This is part of a TV campaign being run in the UK at the moment. Motorcycle News challenged the Road Safety Minister to ditch his chauffeur driven car for a week and ride a bike instead.
Apart from saying how much he enjoyed the riding, he was appalled at the lack of respect given to him as a motorcyclist by car drivers. This camapaign was launched shortly after as a direct result of this. More:
http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/motorcycles/motorcycles02.htm
I have never ridden a motorcycle, but as a motorcycle roadracing fan I try to be aware of bikes and drive in as considerate a manner as possible. However, just as with cars it's amazing how many discourteous riders there are... a quick flick of the hand or boot in acknowledgement goes a long way when you have moved off line or created a gap for them. It is noticable that the most inconsiderate riders are often those in jeans and t-shirts, whereas the most courteous are often on a sports bike with a loud can and full race leathers.
If you ever go to the Isle of Man, you'll quickly learn to look for bikes, usually in the rear view mirror
. There is certainly more consideration on both sides. Cars will make space and indicate to acknowledge the bikes, who more often than not say thankyou as the scream by.
As for load pipes, the loadest I've experienced was Ian Lougher on a race 250 with a broken exhaust. That was physically painfull - and absolutely Brilliant!
The best road in the world, for car or bike (no speed limit
):
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...71926523672251