Cycler,
That is a hot avatar. I agree with everything you said.
Last summer I was without a car, and was riding a 1987 Honda Magna 750cc. I live in a suburb of Chicago and traffic can get pretty nuts, that and we all tend to speed
. I rode from June to October. My commute was about 25 miles one way. There is a certian kind of freedom involved with riding a bike, one that I can't really describe. Pretty much everything I have to offer has already been said...My choice of helmets is Arai, although you will pay about $400 USD for just a plain black one. When the later months came, I had to drive with one hand while I kept one hand on the engine compartment to warm my hands up.
29 Degrees Farenhiet + 80 mph = really effing cold. You'll experience cold in a whole new way out on a bike. Riding in rain sucks. Try not to ride on painted lines on the road, when that paint gets wet it's uber slippery. If at all possible practice a lot on a dirt bike before you get out on the road. If you really want to be discouraged from riding, here is some graphic footage of motorcycle accidents.
Click here to see Video
You may be a great rider, but there are always people who are oblivious out on the roads and they may not see you. Just be careful. Loud pipes save lives. Sorry, I'm rambling. <3 bikes.