I usually stay in the right lane, and go with traffic, so I don't get many tailgaters. Our Westy's license plate is "PASS US", and I think that helps. When I do get someone on my bumper, I slow down a bit (5mph below posted). That usually does the trick.
In the very rare occasion that it doesn't work, I simply trigger the washer for the windsheild for 20-45 seconds, or until they move. If I'm in our Jetta (TD) I slip it down in Fourth, and wind the turbo up to full speed, which disgourges in one puff every molecule of accumulated carbon from the exhaust system. Since (generally) tailgaters have a lot of ego tied up in the appearance of the cars, having windsheild spray or black carbon all over their car is a strong dissincentive for them to remain behind me.

Cheers,

gmbulley

-----Original Message-----
From:   J. Eric Pitman [SMTP:norton85@BELLATLANTIC.NET]
Sent:   Saturday, August 28, 1999 9:44 AM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        RE tailgaters

A very nasty trick told to me by some biker friends of mine. A pocket full of ball bearings. To get rid of unwanted tailgators just reach into your pocket and drop a couple bearings behind you and they will break windows and go through radiators and real screw up the tailgator day. I have not done this to anyone but there have been a couple of times I wish I had the bearings with me.
Eric P
1984 Westfalia(Green Hornet)
1973 Norton Commando 850(Ed)
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