I haven't read all the posts in the discussion (garnered a lot of good feedback), but I have skimmed them... So I know I'm not really saying anything new here.
It's been said you won't save money. That's true, IMO. Not unless you trade your car (and related expenses) for a bike and its... Then, maybe. But you've said it's partly emotional, and you just want to ride. Good. Healthy attitude to have about riding, IMHO.
It was also said (not by you) that you won't ride (most likely) more than 25% of the time. I don't know you, and how likely that is to be true, but I ride almost 100% of the time (to work, that is - other errands I'll often drive). I have two motorcycles right now - a 2002 BMW R1150RS which will pull about 45mpg on my commute, and a 2015 Zero SR, which will pull ~180Wh/mi (I.e., costs me about a buck to ride my 50 mile round trip commute. The Zero can do better, but I do most of the miles on the highway at ~65-80 mph)
Your concern about a charging location is valid. Sounds like your commute is really short - short enough that a Zero FX or maybe even an XU would serve you. Both have removable packs, so you can carry them in to charge them. I don't have any personal experience with them, but if cost were no object, I'd seriously consider adding the new FXS to my garage.
On an electric like mine, your 'fuel cost' would basically be nothing. Heck, if you charge it at work, it would literally be nothing! For me, it's $20 to $25 per month for about 1050 miles. About $0.02 cents per mile. My tires on the Zero needed replacing at 7500 miles. That cost me ~$250 doing my own wrenching. Probably closer to $500 if you rode it to a dealer and said "gimee tires". There's no oil to change... Brake pads, tires, flush the brake fluid if you think it needs it... Change the drive belt every 25,000 miles. My BMW is around $0.07 per mile, plus requires much more maintenance, though the tires last a bit longer (but cost more). It rides nicer, is ultimately faster and handles better at speed. Nicer when riding 2-up.
Oh, and your initial thought of what you want the bike to look like? I totally understand your perspective. I felt the same way when I started riding a while back. I didn't like the look of all the plastic, and longed for something that looked more like the way bikes used to look when I was a kid. Not seeing anything immediately similar, I found myself drawn to the cruisers. I made the mistake of buying a baby cruiser (Honda Shadow 600) which I outgrew in about 3 months. If I'd gone full size, I mighta stuck with them, but as it was, the first time a rode a BMW (similar to what I have now), I was blown away by how a motorcycle COULD feel. I never looked back. Someone posted on another forum something like, "They don't go, they don't stop, and they don't turn, but cruisers sure look nice." That's probably a bit unrealistic, but it's a valid viewpoint.
I'd suggest, if you don't want a sport bike because of the looks, at least take the time to try out a 'naked' or 'standard'. Most of the handling and performance of a sport bike, but with a more relaxed position, and less plastic. And with less chrome that just collects water spots!
(I ride in the rain, quite frequently.) I find the sport tourers fun, but they may be a bit beyond what you want. Certainly beyond the need you describe.
I'll second some of the suggestions others have made - Kawasaki Ninja 250, Kawasaki KLR 650. Someone mentioned an Yamaha FZ1 earlier (I don't think it was a suggestion, just a comment made) - that's a good bike, but the FZ6 would get better mileage and be totally up to your needs. I really like Honda (had a Super Hawk for several years), but I'm not sure what their current/recent line up would offer you. I'm sure they have a few good options. The CB500's look worthwhile. Ditto the CBR300R or CB300F.
That's my 2 cents (per mile!)
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