‘Sounds to me like a 250 will be ideal for you and the little Rebel is as solid as a rock.
I started on a 250 Nighthawk (same 230 c.c. engine as the Rebel) and at the time I was ~185 lbs and 5’11”.
It was just fine for everything except freeway riding which it was capable of, but not ideal. It could do a sustained 60-65 mph all day, but I had to down-shift when going up long hills to maintain the 60-65 mph speed (no big deal). It would top-out at around 75-80 mph, but was definitely buzzy and less pleasant to ride at that speed. It could handle taking a passenger around town no problem too if you dialed the suspension pre-load up.
I found this that you might want to watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFWfh8t3cZc&feature=related
Suzuki GZ-250 (cruiser) and TU-250 (standard) are other bikes to consider.