Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Second bike, suzuki m50, v strom

Question
I just started riding recently and I am coming up on the end of my second riding season and I have some questions about types of bikes.  I currently have an '86 LS650 Savage and I have put 8,000 miles on her.  I am 5'10" 185lbs and I realize that I still have a lot to learn but I am getting more confidence and comfort every time out.  
I initially got into it because I like the looks of cruisers and that is what I wanted to ride, now I am wondering if a different style would give me more enjoyment.  Am I right in assuming that sport styles of bikes will always outhandle cruisers? What style would you recommend I look into for an 'all-rounder' type of bike?  By that I mean something that can be a good commuter, long haul, twisty back roads and long interstate type riding.  Yes I am asking alot.  There are 3 bikes I am considering and they all fall within the middle-weight (or lower middle-weight if you talk to some).  Examples are Suzuki M50, C50, V-strom DL650.  I still like the looks of cruisers the best but I have come to the realization that looks aren't everything.  Also maybe you could explain a bit as to why sport style bikes handle better, it would seem to me that having a higher center of gravity would be harder to handle not easier.

Answer
Of those bikes, the V-Strom (or the Suz SV650 for that matter) would be a great choice. They're all good choices.

The big difference between cruisers and sport-type bikes is cornering clearance. Sportbikes are wayyyyyy more fun on curvy/twisty roads, you can really lean 'em.

Also, sport bikes in general have a shorter wheelbase and they're lighter, meaning they turn a lot quicker than heavier, longer bikes like cruisers. Because of the lower, longer, heavier qualities of cruisers, however, cruisers are more stable than sportbikes, not as jittery.

Also, sportbikes have better suspension technology in general, which is important if you're going to be using the bike to its limits. For your purposes, a standard like the V-Strom, SV650, or even smallish 600 standard bikes like the FZ6 would be good for all around riding.

Hope that helps. Happy shopping!!!

Pat