Take the course

It's worth every penny from what I hear, it could even provide you with an insurance break

Get a 600 cc, maybe a honda f3?

They are cheap, but still good starter bikes. DOn't think this is slow b/c it's a starter bike, they're still sport bikes.

Going big is a mistake
You will not learn to develope your riding skills and you will end up counting on the bike to make you fast, instead of learning how to push through the corners.

get the 600, and waste your friends in the twisties.

Take the course