Looking for a first motorcycle?

I'm a new rider who just passed the MSF course. The course was my first time riding a motorcycle, and i'm looking into getting one for commuting, so i was hoping i can get some help coming up with some good first bike ideas. Here are my stats:

- I'm a 6 ft 4 male and weigh 175 lbs - this is my main dilemma, becuause it seems like i'm too big for most 250cc bikes, but 500s may be too powerful for a beginner?

- I work 20 miles from where i live, but work in the medical field, so only work a few days a week. Therefore, for right now, i should be able to get away with only riding streets if i need to, but of course, id like to be able to ride highway eventually. Right now i'm managing with uber and the bus.

- I like the sport bike look more, but i tried sitting on a ninja 250 at the local bike shop, and it seemed a bit small. The honda CBR500R seemed to fit me really well, but i'm concerned this bike is likely too powerful for a beginner? Especially one who's only riding experience is a MSF course.

- It will be my only vehicle (other than my road bicycle), which i feel like i can get away with in sunny so cal, so id prefer a bike which could fit some type of luggage carrier on it (don't know the exact term for them).

- I like the street bike look more, but i'm open to other options as well.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to help me out!

Added (1). Looking for a first motorcycle

Then split the difference. Get the Ninja 300.

Best thing to do is go shopping! Try sitting on a few bikes, I've read so many threads. And the end result is that. It's all your choice. Just get out there and try a few bikes out and mostly just have fun!

The CBR 500 shouldn't be too much as long as you take it easy in the learning process.

BUT You are taller so most any lower cc bike will seem small until you know how to ride.

Suggest you go with a nice used Ninja 300 or a single cylinder dual-sport for now. You're stepping into the ring so practice on anything is the best thing.

I live in Los Angeles South Bay. Once had a DT175, rode it for a dozen years on streets and out in the Mojave. I now ride a Vespa LX150, about 25% of my miles have been on the freeways (duh! You can go anywhere without the freeways) and go on trips on the Interstates to the Mojave and Sierras. I hear that other States freeways are running 80-90 mph, in So.Cal. We're more laid back and my 150 is acceptable doing 60 mph. In light traffic our freeways still do mostly 65-70 mph, altho' you have the few idiots speeding. Anything better than 230cc is just fine on any highway/freeway/Interstate.

A used 250 dual-sport is *the* best bike in So.Cal. Doesn't care if it gets dropped, ignores bad pavement, pot holes, curbs, silly lain telephone poles they try to keep you in/out of parking lots. Look good using a pair of ammo boxes as panniers, and steel lockable lets you keep your stuff when you are parked. And you get to go play in dirt -- we have good dirt to go play in.

"Street bike" means anything that is street legal -- cruiser, standard, dual-sport, sporty, sport (the different of lean is what matters) or even a scooter like mine. If you mean "sport" or "sporty" bike you might have a problem, they are more designed for smaller people.

Do not be fooled into thinking that a larger bike is the only answer. There are dual sports and trailies which you will find more comfortable, you are also given much better visibility from a high saddle.

Do not buy a smaller bike because you think you can't handle a stronger bike. You will regret it in the long run. Honestly for a beginner. I'd recommend getting a 600-750cc bike. There decent beginner bikes. I learned how to ride on a 1000cc gsxr. As long as you respect the power, you can learn on what ever you want.

At 6ft 4in a 250 will be a bit small in size look at a 650 in a adventure style it will be small enough to be user friendly and big enough to ride on the open road in the future Suzuki / Honda / Kawasaki all make nice bikes in this style

The cb 500 is a safe choice if you are sensible
ER5 or ER6 SV650 good too