Good first street motorcycle?

I have a lot of riding experience on a Honda crf150 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'm assuming its 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?

WOW! You have experience on a 150cc dirt-bike. Guess you know where the throttle and brakes are.

The STREET is a whole different world, been doing both for over 50 years.

Recommend a MSF Basic Riders Course (you should ace it easily) because taking the course will save you LOTS of money over the next few years in insurance costs alone (might even learn a few other things).

The Vulcan is an okay bike but there are plenty of others (leave the R6 in the back of your mind for later { it's not that great of street bike anyway} and think about a twin 500 or a V-twin 650.

Easy does it, cowboy, learn the ropes and have fun learning them.

I don't discount dirt riding as a source of experience. At least you won't be having to learn to operate the machine while you learn how to safely navigate the street. Not to mention, you have a basic understanding of how to not push your limits.

You already mentioned taking the MSF course, which is your first and best step. More people should take that route. Once you have your license, you can likely test ride motorcycles if your local dealer is decent. Mine is. If they think you're better than an average tire-kicker, they are very free with their inventory.

It really depends on what you think you want to do on the street. If you want to start sport riding, then get an intro sport bike like a Ninja 300 or an SV650. Another option might be something like a DRZ400SM which is the best parts of a dirt bike and street bike. I had one and I wish I still had it.

Good luck. It's an awesome sport, but it's important to start off in the right foot.

I ** DO ** discount dirt riding as a source of experience. More, thinking like a dirt rider will get you killed. Same as track experience. What kills you on the streets is not the stuff ahead -- it is the stuff coming in from the sides and behind.

Well I don't really agree with these guys. The reason it's recommended to start on a smaller motorcycle is to give you time to learn to control a motorcycle. Things like taking off in traffic on a hill, braking in curves, etc. If you have enough dirt bike experience then those things shouldn't be a problem. I do agree you still have to learn to ride defensively, but the bike you're riding really doesn't matter as long as you show restraint and are able to control it. Believe me, you don't learn defensive driving until you ride a motorcycle on the streets.
If you already understand and use things like counter-steering and target-fixation, then you should be ready to move up. If you don't, then it would be better to proceed on a smaller bike

GPZ 500S, best value for your money… 500CC and top speed of 200km/h but very beginner friendly.

Very cheap maintenance and insurance you will not regret it!

Vulcan 500 is very good choice- it is the variation /cruiser style companion to the Ninja with wide power band, moderate tuned engine often recommended for beginners, and you won't be straining wrist crouching over. You note you've taken MSF course and you are middle weight and mid size- the mid sized cruiser will likely be a good fit for next couple years around town and short highway/commuter use. Beware of fat pedestrians, left turn in front at intersections cars and distracted drivers hitting you in back at stop lights.