How do I get on a bike?

[robp]

OK, its dawned on me that I cant afford a fast/interesting car for a year or two. A few mates of mine have recently taken to the roads on bikes and I'm getting more and more interested in them

I'm just mulling the idea over in my head, but for £400 you can do a 5 day direct access course (i'm 21). Is this a good idea? I have the impression people dont leave these kind of courses with enough experience, or am I just being judgemental?

What about a bike?
I'll have about £1k to spend so 125cc or a 600cc? And insurance? I pay £500 for the car at the moment, i've been told a bike will be similar?

Any comments/advice welcome!

[s2ooz]

with 1k to spend, try and get cc first, age second. a 125cc will bore you to tears in 6 months, try and go for at least a 250-400cc.