Motorcycle upgrade options from a 250? From your experience?

I've been riding dirt bikes for a few months and my first bike has been a Honda CBR 250r. I've put just over 2000 miles on her. I sold it now and looking for a bigger bike that can help me get better into street riding. I'm very safety conscious and yet feel that a race replica bike like the 4 cylinder 600cc's are not wise options especially this early into my riding experience. Mostly because I will be using the bike to commute, and ride inter-city/freeway/ and highways.

From your experience can you share your opinions on middle weight street bikes that can be solid for commuting around the city and carving canyons and that can be beginner friendly?

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