I agree the V-Star 1100 is a completely docile bike. The 950 is another great choice.
I have a '97 Virago 1100. It weighs 480 lbs and shares the same motor and shaft drive as the V-Star 1100 which weighs 605 lbs. The 1100 on my Virago is a wonderful motor, it makes useful power (62 hp 62 ft/lb torque) with a pretty flat torque curve from 2000 rpm right up to the 7000 rpm redline. It's not scary fast but has plenty of grunt to get you out of a situation.

Going 2-up on the 1100 is no sweat at all, I have a feeling that the 650 would have it's work cut out for it.