I'm still shopping around for my first bike, and here is my new list and reasons for:
Honda F4i : all around goodness and racer looks
Ducati 750s : it's a ducati, it's a monster, with Senna colors (I'm an F1 nut)
Honda 919 : same peak power as the monster S4, 900rr motor, for less than 8k!
Triumph S4 : Triumph name, streetfighter looks, $500 less than 919.
But I'll wait to hear how reliable the Triumph is. Has Triumph overcome their gremlins?