Thanks! I absolutely agree on the BMWs, very nice bikes, but in terms of value for the dollar... I've ridden K-bikes, and spent a lot of time looking at the various R bikes and they are works of art. I've also raced against them and gone up against them in the canyons, and they are definately not 100% better across the board.
I recently fell in love with a beautiful bike at a motorcycle show, an Augusta 750. I can't remember the model name, but it was matte black, very nice looking. If I was going to pay a premium for a bike, it'd be that one.