Here are some useful bits of information from my friends at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation:
http://www.msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm?spl=2&action=display&pagename=Library
You can even download the coursebook before you take the class! There's some information about helmets and protective gear too. Of course, nothing as insightful or interesting as what I'm going to tell you in a bit! :)
