They best bang for your buck would be an older Suzuki SV650. A lot like a monster without the high price and high maintenance.

 

+1 on the Suzy SV650. You can find these babies used for cheap. Lots of aftermarket accessories to choose from.

 

this would be play bike....2nd to my 01 WideGlide

Kinda like the Suz sv560, Hon 599/Hornet
Thanks guys

 

You can find older (1999-2001) Speed Triples in that range. Full sportbike suspension and damned newar the torque of a built Evo. Mine put 74ft/lbs and 118hp to the rear wheel, with 95,000 miles on it it still picks up front if you shift into third to hard.

 

Look at the Honda 599 (Hornet 600) and the 919 (Hornet 900). I only have experience with the 599 but it's a great little bike. Accelerates like a V-Rod but handles alot better. The 919 is more powerful but some actually think the 599 is more fun. Test ride both if you can.

Other than that you have the Kawasaki Z1000 and Z750. The Z1000 is a rocket and the Z750 is also plenty fast. They will probably cost you more than 3k though.

Yamaha have their FZ-1 and FZ-6, also great bikes.