Very good attitude to have mate. Obviously a helmet... It's the law. After that though it's down to you. Make sure you get one that fits your head... We all have different shapes and some helmets simply don't sit right... Arai's are awesome helmets, but it sat totally wrong on my head so was useless... Tries a Shoei and it fits perfectly!!! Should be a tight fit as well. Gloves. Make sure you get some that allow good freedom of movement and good protection.... Chances are in an off your hands will be one of the first things to touch the road as you instinctivley put them out to stop yourself. After that mate, if you are riding in winter make sure they have warmth and waterproof.... Nothing worse than cold wet hands!! Boots. Same as Gloves really. Again good protection, waterproof and warm if riding in winter, although you can get good socks to keep you warmer. Jacket and Trousers. Up to you on this one. Either get leathers and by an oversuit to protect them against rain, or get textiles which will more than likely be waterproof.... Again if riding in winter, I would go for textiles as they are generally warmer. Technology has moved forward so much nowadays that unless you come off at insane speeds you will get as much protections from textiles as you would from leathers. If you can afford it, have summer leathers and winter textiles!! Make sure that the jacket has CE approved armour in the shoulders and elbows as well. Back Protector. A lot of people don't wear these, but £100 to save your spine being snapped in 2 in an accident sounds like a bargain to me. Lastly remember the little things. Different visors for different weather conditions, ear plugs (Wind noise will eventually send you deaf if you don't wear them), I wear a balaclava under my lid purely for comfort reasons, but at the same time it stops my helmet stinking from sweat. My winter balaclava also has neck protection from the wind as well. If you are riding through winter I would recommend thermals as well. Look at Cold Killers clothing. Awesome stuff. Comfy and really protects again the cold.