Just completed MSF and got my license for my 18th birthday. I drove manual trans for two years and riding a bike came very natural to me and I love it!

Im looking for a good starter bike to get me around and go cruising on. Im 5'11 and 165 lbs. I don't want to spend much more than $4,000 on my first bike. I was thinking a Ninja 250r, but I have been told you get bored of them fast. I have considered a Yamaha R6 also but will it be too much power?

Any suggestions??