I find gear serves 2 purposes, the second of which people new to the motorcycle game (i.e me) are not aware:
1) Safety. A helmet and jacket can be the difference between feeling stupid and a concussion with a skin graft chaser.
2) Comfort. I started riding with a denim jacket, MX gloves, and a DOT MX helmet. The following year I invested in a waterproof/armoured mesh jacket and leather/mesh gauntlets. Huge difference in ride comfort. Huge.
This week I hope to be adding a pair of ATV boots to the mix and maybe a new DS lid.
My motivation for the additional gear was safety but the difference in comfort on the pavement was night and day, particularly in the Spring and Fall.