Appreciate the feedback guys, keep it coming!
I went by a cycle shack today after work to brows a bit and sit on a few bikes. I must say, I REALLY like the Yamaha FZ-07.
I was able to cross the Honday CB500F off the list, just too cheap and I felt way to big on it. I still very much like the Duke 690 as well, but I am skeptical about how it will handle longer 60-70mph stretches of a road trip. Most reviews i've read say it gets pretty vibrate'ee at higher speeds.
If I were buying today, which I am not, i'd have a very hard time picking between the FZ-07 and the Duke 690.
Ive got plenty of time and I am not rushing into anything. I'd really like to get a use bike, but the two I fell in love with are pretty much new within the last two years....
Oh, and I really wouldn't mind a Monster 821 Dark either, but I don't think I need to get a Ducti as my first bike..... do I???