I'm an Aprilia guy. I started on an RS50, not to be confused with the SR50!!!!!!! Two entirely different animals. Loved it. We did a ton, changed the pipes to Arrows(loud as snot), mikuni carbs and reeds, bored, stroked. Yupp. Love her. I have since progressed to a beautiful 2003 RSV Mille. She's my baby. Looking at buying an '03 GSXR in the fall just for kicks. As far as helmets, I don't recommend modifying them, it can change the ability of the helm to protect your melon. Besides, my HJC King Mingus is gorgeous as is. I slept in it for the first week I had it. Obsessive, I know, but you would have to see it and wear it to truly understand...