Having been stationed in Biloxi in the mid seventies, should give you a ball park idea. :-)
I would love to have a 100 hp Monster S4, but I don't think that's in my best interest!
I have a 100 HP R6 and it needs more go fast. The Ninja 250s are AMAZING machines if a light sportbike is what you're wanting. Honda also has a 250 out now, but it might be hard to find used. Don't take this the wrong way, but how much do you weigh? If you're anywhere north of 175 lb, I would say check out some 500 cc bikes or maybe something like the Kawasaki Ninja 650R(the little brother to the ZX6r) or a Yamaha FZ6r(the R6's little brother) Both are great bikes that are easy to ride, not too powerful, but they can still keep up in the twisties. I'm only recommending sportbikes because that's all I really know. I'm sure one of these other guys will fill you in on the cruiser info. It doesn't matter if it's a sportbike/cruiser/enduro as long as you're riding.