U can have all the the attitude and gear in the world but when some fool blasts through a traffic light and u nail him. I would rather have a metre of bonnet in front of me than a piece of plastic and leather (are cows invincible?) lol
But then again i reckon a bike is good for the occasional weekend cainage. Ure days are numbered on a bike, but as long as you dont wear them out before u stop riding u will be fine.