I agree with Ian, GS500 is a great all around bike, This is a bike that not only looks good but performs well enough overall to last more than a few years before you out grow it.Ian522 wrote:Suzuki GS500 comes to mind.
I just took a minute and looked it up, 2007 for 5199.00 MSRP! And it is actually one sharp looking bike. It is the GS500F (F is for Fairing) I actually prefer the naked version myself but I am not sure it is still available new. Though a quick search on craigs list showed several late model bikes from 2000 to 3200 bucks, but for the 4 grand you have, I would go with something new. More reliable and you know it has no issues.
Alot of the bikes I found needed carb work from sitting, Unless you are good with them things you will pay out the O ring for that type of work, I personally have wasted way to much money over the years on carb work and I don't think I ever had any of it done right! They can be very costly and tricky, But then again I just ride em, I never claimed to know how to fix em! Here is the link to the Suzuki website, check it out.
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/GS ... fault.aspx
Good Luck.
Steve