I currently drive a Yamaha XJN 600 Diversion, but as for cars, I have my shortlist ! This list is not exhaustive, nor suppose to be the best motorcycles, just those I fancy and consider as potential future acquisition.
Ducati ss900
This one is more a dream (nightmare ?) than a potential purchase ! Many bikers reject Ducati for its lack of reliability and its show-off design, but I am definitely charmed by this brand.
Ducati 996
Girls : do not worry. The crazy look your boyfriend have right now is temporary. He is going to be much better if you press 'page down' button.
Yamaha YZF R6
Ok, guys, now we can start looking for real, not dreaming. This is the 600cc version of the fabulous YZF-R1 derived from Supersport World championship (especially the impressive Deltabox II frame). The latest technology has been use to design this motorcycle, which shows 106 CV and incredible performances.
Yamaha XJR 1300
This model is generally considered as the best roadster for a daily use. the design is sober and powerful, without showing off. a big motor that gives you enough power to feel good about driving in town as well as freeway.
Honda Hornet
The CB 600 Hornet is for me a wonderful toy, with an excellent motor, and a really great look (I am less optimist about the 'S' version). This 600cc develop almost 94 CV, enough to have fun as well as a safe driving.
Voxan Café Racer V2 1000
If you are not French or/and not familiar with motorcycles, you probably never heard of this brand and model. But this French brand manage to build a very nice motorcycle, with a 1000cc motor, developing 120 CV (but French version is limited to 100 CV due to the law) with a incredible look that is really futuristic. I love that motorbike, dream to ride it one day, but I see 2 weaknesses in it : the price and too much plastic used. But isn't that a general stance in today's vehicle? Go and discover it !
Ducati Mostro
Ok, I told you it
was MY shortlist, and I 
that motorcycle ! the look is incredibly hot, the motor is good and reliable,
and has a great sound, the power is enough for urban use (the 600cc is weak, but
the 750cc and the 900cc versions are ok). What can I say ? I just love it... You
can tell me it is not reliable (well, they made a lot of efforts since a
decade), it seldom starts under rain (this is more a myth, isn't it ?) and it is
a wanker's motorbike (I agree ahaha), I still love it... Anybody wants to buy it
for me please ?
Suzuki Bandit
The incredible success of this masterpiece shows how good it is. I am not a Suzuki addict, but I sure am a Bandit one. This Motorcycle combines look, power, comfort, reliability, cheap price, low cost, excellent behavior, where is the trick ?? I wonder... So do all the happy owner ! ah ! one thing maybe : the very good handle you get on it fast and the fact that the 600cc version is very often chosen by new drivers means that many bikers crash with that one, a bit like the first wolkswagen Golf GTI or the Peugeot 205 GTI for the cars. So beware, drive safely, and do not overestimate your skills !