Just found this thread, and found it quite on-topic for me: I'm looking at picking up a bike as well.
My take:
Suzuki SV650 for me, all the way. Probably the "hottest" of the good-for-beginner bikes. But still very very entertaining for seasoned riders. 650 cc V-twin, good price, great mid-range torque, nice sound, good handling.
Check out some of the sv650s on youtube.
Oh, and I will never ride without my body armor, 'cause it's the only thing between me and the steel-and-concrete outside world lookin' to put a whole lotta hurt on me at 50 mph...
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/upload...50S-action.jpg <pic of an SV650S in action>