[TwoChicksOneSTI]

I went through the Basic Riders Course and then the Motorcycle Sportbike Riders Course as a follow on about a month later (it was required of me since I'm military). I would definitely recommend taking the basic course to really get comfortable with the bike and if you do buy from a dealership some of them have a deal with a local college that offers the course so it's included with your purchase. That was in Hawaii so I'm not sure how it is elsewhere. As far as whoever said take the course then sign up to do it again, I wouldn't take the beginners class over only because as one of my instructors put it "I can only teach you how to use the clutch once." The advanced classes however, are the ones you want to go to every couple of years or whenever you upgrade to a bigger bike, different class of bike or whatever. Might seem like overkill, but it keeps your certifications up to date, and I learned a lot more about the bike and myself as a rider and had fun doing it. Also, you can go to track days sponsored by MFC and that'll count as a follow on to the advanced class and extend your certs. I think it helps with insurance? I can't remember, but it might be worth looking into.
As far as PPE goes, nothing drives me or my wife crazier (we both ride) than seeing someone wearing all the gear except gloves or a helmet. There's nothing separating your precious noggin from painting the pavement a delightful red/pink, so it's good to hear you're definitely looking at full body protection. You can look good while you ride and still be fully protected. It might be too hot one day or you might just be riding down the road, but please always always always wear all your gear. And once you go down, jeans shred in seconds, so then it's just your skin sliding on the pavement.
When it comes to bikes, make sure you find one your comfortable on. I'm going to assume you're over 65", but for my wife and myself we have to think "okay, if I'm on a slight slope would I be able to back the bike up? I'm kinda tip toeing here, this might be too tall". Make sure you test the clutch out, pull on it, make sure you don't have to be the hulk to squeeze it because that would make riding one hell of a left forearm workout.
I'm still a relatively new street bike rider, I rode dirt bikes when I was younger, so a lot of my advice here is from more seasoned riders who have passed it along to me. At any rate, once you do get everything, happy riding!