You already have your first bike, and if your having plenty of close calls you need to adjust your riding style. I know that sounds harsh, try reading this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorcycle-...143X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345196489&sr=8-1
As for what to move onto next (bike wise), there is no best first time bike, your be limited to circumstances, cash and the style/type of bike you like.
If you age limits you to say 33bhp bike then I would get a second hand 125 and ride that, naked, street offroad all up to you. Why just a 125? Its cheap! Insurance is cheap! Petrol is cheap! As soon as you move up from a 125 it starts to get costly.
Or if you have a full licence and want to be a street riding hooligan a nice Ninja 250

) (Personaly I would go 125 then a 650 style of bike).
If limitations are not there then a 60-80bhp bike might be worth considering, that may sound like a weak bike compared to a 600cc sports bike but most will do 0-60 in under 3 seconds, so you will beat nearly all cars off the line you meat on the road.
What I wouldn't advise is a 600 sports bike or above. Also do look at good second hand bikes as your first bike you wont keep for too long and the depreciation on a new bike will make that a huge money hole.