Advanced Training

[KLV-Rider]

Anyone doing/done any advanced motorcycle training, ROSPA, IAM, Diamond etc..... :?:

Would be good to hear thoughts, experiences etc....

[Tanzy]

Not done any myself, but thinking about doing some next year. As I have only just started to ride, I want to get used to it and gain some confidence first before doing anythin like this. So it would be nice knowing that it is like.

[Anonymous]

I had a bargain course with the local plod a few years ago - £7 for 3 Sundays. Two in the classroom and the last supervised on the road it was great - we were late getting back so our cop came up at the lights and said to stay with him. Must have amazed some motorists on the dual carriage way to see a cop on a motorbike doing over eighty being chased by two bikers.......

Seriously though it was definately worth while, the police were realistic and they certainly knew everything about biking - they went up in my estimation. Sadly a few weeks later I was pulled over and fined while taking my boy back to university for having his pushbike on the back of the car ever so slightly covering the rear numberplate even though there were other numbskulls tailgating and driving like idiots so the estimation went down again.

[doebag]

I did my IAM a few years ago, and would recommend advanced training to everybody on two wheels.
For those who are new to biking, then a Bikesafe day would be a good introduction to improving your skills.

[Chris Graves]

I endorse what Doebag has said.  I also did my IAM a couple of years ago and the cost of the course paid for itself in the reduction in my insurance.  Now that the IAM has increased their costs it may not represent such a saving but it will still be worthwhile as the training I received has helped me to be a better rider.  I came back to bikes after a twenty year lay off and I realised how much bikes have changed, so I did the IAM mainly as an exercise in self preservation.   The main thing is to gel with your observer, if you don't you can change observer.  I got on fine with my observer as we were on the same wavelength.  Whilst I don't subscribe to all of the IAM doctrine I agree with most of it and I am still alive and with a clean licence.  Can't speak for ROSPA as I know little about it.  Bikesafe is a good introduction to advanced riding and taking part in a Bikesafe day often qualifies you for a discount on IAM training.

[JIMMY]

Did my IAM a couple of years ago to rebuild my confidence after an off. :oops: Have to agree with what has already been said its the best money you can spend on biking  :D and I would recommend that any rider no matter how long they have been riding should do it :D

[derbex]

I only passed my test in Feb., but the instructors made it clear that they were teaching you to pass the test rather than to ride well, a sad state of affairs in itself.

Anyway I joined the  Essex Advanced Motorcyclists’ Group, http://www.eamg.org.uk/ , to get some further training -they do IAM and RoSPA. I will probably take the IAM at some point this year, but don't have to and the training is well worthwhile in itself.

Beyond that there's the social side with several ride-outs each month,.

J