Earplugs are a must for long distance riding. We use the etymotic er6i earphones. They are noise cancelling and it really makes for a much nicer trip. My wife listens to her XM radio and plug into my Ipod. In time you should also purchase an Autocom system. I have the Active plus on the GSXR and we are looking for another one for the 500R. With the Autocom I have 2-way radio, cell phone, Ipod and radar detector all plugged into it. The quality is excellent. I can use the cell phone and have talked to my wife while riding at 150+ mph and the sound is crystal clear, she could not tell that I was going that fast, either.
If you can't afford an Autocom save up for it. I have tried the other brands and I have spent enough money on all of them to purchase 2 Autocoms. The quality is the best and you will enjoy getting it right the first time. The Chatterbox GMRS is the same price, but not the same quality - been there & done that, too. Also, you don't have to waste your money on the Kenwood radio, a motorola works just as good and will save you about $200 per radio.