New Rider, need a little advice

I recently got my 2B license and want to purchase a sports bike.  Other than some initial basic training, I have totally no experience and not much knowledge about bikes. Can anyone suggest a good sports bike for a starter bike that will also let me grow into it a bit?  I am interested in one that looks great and offers excellent performance?  But I do not want to have too much of a bike as my first one.

Thanks  

First, welcome to forums and the riding community.  How old are you and do you have experience with driving a standard or riding bicycles?  

Those things aside, it sounds like a SV650 would fit your needs well.  I do not recommend any of the super sports (R6, CBR 600RR, ZX-6R or GXR-600R) as a first bike.  SV650's have plenty of pull and room for growth, but they'll give you more forgiveness than the super sports.  However, it's probably in new riders' best interest to start with a 250 (the new Ninja 250's are very attractive and everyone says that they're a blast to ride - even veteran riders with 10+ years of experience!).  

Also, consider buying used because too many new riders buy new and drop their expensive new toy and fairings aren't cheap!  And I don't know about your age, but check into insurance rates before you do anything.  Insurance on sport bikes can kill you if you're not careful!

Also, read around the forums (especially this new rider section).  There have been many posts very similar to yours and you should be able to pick up some good info in there.  Good luck in your search!  

My first bike was a Ninja 500R, and I would recommend that for a beginner. It's a light, upright and forgiving bike, and will keep you entertained for a while. I even rode mine cross-country once, from St. Louis to LA. Great gas mileage, too. One step up would be the Versys or the Ninja 650. Funny how the best "new rider" bikes are all Kawasakis.  

Well if you don't have much riding experience you just received some good advice. ONE don't get a (R) type bike as your 1st bike.
I've have mostly owned Ninja 600 and 750's and enjoyed them, but knowing what I know now, to much bike for beginners.  
The 250 Ninja is a great bike for beginners and they look great. If you want a little more power and want to start tinkering (and the only R bike I would recommend to a beginner) The Ninja EX500 is the way to go.
I have over 25 year of riding under my belt and am riding an SV650 Suzuki, and love it. My beginner riding buddy  just bought an SV and he likes it as well.
Keep in mind one thing as mention in another post. Repalceing fairings is not cheap. My nephew dropped my Ninja 500 and the fairing was almost $1000 to replace with all of the decals.  

I forgot to mention the GS500 Suzuki. Also a very good starter bike. I owned one of those after I totaled a Ninja 750 in the 80's and it was a very good bike. I just prefer the liquid cooling of the Kawi 500.