Ditto NZSpokes above, buy the best gear, period.
Regardless of the type of motorcycle, the first couple of years are a steep learning curve - and you have a statistically significant probability of having some whoopsies. If you're hard enough to slide down the road at 50 odd KPH, then don't worry about gear. On the other hand, if you're covered in fur and skin like the rest of the mammals on the planet, then some gear is a great idea.
Good gear is worth it. Buy secondhand jacket and pants - only good brands. Gloves are essential. Fit is more important than fashion.
Buy the very best fitting, brand new helmet possible. Phil at Techmoto or the guys at CycleTreads can help you out. Don't buy a $99 open face helmet.
Finally, buy a good back protector.
As for the bike - buy something that you can afford to insure, and will put up with getting dropped occasionally.
Last thing - once you get the bike, enrol in a course like Ridesafe, or contact Gremlin on this site. Training + gear = a long lifetime of the best adventures you will ever have.
Its diametrically opposed to the sanitised existence of the Lemmings around me in the Dilbert Cartoon hell I live in; its life at full volume, perfect colour with high resolution and 10,000 watts of amplification.
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