Getting a new bike or wanting a bike its all in the person. Some people were meant to ride and others were not. Ive seen little 100 pound chicks on r1s andbusas as there first bike and they did fine. I personally will stay on a 600 just because i feel more comfortable on one and honestly myself...
shoei rf-1000 hands down best helmet for the price. Before i spend money on a helmet i do plenty of research. I just dont see spending 10 racks on a bike butspending 200 bucks on a helmet for your head. id say a decent shoei or arai helemet ranges anywhere from 400-750. Race are anywhere on up...