Lar -
I sure wish my parents had picked up a bike for me! I think the ninjette would be a decent choice for what you're looking for. Reliable, inexpensive, easy to maintain, and the world doesn't end if it falls over once or twice.
I used to own a ZX-12R (the ZZR1200's close relative), and miss that bike. But we still have two Kawi's in the garage, so we haven't left the fold completely (ninjette and ZX-10R).
- Alex