Reliability and repair history

I'm going to get a used bike in the next couple of months and heard that repair costs can vary tremendously from brand to brand. Does anyone have some perspective on bikes that are 'expensive' to maintain or, preferably, less expensive. What should I expect if I get a 2006-7 bike and try to keep it in good to excellent shape with regular service?

Thanks for any responses.

A motorcycle will last quite a long time if you keep up on the service and don't abuse it. I don't think the repair costs from brand to brand vary all that much. The simpler styles of engines will be cheaper to maintain in general.