When I was an instructor (last winter) we were charging £550 for a 3 day course. One day for the CBT, 2 days bike training then test

It is best if you do your theory test first and get it out of the way. The hazard perception test is pretty tricky and quite alot of people struggle on that. Once that is out of the way then go ahead and book up for your course.

As for a good bike.......My mrs has a Z750. It is a piece of piss to ride, light as feck, good riding position and with an end can makes a loverly sound.

But if you're wanting to go a bit sportier, then mebbe something like a RVF 400 or a CBR 600. They seem to be popular amongst the noobies

Best of luck if you decide to go for it