training after your getting your motorbike license
Discussion
Training after getting your motorbike license (sorry can't edit title)
This might be slightly premature however I want to at least start investigating further rider training after doing my Mod 2 in a couple of weeks.
What courses/training have people done and how useful was it. I have seen the rapid rider training which does look good.
This might be slightly premature however I want to at least start investigating further rider training after doing my Mod 2 in a couple of weeks.
What courses/training have people done and how useful was it. I have seen the rapid rider training which does look good.
I did the Bikesafe course after a 7 year break from riding.
I found it really good. Ran by the police who were more interested in your riding than how big your exhaust is. First half is in a classroom and the 2nd half they follow you round some local roads in groups of 2.
It's a recognised course now and insurers take it into account so could help reduce premiums.
I found it really good. Ran by the police who were more interested in your riding than how big your exhaust is. First half is in a classroom and the 2nd half they follow you round some local roads in groups of 2.
It's a recognised course now and insurers take it into account so could help reduce premiums.
I did a bikesafe course, and the first half in the classroom was good (and with the coppers) the 2nd was with an IAM bloke who was a lot less interesting. He was more interested in his high-vis and performing decidedly questionable overtakes than observing other riding. I'm sure they're not all like that, just be aware it's not all brilliant coppers showing you how it's done.
For a skills course I can highly recommend i2i mca - Tom is a very good teacher, and builds on the standard stuff you get taught for Mod2 for the first course on. I've done the first module and have the next one booked for next spring.
For a skills course I can highly recommend i2i mca - Tom is a very good teacher, and builds on the standard stuff you get taught for Mod2 for the first course on. I've done the first module and have the next one booked for next spring.
My IAM training made me a much faster smoother safer rider. Both instructors were great, it was cheap and good value.
I think you should try book it right away.
Only thing I didn’t like was no headset used, indicators in my mirrors were the main communication. I feel that made have my progress slower.
I think you should try book it right away.
Only thing I didn’t like was no headset used, indicators in my mirrors were the main communication. I feel that made have my progress slower.
My local biking group has mentioned that as well as the Police-led riding sessions; the fire brigade do a similar thing.
Link is just for the Essex one but I suspect other regions support it
https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/firebike
Link is just for the Essex one but I suspect other regions support it
https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/firebike
I've done a few of the usual ones in recent years. Mainly just as an excuse to get out and do something with purpose on the bike, they can be a fun challenge. I also don't know my local area that well (I'm not native) so I discovered some fantastic roads in the process.
Bikesafe was a 10/10 day out. The classroom was useful without being patronising. For the observed ride out, me and another experienced chap were paired up with a police instructor on an unmarked bike; after a few miles of sussing us out he would alternate positions and occasionally pull over to give fresh advice. Encouraged us not to hold back! Mrs was on the same session having only recently passed and went out 1-to-1 with a marked traffic bike. Said it was quite fun having the blues occasionally lit up behind her
. For a free event, I cannot praise it enough.
RoSPA is basically everything they hint on at Bikesafe, but in intense detail over a few weeks/months. I found the quality to be top notch, and they were open minded about doing things differently to 'the book' or the examiner, as long as you could sensibly justify why. I still find myself consciously applying it every ride, which is a good sign I think. Highly recommended but might be a bit intense for the first thing post-test.
IAM is supposed to be pretty much the same curriculum as RoSPA but I found some local variation in the tuition/advice. For example my group didn't like off-siding. My mock examiner didn't like my quickshifter use! On the plus side though, much more of a club-like atmosphere with lots of local events run in addition to the training - ride-outs, refresher sessions, novice track days if you're interested in that sort of thing.
A curveball for you - one of the 'club' things the local IAM group ran was a slow riding/machine handling skills course. It sounds dull - if you can pass your mod 1 and waddle round a U-turn why bother? Honestly this was more like a mod 1 on steroids, with a drill instructor chasing you. Far from being 'slow' it was more like 'how to physically wrestle your bike around tighter, faster, and without falling off'. I learned loads about physically positioning on the machine and braking and steering to the limit over the two days. It gave me massive confidence on the road, particularly in tight situations around traffic, around town, filtering, etc. It's made me really want to try Moto Gymkhana one day!
