Welcome to our club Jack.
Personaly i think the BA or the Speedies or the standard twins are good bikes to begin with. But you do need to treat the throttle with respect. These bikes may not be 140hp sport bikes but they still have enough get up and go to get you into trouble. But, it sounds to me like you all ready know that.
If you can borrow, rent or steel a little 250 bike for a while and practice then that will pay dividends later.
Pop down to your local Triumph deeler and see about test riding the Twins and which ever one talks to you is the one you should go for.
As for safty gear. Im my veiw, these are essential every day riding items.
Helmet, i dont go for the "most expensive one is best" argument. Get a full face that has at least a DOT rating, and or get a DOT and Snell rated helmet. Personally, i find that often the only difference between a $100 helmet and a $500 is the fit and finish and the comfort level. Oh, and the paint job. But for head protection they are all about the same.
Buy the full face that is the most comfortable. Stand in the shop for at least 30 minutes with the thing on your head and see if there are any presure points. If there are, then dont buy it and move on to the next one. All manufacturers make different shaped helmets and we all have different shaped heads. It is trial and error. Keep trying till you find the one that feels good.
Full fingered gloves. ALWAYS wear gloves when you ride.
Boots, over the ankle ones, and prefereable motorcycle boots, not cowboys or bassball boots. Dont shout this out loud around here. But i find that often the best place to go looking for motorcycle clothes and gear is the Harley shops. But if you tell anyone i said that i will deny it. Though it is where my last three pairs of boots have come from.
Leather Jacket or one of the new modern man made fabrics. But again, Motorcycle Jacket, not some fashion jacket from JC Pennies.
If you can afford it, leather pants are good, but personally i ride with heavy denims. Chaps are OK, but i think they look at bit village people if you know what i mean, and beside, i ride a bike. Not a horse.
Have fun shopping, and keep in touch with us all on here. We are a fun loving lot. Dont ride much, were all to busy talking to each over on here.
