When panning with slow shutter speeds, you can use a smaller aperture since the background will be blurred from panning. I usually use Tv mode and as low of an ISO setting as I can without going over the max smallest aperture.
Cars and motorcycles can move pretty fast allowing you to use a a shutter speed like you're using even if you're a little ways back from them as you still have top pan pretty swiftly. Slow shutter speed panning does not typically have a high keeper rate for me, but what you do get can be really cool compared to shots that just freeze everything and don't really convey a sense of speed.
Keep trying and you'll find the right combo of shutter speed, camera movement, distance from subject and ISO to give you what you're looking for and maybe even something you weren't expecting for each different set of circumstances. It can be different depending on how fast the subjects are moving and how far you are from them.
If you get into really slow shutter speeds, you'll find that only one part of the subject will stay in focus as the speed at which the front of the car (for example) moves toward you will be different that the speed that the rear of the car moves toward you as you pivot while panning for the duration of your shutter being open. Confusing I know, maybe I didn't do a good job explaining it, but you'll see it in your shots if you pan with a slow enough shutter speed.
Here are some examples of that on a bicycle:
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To get good panning shots and effects, you have to be a bit brave and risk not getting the shot, but although the rewards can be fewer in number, they can be very satisfying.
Canon 20D w/grip, 300D, Powershot SX100 w/HF-DC1 flash, Canon 70-200 f/2.8L, 85 f/1.8, 17-55 f/2.8 IS, 50 f/1.8, 580EX and some other stuff...
