I thought I would introduce myself. I got my license through the MSF course two summers ago and have been riding a 1983 Honda Nighthawk 550 since then. After the first season I found myself dissatisfied with the stock handlebars, so over the winter I swapped the stock handlebars for a pair of Bikemaster Daytona handlebars. Since then I've found that slow-speed maneuvers on the bike are easy, smooth and fun. Further, the bike handles better at highway speeds (55-65mph) as well.
I've also swapped the front turn signals, as the rubber mounts had cracked after last winter and I've also done my own oil changes.
Unfortunately, I haven't put on as many miles as I would have liked to. However after last April I made a point to ride regularly and since then have accumulated over 1800 miles this season compared to the last two seasons where I rode less than 1,000 miles collectively. Of course back then, the bike was something that I only took out on weekends, but now I've made riding a regular part of my life.
As for protective clothing I wear (motorcycle specific) boots and mesh pants along with a (motorcycle specific) leather jacket, leather gauntlets and a full-face helmet. I never go out with anything less even if my destination is a block away.
So without further hesitation, here is a picture of my bike:
Mike 