I can't comment on any of the paid 1-2-1 tuition that companies offer, I'm sure the good ones can tailor you a few days similar to any of the above. It's just great that you're considering post-test learning in any form. I would personally recommend dipping your toe in with Bikesafe, then finding a slow riding course. Should set you up with some essential roadcraft that might save your bacon, and boost your confidence on the bike.
Bikesafe was a 10/10 day out. The classroom was useful without being patronising. For the observed ride out, me and another experienced chap were paired up with a police instructor on an unmarked bike; after a few miles of sussing us out he would alternate positions and occasionally pull over to give fresh advice. Encouraged us not to hold back! Mrs was on the same session having only recently passed and went out 1-to-1 with a marked traffic bike. Said it was quite fun having the blues occasionally lit up behind her
. For a free event, I cannot praise it enough.RoSPA is basically everything they hint on at Bikesafe, but in intense detail over a few weeks/months. I found the quality to be top notch, and they were open minded about doing things differently to 'the book' or the examiner, as long as you could sensibly justify why. I still find myself consciously applying it every ride, which is a good sign I think. Highly recommended but might be a bit intense for the first thing post-test.
IAM is supposed to be pretty much the same curriculum as RoSPA but I found some local variation in the tuition/advice. For example my group didn't like off-siding. My mock examiner didn't like my quickshifter use!
On the plus side though, much more of a club-like atmosphere with lots of local events run in addition to the training - ride-outs, refresher sessions, novice track days if you're interested in that sort of thing. A curveball for you - one of the 'club' things the local IAM group ran was a slow riding/machine handling skills course. It sounds dull - if you can pass your mod 1 and waddle round a U-turn why bother? Honestly this was more like a mod 1 on steroids, with a drill instructor chasing you. Far from being 'slow' it was more like 'how to physically wrestle your bike around tighter, faster, and without falling off'. I learned loads about physically positioning on the machine and braking and steering to the limit over the two days. It gave me massive confidence on the road, particularly in tight situations around traffic, around town, filtering, etc. It's made me really want to try Moto Gymkhana one day!
I can't comment on any of the paid 1-2-1 tuition that companies offer, I'm sure the good ones can tailor you a few days similar to any of the above. It's just great that you're considering post-test learning in any form. I would personally recommend dipping your toe in with Bikesafe, then finding a slow riding course. Should set you up with some essential roadcraft that might save your bacon, and boost your confidence on the bike.
Blippy said:
I've done a few of the usual ones in recent years. Mainly just as an excuse to get out and do something with purpose on the bike, they can be a fun challenge. I also don't know my local area that well (I'm not native) so I discovered some fantastic roads in the process.
Bikesafe was a 10/10 day out. The classroom was useful without being patronising. For the observed ride out, me and another experienced chap were paired up with a police instructor on an unmarked bike; after a few miles of sussing us out he would alternate positions and occasionally pull over to give fresh advice. Encouraged us not to hold back! Mrs was on the same session having only recently passed and went out 1-to-1 with a marked traffic bike. Said it was quite fun having the blues occasionally lit up behind her. For a free event, I cannot praise it enough.
RoSPA is basically everything they hint on at Bikesafe, but in intense detail over a few weeks/months. I found the quality to be top notch, and they were open minded about doing things differently to 'the book' or the examiner, as long as you could sensibly justify why. I still find myself consciously applying it every ride, which is a good sign I think. Highly recommended but might be a bit intense for the first thing post-test.
IAM is supposed to be pretty much the same curriculum as RoSPA but I found some local variation in the tuition/advice. For example my group didn't like off-siding. My mock examiner didn't like my quickshifter use! On the plus side though, much more of a club-like atmosphere with lots of local events run in addition to the training - ride-outs, refresher sessions, novice track days if you're interested in that sort of thing.
