My second motorcycle - choices

I'm  a relatively new rider, but a few months ago I got my 'R' licence
too, and am now starting to look at what to buy for my second bike. My
current one is a VTR250, which is fine for a first bike, but not
really up there in meeting my needs. I'm no hoon, but I need something
with a little more power, and more im****tantly, more carrying
capacity. And a bigger fuel tank so I can use a tank bag safely (the
VTR tank is too small, the tank bag either is pushed up against me or
interferes with the bars)

I'm getting on a bit,  so a big heavy bike is out of the question,
given that I won't buy a bike that I reckon I could not pick up if I
dropped it.

I'm looking at something like a CBR600F (the Hornet) or ER6N, or
something of that ilk. I like the weight of the Hornet, but not the
complexity, plus I've never come across a Honda gearbox I liked in my
short riding experience.

I'm in no hurry, I'll probably wait till early next year but would
appreciate any input you much more experienced folk would have to
offer

Karen