Got my license Monday. Bike shopping. Gear shopping Found a potential bike..

First, thanks for all the awesome information, Rideit. Browsing here (as a lurker, for the last few months) inspired me to take up riding again. Before I went to the MSF this last weekend (thanks to your recommendation) the last time I was on a bike was when I was about 11 years old and had a crash (with no gear, on a dirt bike). I was too scared to get back on and hadn't rode since. I've regretted that decision and want to get back on the saddle ever since becoming an adult myself.

I'm looking to buy everything now that I'm licensed to pick up a bike.

Anyway, here's the CL ad for a bike I'm considering: http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/3723487018.html

The price they have listed seems bit high, but I'm assuming it's just to deflect lowballing. (Going to try to get them to go down to 4, that sounds fair, eh? It's all I have in disposable income to put towards a bike right now anyway. I'm hoping they'll go for it.) Any thoughts on this, those of you with more experience?

I'm going to go check it out tomorrow. I feel confident that I'll be able to handle the Ninja 650 well as long as I take my time.

As far as helmets are concerned - if it's DOT approved, and has the features I want .. anything to watch out for? I see some real cheap helmets, as in like $90 when others are $500 (the Shoeis at my local Cycle Gear)

I have boots already (Alpinestars SMX plus) - still need gloves, jacket, pants, helmet. I want good stuff, but I don't want to dish out $300-400 per item, unless it's a really major difference between, say, a $200 jacket & a $400 jacket.