If you're looking for a fun middleweight bike for urban commuting and all sorts of two-wheeled fun, the 2000 MY GS500E is a very good choice, especially as "affordability" is its middle name. The bike packs plenty of punch to be fun even for seasoned riders, and for an 192 kg (wet) machine, 47 horsepower will be just right to make things non-intimidating and reassuring.
This parallel twin also packs plenty of room for a passenger, making a great commuter for two in the warm season. Still, adding a luggage system will also make it suitable for longer trips, as well.