Following the axiom that your gear will cost more than your first used bike, I purchased the following items:

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• Arai Quantum/f helmet, in bright silver.  I was at the motorcycle show in Chicago, Rosemont, actually, and spoke with an Arai rep.  He was quite knowledgeable and, on the first try, fit me with a helmet that feels a perfect match.
• Aerostitch Darien jacket and pants, Hi-Viz Yellow for the jacket, to help fellow motorists see me better.  The fewer accidents I have, the better.
• Held 2273 Udo Mark gloves from RPM Cycles.  I had read a review on Motorcycle Online and like them.  Probably overkill for my needs, but conversations confirmed that the protection was top rate.
• Red Wing 4426 boots.  I have a wide foot and most motorcycle boots tend to be medium.  To avoid being uncomfortable or trying to make do with the wrong size, I went with an alternative.  Bryan Moody recommended the 4423 and I tried a pair on at my local factory store.  Choosing black over brown, I went with 4426 instead.  What a comfortable boot!  Even new, they are almost as comfortable as the Raichle hiking boots I've been wearing for the past four years.  Thanks, Bryan.

It worked out that the gear cost a bit less than my first bike.

• 1998 BMW F650, red.  I purchased it at Chicago BMW, where it had been placed on consignment only two days before I bought it.