I have to agree with what KC (and the others) have said. When I started riding on the street, I got a Ninja 250. I was not new to bikes, just the street, have raced mx for about 7 years, and ridden bikes for about 9 years. The 250 was not over-powered and comfortable to ride for short disatances. I would not consider it a "highway" bike at all. I later sold that bike bacuse I did not ride much.
Later, I got a 1986 Yamaha Radian 600 when I decided to start riding again. It was heavy but, again, not over powered for my experience and comfort level. I had it about a year and a half before I moved up to the VFR. My move to the VFR was for a few reasons such as a bigger tank (I could go more than 110 miles before needing to fill up) and a little more useable power when I needed it. I found the bike to be just as heavy as the Yami, but I eventually got used to it. It was very comfortable and I could log all day rides with no complaints. The VFR is not over-powered, and some will say it is a bit under-powered, but either way, the power it makes is very, very usable.
Would I recommend it for a first bike to a first time rider? No. I would recommend what others have here. But after about a year or so of experience and getting used to riding in traffic, cornering, etc....then yeah, if you want, go a head and move up.
I am not trying to steer you away from the VFR in any way, but want you to be comfortable in your knowledge and abilities first.