Right on Freak - I managed to pick up a brand new 2014 Vstrom 1000 in crate on December 14th for $7,299 + TTL. It's a helluva bike and a steal for the money. I've only ever bought used up till then.
Motorcycles depreciate heavily because of buyers/lifestyle remorse. Folks want to get into it, realize riding can be stressful, then get out or leave toys in the garage to rot; then they sell. Stupid but take advantage of that. Although that is somewhat model dependent. I've found certain enthusiast models (like the VFR) can keep a stable price due to its cult following... Man, I love the VFR. Avoid anything salvage title. There are waaaay too many motorcycles for sale at any given time to 'settle' for a salvage title bike. Someone got their money from the insurance and was able to buy back pennies on the dollar - short of having a professional shop do a laser alignment on the frame, you will not know in your brief time with the bike if it'll be 'true' again. Why even risk it? Motorcycles are cheap enough that the market is accessible for
anyone. You aren't searching for a clown shoe BMW or some ridiculous low-number specialty product. Keep looking and skip the salvage stuff.
Maintenance is significantly cheaper than cars, too. Search forums, youtube and google how to buy a used motorcycle - there's no excuse for ignorance in today's world. Get a basic set of metric (if you're going japanese) hand tools, invest in some stands and find a free service manual online. Bikes that have been sitting will likely need a tune-up, tires will be the most expensive part so budget for that or haggle.
Here's an ad that looks like it could lead to something:
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/5449050063.html
'01 CBR600 F4i
It's fuel injected, which is great so you don't have to d*** around with jetting carbs. It's relatively modern in style with original or at least oem fairings. With its age and mileage I'd guess it's been either 'gingerly' used or put away wet regularly - at those miles and your experience level, doesn't matter much either way. Tires were replaced, great. I'd inquire to the title status, last service performed (valves, battery), how long it sits between rides (fuel). Show up with cash and negotiate down to $2,900 flat if everything checked out because christ it's been up for 2 months. Throw some handle bar risers, tank bag and extended windshield on that bad boy and you've got yourself a stew.
Some other bikes I highly recommend for beginners:
Kawasaki Ninja 650r (any year) - My wife has one, reliable parallel twin, easy power band, semi-standard riding position. $2,000-3,500 with under 20k miles all day long. Do an oil change, clean the chain and put on 5,000 miles before even thinking about checking the valves.
Suzuki SV650/S - reliable v-twin, accessible power with good torque, comfortable ergos, lots of aftermarket, easy to sell for someone looking for a race bike!
Yamaha FZ6 - I had one for a couple of years, it's an R6 inline 4 that's detuned for mid-range over peak hp. Very neutral bike, not a lot of character but VERY fast in the corners, has virtually no required upkeep and is damn easy to cover major distance with.
For cruisers - any metric (japanese) v-twin. Pick one, they're all good.
Kawasaki KLR650 - I've always had one in the garage up until the Suzi showed up. These are agricultural machines, think a tractor had sex with a dirt bike. They are awesome. Cheap to buy ($1,000-2,000) cheap to run, cheap to learn on. Just get the doohickey done, grab yourself a larger tank and you're set for the apocalypse.
Some stuff I'd avoid:
Anything with a 'cage'. Most suzuki supersports - they have an oil pickup point in the rear that makes them good candidates for stunters. Cool if you're into that but not so cool to inherit someone else's undisclosed stunt bike. Be weary of honda V four or flat six engines if this is your first bike - reliable if maintained, pain in the arse if not. If someone has had the motorcycle since new, like a '12 ninja 250r, verify all service records to match up with mileage. A poorly broke in bike will always be a poorly running bike.