Try some of the Japanese mid-size standards - the Kawi Z750S, Honda 599, Yamaha FZ6, or the Suzuki Bandit 600. They're all variations on a theme, all list for around $7k, and you can get deals on all of them. The SV650 might be more hunched over than you'd like, though the Vstrom 650 (same bike in dual-sport form) would cure that (though it might be too tall for you).
If I were your size, with your stated priorities, I'd probably be happy with any of those bikes. Since I'm my size with similar priorities, I ride BMWs.
