Plus the cheap helmets aren't as comfortable and are heavier. I'm very happy with my HJC and it was only about $200. Get the gear before you buy the bike and don't ride without it. Many of the accidents involving major injuries are squids with no gear or cruisers that can't stop, maneuver, and usually don't wear proper gear either. Then look at a decent, easy to maintain bike for about $3K-3500.