I agree. I too sign all of my prints (exhibition photo paper or metal) on the back. I don't like a signature distracting from my image.
I too rode a Road King and would travel with my camera. Since space is limited, I packed my Nikon in a saddle bag wrapped in a shirt and then placed in a small camera case - packed near the top of my saddle bag for easy access. I never had a problem.
I spent 10 days in Yellowstone last summer. The lens that never seemed to leave my camera and proved to be good for both wildlife and landscapes was my Nikon 28mm-300mm lens. I shoot a Nikon d750.
I took a ride on the Cumbres & Toltec Railroad from Chama, New Mexico, to Antonito, Colorado last October. Although past peak for color, it was still a beautiful ride.
I look for reflections when photographing classic cars and lowriders. I think it adds interest to the image. I understand about not wanting to have your (the photographer's) image in the shot. If it's unavoidable, I will try to hide myself somewhere in the image. I find clouds, pavement and even other people reflected in the shot makes the image more interesting. Distance from your subject and cropping for details will make the image.