Vozza, you are completely right about the "worried about what their mates would say" bit! I have a bro in law just like that...he rides a Tiger 800 but is happy to ride with me on my Burgman on our outings. He just doesn't want to be seen on any form or scooter though.
Probably not ugly enough for the 'Ugly Bunch'!
Been riding for 55 years & owned too many bikes to list here...