The Vulcan 750 is a good choice, for more than a few reasons. As other have elude too, it is not like the current crop of cruisers, it has an 80 design which makes more functional, and it has enough power to get you in to trouble (if you choose). It has a centerstand, hydraulic Lash adjusters, liquid cooled, both a temp and fuel gauge, Tach, plus Insurance should be much more reasonable than a race bike. They handle well (obviously you should take a safety course), and dont let any fool you, they can be tipped into corners. I like the looks of the Vulcan, but that is just me.
It is lighter than other "similar" sized cursers out there now. The only other like it still around in the Suzuki 800 intruder (now called the s50).
I have a 1984 VT700 Honda Shadow (i got it about 4 years ago with 15,000 miles on it) that I still commute daily on. It is very similar functionally and to the vn750. The reason I havent traded yet is because the shadow is running well. I have considered trading it in on the vn750, but no need with it still running well. I think the XL1200R sportster (2004+) is a good choice too, smaller tank however. On a side note I like the looks of the XL883R as well, which I could find a review of the 2004+ 883r...