I have a dark blue Yamaha FZ6. Love it, especially in Los Angeles. Lane splitting is legal in California, meaning I can go between cars on the freeway during rush hour. It really cuts down travel times in an overcrowded city.
California has helmet laws, but I don't grudge them any. I'd be wearing my helmet anyway, regardless of the law. Whenever I go on the highway I wear a leather jacket with body armor built into it, gloves, jeans/long pants, and protective footwear. I'm a pretty good rider; I only dropped my bike once when first learning how to ride. But I feel the risk of skimping on safety equipment or riding like a complete maniac isn't worth it (even though I am more aggressive on my bike than I am in my car).
Have to say though, once or twice I've ridden up the street with only the helmet and street clothes late at night and it was exhilarating. I'd compare riding without safety protection to sex without a condom: it's a lot more fun, but you're putting your life at risk.