Good first street motorcycle? - 1

I have a lot of riding experience on a Honda crf150 (basically means i know how to shift and have a little bit of an idea of a real bike is like) after completing the motorcycle saftey course and getting my endorsement I'm looking for a first bike. Is a kawasaki Vulcan 500 a good choice? A Yamaha r6 is a dream bike but i know it has way to much power. I'm 5'8 155 pounds btw. What's the best intermediate/beginner bike that is not to underpowered for ocational highway use?

Suggest you go throw a leg over as many bikes as possible, there's no one dream-bike but there are a few that are more comfortable to learn on. When it feels good try it for awhile.

Question: What's the best intermediate/beginner bike that is not to underpowered for ocational highway use?
Answer: About 25% of my miles are on the freeways of Los Angeles and taking trips on the Interstates. My bike is not "underpowered" for regular highway use, let alone occasional. But I will admit it is the bare minimum. *ANY* bike you will consider will be *far* faster than my bike -- a Vespa 150.

A Vulcan 500 would be acceptable if you find a used one that is a killer deal. If your "dream bike" is a street legal racing motorcycle you should be looking at a used Ninja 250 -- common as fleas on a camel, actually an excellent middleweight motorcycle for anyone, capable of 100 mph and cruises just fine at 70 mph on the Interstates.

A good bike is would designed for the road you want to ride. Where do you plan on riding?

There's no "best bike," except what you like. The 500 is fine.