Choppers are NOT stable at anything but cruising speed. They suck at low speed turns and _most_ people that lay down choppers, do so at a stop light/sign when they take off again. It is the front wheel placement that makes them unstable at low speeds, too far from the center of gravity. I am not a cruiser person either, that is why I did the modifications to my sportster. While I love riding a sport bike (the true blend of man and machine if everything fits), the pressure on your forearms and wrists makes long commutes somewhat painful. Mainly the stop and go. When in full riding mode (highway), it is easier on the arms and wrists. Even the aggressive riding position of my sportster gets a little bothersome after a while.
If I were to buy a sportbike, it would be one of these;
http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my200...family=Monster
http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my200...=DesmosediciRR
http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes/lig...t/features.asp
Although due to my height (6'2") the Buell is a little tougher to ride.
EDIT: The wife prefers the first one, but loves to ride the sportster (they don't call 'em Detroit vibrators for nothing!)