I tend to spend a lot of time online researching motorcycle gear and other motorcycling-related stores.  Here is a collection of useful links.

Information

• webBikeworld – Pretty much the pinnacle of gear review sites, covering topics such as apparel, mods, and bike maintenance.  Also features regular updates on races and industry-news.  I frequent this website almost daily and much of what I learned about motorcycling comes from their dedicated staff of writers.
• Motorcycle.com – Portal with (mostly) stories on test rides and racing results.  I find their articles to be enjoyable reads and they do include pictures and occasionally videos.

Retailers

• MotoLiberty – Texas retailer with helpful staff (they confirm product availability and sizing) and quick shipping/returns.  I had a good experience ordering from them, and they have a nice mix of mainstream/higher-end products.
• Motorcycle Superstore – Oregon-based online retailer of motorcycle gear with a great selection and convenient shipping/returns.  Their website contains user reviews and detailed photos (sometimes even videos) of gear.  Motorcycle Superstore is also related to the magazine, Motorcycle USA (all their orders include an issue).  I order frequently from these folks due to the fast shipping time and recommend them.
• New Enough – An online retailer from Texas that has detailed pictures and overview of their gear, along with good shipping and return policies.  I have ordered gear from them in the past and they have always been very responsive to inquiries and returns.
• RevZilla – Online retailer (they do have a physical store in Philadelphia) that contains good, in-depth videos of gear, along with user reviews.  They carry harder-to-find brands such as Dainese and REV’IT!, often at cheaper prices than through the usual outlets.
• Sportbike Track Gear – A retailer with detailed videos on gear, along with offerings from more niche brands like RS Taichi and Knox Armor.

Seattle-Area Dealers

• Ride Motorsports – Woodinville.  I bought my Yamaha Majesty from this dealer and haven’t had any problems.  The staff is young and friendly, which lends itself to a very casual, no-pressure atmosphere.  Depending on your preference, this slight lack of professionalism might be a deterrence.  Their selection of bikes is solid, although the gear section (most noticeably helmets) is on the small side.
• Renton Motorcycle Company – Renton.  The largest dealer in the Seattle metro area with a huge floor and one-stop-shop mindset.  Their helmet section is substantial and they maintain a good selection of riding apparel covering most major brands.  With an in-store restaurant, neighboring Harley-Davidson dealer, and host to frequent motorcycling events, RMC is definitely a focal point in the Seattle motorcycling scene.
• Eastside MotoSports – Bellevue.  Dealer specializing in higher-end brands such as Ducati and Dainese.  They may be small, but Eastside MotoSports is well-run with nice selection of bikes, prompt servicing department, and friendly staff.  The store’s central location just north of downtown Bellevue, makes it a convenient stop.