Ducati Monster 750 or 900. I've got a 900, but my friend has a 750 which just seems to do more things right. No tank slap under hard acceleration, and more of a joy in the twisties. But the Desmo valves i leave to the professionals come adjustment time. Only bike made today with real character. I've had some British bikes over the years which had too much character, spent more time wrenching than riding.

Japanese bikes are perfect if you never want to break out your tools, but I've always felt like I was on a toy rather than a machine. I ride with about 20 other guys and not only do we seem to rotate our personal collections, we also swap rides every hour or so. If I went Japanese, I'd get a Honda VFR750 or a Kawasaki W650.

BMW's (at least the K's and the latest boxers) have lousy shifters, problematic gauges (moisture gets in there easily, esp on the K's), and too much plastic. The K RT's would be great if they actually left room for your knees (even the 1100 is short on leg room). Every BMW I've had (4) liked to gobble up oil. Seemed like I was always adding a half quart here and there. The fuel injected models are a little quirky thru the rev range, and slow to rev too. But...the ABS will save your hide, and the handling is very Germanic. Despite their faults, i keep buying them.

__________________
'64 230SL