Im just curious. Is it a Goldwing? Maybe an electraglide. If its bigger than those i would be very curious. I live in the SW, so i ride routinely. I agree with the view. Its nice being up higher (r1200gs), though as of late i am grateful my fuel economy is a bit better at 40 ( its also a 2007, so older ). Being on a bike leaves you more exposed, but i kinda feel safer. Like you mention, we have space in a lane, we can maneuver into, and out of, places cars cant. When we do hit, its worse, but with good driving habits you can do a lot more on a bike. Meh, could be i just really live my bike and have become biased.