Dave,
You're killing me - it's hard to have this thread up at work with sexy girl pics
Update on gear, as you know the bike came with an Arai Quantum/f, in my size (M). I cleaned out the interior and am happy with the helmet. When I was trying on new ones in the store they were a bit on the tight side. This one is broken in an provides a snug fit. Happy so far. I'm not really happy with the paint scheme (re-entry) but saving the $$$ on a new one is good.
I agonized over the jacket. I was worried about leather and heat (summertime SoCal) and was first looking at textile. In the end I took the advice offered here to "dress for the fall, not the ride" and got a leather Supershift superstreet. Zip out liner, perforated leather panels on shoulders, good ventilation, armor in arms and shoulders with pocket for back armor. Feels substantial but not really bulky. Got the black with white/grey reflective graphics (as pictured)
Gloves I went with Alpinestar SP2 (in black) with knuckle guard and some kevlar reinforcement.
Next up are some kevlar reinforced jeans and boots. The boots are gonna be tough. I'm leaning towards a Doc Martin steel toe mid length boot. Opinons are welcome