What is the best low-budget motorcycle that's not a crotch rocket?

My first and current bike was a Kawasaki Vulcan 800. The 800 is known for its reliability and ease to maintain, and the engine is a great introduction to the world of cruisers. Kawi's current model is now an EFI 900, but a solid 800 can be had for 4k or less.

Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic

The Suzuki that Joshua recommends is a good pick too, but remember that while "Gladius" means "sword" in Latin, it also means "penis."

I like my 2008 Ninja 250. Cheap to insure, cheap to run (50 mpg), no involuntary wheelies but can be quick when wanted (~85 mph easy)

I like my 2008 Ninja 250 (bought it 2000 mile used for $3400). Cheap to insure, cheap to run (50 mpg), no involuntary wheelies but can be quick when wanted (~85 mph easy)

It is hard to answer a question like this without knowing certain things -

Are you a new rider? Do you want cruiser style? Standard? Dual-Purpose? What will be your primary use for the bike?

That said, these are my suggestions:

I have ridden all of these bikes (and a few more) within the last eighteen months -

Small dual-sport - Yamaha XT 250 - $5000 - EXCELLENT handling on and off road, good looking too.

Small Cruiser - Honda Rebel $4000 - I have liked this bike since the 80's, nearly bullet-proof engine, good looks, and very good handling. I have always wondered why anyone would buy a 250cc Vespa for 7k+ instead of one of these.

Mid-sized Cruiser - Suzuki s40 Boulevard - $5000 - This bike is bullet-proof, handles well and is perfect for short commutes as well as weekend rides. It is a single, so tons of power at the low end. The only thing I wouldn't do on this bike is take it on long journeys as it does have the typical single cylinder vibration problems.

Bike that you will love - Harley Sportster 883 Iron - $8000 - Yeah, yeah, it lacks the quiet (boring?) motor of its Japanese cousins, it may not be the most reliable bike on the road (though it is VERY reliable), but just visit a Harley-Davidson dealer and you will have this immediate, visceral reaction - This is what motorcycles are supposed to look, smell and sound like...it is a very good all-around bike, and it is made in the USA, which still counts in my book.

A bit of luxury - BMW g650s - $8000 - This bike is excellent on the road, and not too bad off road (logging trails, paths, on the beach, etc.) It is a bike that would be great for a ride down the PCH - When you ride one of these bikes the quality and refinement are clear - It is hard to quantify, because there really are so many great bikes being built today, but when you sit on it and ride you will notice the difference. I was a better rider on this bike.

If you are looking for a used bike, try to find a mid-70's or newer Japanese built bike with low miles with as complete a service history as possible. Stay away from older Hondas that look really cool (like the Dream 305) and also avoid the Hondamatic bikes - the auto-trans sounds cool but it is a bummer to repair. Finally, stay away from the sport bikes and those owned by kids (younger adults) because they are usually ridden hard and ill-maintained.

Good luck!!!

try one of the newer, electric ignition Enfields if you want a real head-turner. If you're looking for performance, you won't find tons, but I've found that the most fun I have on a bike is between 45 and 65 anyway. And the ladies love them. They're tough looking.

Royal Enfield

Ducati Monster.....always! I had a 1999 Monster 750 for 4 years before upgrading to the 996. Seven years later I still miss the Monster. You can pick up a decent used one for about $4000.

If you are a beginner then go for the 620ie or the 750. You will not regret it.