you don't "need" anything... however it is a very good idea to "dress for the crash, not the ride". I would say definately a helmet and boots. you can get good products that don't have $500 price tags. I have a fulmer helmet and Gaerne cypher boots. Both are very comfortable and no problems with either and for a few hundred bucks less than an arai helmet or more expensive boots, i would say its a good deal.