I support the VFR idea, I like those a TONNE.
Kawasaki do actually do demo ride days, not sure when the next one is but they do. And sometimes they do them up at Calabogie which isn't terribly far from you. The Z650 would definitely be there.
Disagree strongly that the FZ-07 is a turd, I thoroughly enjoyed it, plenty of low-end grunt for a 7.
But if you're going to go Yamaha get the triple, that engine is so great. XSR900 is worth a look for you. Looks good, goes like hell, rides really nicely, but is a little outside your range - probably $13K by the time it's all said and done.