tlang,
I've owned an ST (put 16k miles on), but not an FJR, yet.
You sound pretty certain on the sport touring type bike, but mention many others you've looked at. I would say to you, if you were one of my students in a BRC or ERC class, think about something used. Something that's a good deal, and 'close' to what you want.
Someone who hasn't ridden in a long time, may find that "it's not for me". Or you may find that inexpensive naked bike you got a good deal on, "suits my purpose just fine".
It's really hard to call it, if you know what I mean. But one thing for sure... if you're not pretty adept at handling a bike, these big ST's can end up on their sides pretty easy, and that plastic ain't cheap brotha.
You may also get one of the ST's (I prefer the FJR personally), even new, and it works out great, who can say? But for sure, going the used route get's ya back in the saddle, maybe at a price you could even sell it for more then you paid! and you get to "work things out"; like do you want something more upright, like a fazer, or yeah, you can handle the ride in the crotch rocket postion, so the big ST's would be fine, etc etc,
Like others have said,
definately take the MSF course first, if yer gonna drop a bike, drop theirs
