Want to buy a sports bike, no previous road bike experience whatsoever

I am looking into buying a sports bike and I need advice. I'm not worried about looks or power, my main concern is safety and reliability. I weigh about 160 lbs, I'm tall and lanky and the only street bike experience I have is on an enduro dirt-bike. I need to know, based on the information provided, if I should even consider buying a sports bike or just completely abandon the idea altogether.

1) I am looking for a bike that isn't too heavy for me to lift or keep on two wheels.

2) A bike that won't disintegrate under my feet if I wreck it.

3) I have roughly $2500 to spend and I'm not rushing into any offers, I just want to buy before summer hits so I can get the most bike for my money and retain a resale value if I make a bad investment.

If anyone can steer me in the right direction as far as what bikes to look into/tips and pointer for new riders, it would be greatly appreciated. Let me reiterate I have no street bike experience.

P.S. I'm looking at this bike here for my first purchase.
http://syracuse.craigslist.org/mcy/2747021530.html  

A Kawasaki Ninja 250 is an excellent bike to start off with, especially one with low miles like the one you listed (provided the bike is mechanically in good condition). Depending on your height, you could also look at a used Suzuki SV650, or a Kawasaki Ninja 650R (although it might be tough to find one for $2500).  

I agree with Kento1~~would like to add Kawa and Suz 500's to the possibilities.
I've seen some commuters to school and work accumulate many miles on these bikes.
My thoughts would strongly suggest staying with the "enduro" style. These bikes are
loads of fun with ease of maintenance, upkeep, etc. 160, tall and lanky(?) you'll
run the street app as soon as anyone.