Cruiser Motorcycle recommendations?

The obvious answer is it must be Japanese to meet your guidelines. You will not find a Harley worth anything for any price let alone below $8000. I would recommend a standard over cruiser. I had a Suzuki Intruder 1300 cruiser and got rid of it quickly because it is not nearly as fun as a standard. If you want to take corners at more than 15 mph, get a standard so you can actually lean in the corners. Suzuki SV650 or Yamaha YZ6..keeping you under 8k. I have a SV1000 and love it. My wife has a SV650 and it is more fun thatn the SV1000. SV650 has good low end power due to it's V-twin, i would belive the YZ6 would not be as good at low end power. (I-4) Honda has not impressed with their standard category. another mention is the Suzuki V-Strom 650 if you are looking for more of a sport-touer/adventure bike for your price range. Dont even think of Ducati or Harley. Overpriced and inferior. Both of my reccomendations will be VERY fun, comforatble, reliable and with comfort in mind.