I can relate to this thread 100% having just come back to bikes after a 22 year lay off driving various nice warm and comfy cars. I was following a freelander the other day and I was suprised to see that the position of my head was actually above that of the disco driver in front.

It does help that I am 6' 2" but adopting an assertive road position does increase other road users view of me. I'm trying to apply the skills I have learnt from all the different courses I have done (including IAM Advanced) to riding the bike and to be honest the vast majority of it transfers over very nicely.

The only problem I have had was with a white van stuck in traffic who was determined to sit on the white line, but he wasn't an issue for long. Low down toque is a big plus.