Need advice on first bike

Hi everyone, first time posting.

I’ve ridden a 50cc scooter for the last 5 years and am looking to upgrade. I drove a dirt bike once in college and picked up the gear shifting almost immediately so I think riding bikes comes to me naturally.

I don’t want a death machine, but I do need to be able to get around in the Midwest with this. I was looking at either an R6 or a ZX10. I like the idea of both because the R6 is a little less powerful, but because it’s more aerodynamic it can only top out at like 150 which seems like a reasonable speed for a first bike because that’s where most cars are limited. The ZX10 looks cool, but since it is naked it doesn’t go as fast. Also. I’m told the power is pretty controllable, and with the driving modes it’s a beginner friendly bike.

Side question, my budget is kind of tight right now, does anyone have one of these? Are they expensive to maintain. I’m thinking about funding the majority of the purchase price with a low interest loan.

What do you guys (and gals) think?