Have a look at Hyosung GT650R. They use Suzuki component but come in at a very competative price. Some bikers may laugh but they are probably the ones who would have laughed at Honda, Yamaha etc some 30 years back when they were the new kids on the block.
I am seriously considering a GT125R as a virgin biker. It looks like a 650 and with a few mods can top out at almost 100mph.
The only problem is my wife, who seems to think a new kitchen should come first.
http://www.hyosung.co.uk/main.php