I think one of the coolest bikes out there in terms of new production, that does not cost an arm and a leg is...

Suzuki VS650 naked.

I think it looks great.  Has lots of grunt, and although I have not been on one, looks closest to my GS500 in terms of riding comfort.

M

Can you say...linear Power Band? 

(I own it's ugly cousin the Wee Strom)

That actually looks pretty darn slick! I may have to buy one in the future. . .

I sat on one at a couple of the local motorcycle show, and it feels like the GS500's bigger brother. I'm told that like the GS they are bullet proof. so unless they handle like a pig (and all reviews say not, they should make a wonderful upgrade.

On a similar vein, I also like the CBR650F. Again I've only thrown a leg over it, but the spec sheet looks good.

It's a great motor and capable chassis. I live full fairings though. There used to be a faired model SV as well. Nice bikes, but many have been thrashed so shop wisely.

I was looking at it from the perspective of buying a new bike. The crb650 is not a twin. I am stuck on twins for some reason. Lacking in the sport bike category!   It always goes t 4 cylinder.

Because I like twin, it look like Ducati or Gladius and it is over stylized.   The sv I the only bike I could find with all th things things l like about th gs. I also like ducati...but...

I agree completely. I especially like the naked models with the classic round headlights (like ours!). I agree that I like the simplicity of a 2 cylinder bike, and also prefer  my bikes with less plastic to scratch up. I've always been interested in the older Monsters for the same reason, plus I think the single sided swing arms look spiffy. I'd probably stick to Japanese bikes though.

For those reasons, I think my next bike will be a Honda NT650. maybe a VFR, but there's an awful lot of plastic on those.

i always liked a customized Buell Blast
http://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/2009/11/mac-motorcycles-no-longer-blast.html

a dime a dozen, well-engineered, and not expected.