Honestly, I like the new Kawi ER-6n. They're good for beginners without having to worry about 'growing' out of it. Plus it's the street figher/naked bike style that I like. Plus, they're under $7k new, vs the roughly $10k for the Aprilias.

I may be in a position I Could get a bike about this time next year. I think something like a used Suzuki DRZ400SM would be a fun bike for around $4k. Local one on CL:


It's too bad Yamaha doesn't make a bigger version of the WRX250. It looks pretty nice, but I think the 250 would be a bit lacking for anything other than around town.(Edit: Apparently the 250 Yami does fine 'pacing Cali traffic at 80mph' due to its revvy engine. There's a good review of the 09 on motorcycle.com) I think Suzuki is the only one of the 'big 4' that makes a 400+CC supermoto.