Missed posting for a while b/c I was upstate riding.
Spent 1/2 Saturday on a Triple, and loved it -- it's actually a lot smoother than the Mille b/c you don't have to be cautious of the "twin torque" and the Triple sounds brilliant!
But it doesn't handle or GTF out if its own way like the Mille...
As for gear, I got the Joe Rocket 990 (CE Pittard's) -- freaking awesome jacket and comfortable as long as you're riding. You don't stand around w/ the zipper zipped up... JR Reactor gloves and a VR-2 helmet, which was very comfortable for me. There may be a difference between a $300 helmet and a $900 helmet, but the velocity window for which that delta will likely make a difference is miniscule. If it's a reputable bucket and feels comfortable, I wouldn't worry that I "had" to spend the extra $200.
I also picked up Sidi Strada Evo Air boots which are very lightweight and comfortable, but not as "substantial" as I had expected.
YMMV
JP
EDIT --- I missed Steve's post -- I bought from New Enough and they were very reasonably priced and had very good customer service.
My new rearsets came in today, and they're freaking sculplture. They look even better in person than on the
website.