Man... I'm the typo king. Here's what I meant to say (i.e., typo-free):
Somewhat true, but squids do it just as much in this modern era!
It's a combination of negative images. As much as the biker image with loud pipes might offend some, so do 'busa riders doing 140+ while weaving through traffic, or stunters doing wheelies and stopies in heavy traffic.
I'm a crotch rocket rider -- have been for 20+ years -- and I don't want riders to spend all their time improving motorcycle image in the eyes of automobilists (cuz the rebel is part of the reason many ride), but some things do severe damage to perception, which in turn may get laws passed that would dramatically restrict us.
I'm love to say say f*** 'em, but until we can rid the world of 4-wheels, we're the minority that must always fight for our rights.