A curveball for you - one of the 'club' things the local IAM group ran was a slow riding/machine handling skills course. It sounds dull - if you can pass your mod 1 and waddle round a U-turn why bother? Honestly this was more like a mod 1 on steroids, with a drill instructor chasing you. Far from being 'slow' it was more like 'how to physically wrestle your bike around tighter, faster, and without falling off'. I learned loads about physically positioning on the machine and braking and steering to the limit over the two days. It gave me massive confidence on the road, particularly in tight situations around traffic, around town, filtering, etc. It's made me really want to try Moto Gymkhana one day!
I can't comment on any of the paid 1-2-1 tuition that companies offer, I'm sure the good ones can tailor you a few days similar to any of the above. It's just great that you're considering post-test learning in any form. I would personally recommend dipping your toe in with Bikesafe, then finding a slow riding course. Should set you up with some essential roadcraft that might save your bacon, and boost your confidence on the bike.
Thank you for taking the extra time to write all that out, I have to be honest I really like the sound of the curveball one. Surely has to be one of the better ways to understand the machine. I seen the videos on YouTube I am sure where they have these super tight cones and corners set up. Blasting up to a quick 30-40mph then slowing down asap and leaning the bike over asap to literally turn the bike on a dime and switch back and rev up asap again. Incredible control and understanding of the bike. Bikesafe was a 10/10 day out. The classroom was useful without being patronising. For the observed ride out, me and another experienced chap were paired up with a police instructor on an unmarked bike; after a few miles of sussing us out he would alternate positions and occasionally pull over to give fresh advice. Encouraged us not to hold back! Mrs was on the same session having only recently passed and went out 1-to-1 with a marked traffic bike. Said it was quite fun having the blues occasionally lit up behind her
. For a free event, I cannot praise it enough.RoSPA is basically everything they hint on at Bikesafe, but in intense detail over a few weeks/months. I found the quality to be top notch, and they were open minded about doing things differently to 'the book' or the examiner, as long as you could sensibly justify why. I still find myself consciously applying it every ride, which is a good sign I think. Highly recommended but might be a bit intense for the first thing post-test.
IAM is supposed to be pretty much the same curriculum as RoSPA but I found some local variation in the tuition/advice. For example my group didn't like off-siding. My mock examiner didn't like my quickshifter use!
On the plus side though, much more of a club-like atmosphere with lots of local events run in addition to the training - ride-outs, refresher sessions, novice track days if you're interested in that sort of thing. A curveball for you - one of the 'club' things the local IAM group ran was a slow riding/machine handling skills course. It sounds dull - if you can pass your mod 1 and waddle round a U-turn why bother? Honestly this was more like a mod 1 on steroids, with a drill instructor chasing you. Far from being 'slow' it was more like 'how to physically wrestle your bike around tighter, faster, and without falling off'. I learned loads about physically positioning on the machine and braking and steering to the limit over the two days. It gave me massive confidence on the road, particularly in tight situations around traffic, around town, filtering, etc. It's made me really want to try Moto Gymkhana one day!
I can't comment on any of the paid 1-2-1 tuition that companies offer, I'm sure the good ones can tailor you a few days similar to any of the above. It's just great that you're considering post-test learning in any form. I would personally recommend dipping your toe in with Bikesafe, then finding a slow riding course. Should set you up with some essential roadcraft that might save your bacon, and boost your confidence on the bike.
I think all the options have their merits. I will just look into the options closest to me and work my way up. The idea of going on track really excites me
Bikesafe is a great start and a taster into the world of pursuing an "advanced" qualification. My decision on whether to go to IAM vs RoSPA really came down to the local club and instructors, who you go out riding with and how they passed on their knowledge.
The local IAM group I met rode around on matching BMW GS1250s with green vests, and were very dogmatic in their approach....I didn't really fit in, so tried joined RoSPA and was assigned a local instructor. My local RoSPA guy was a retired copper, and ex military, really down to earth and didn't hang about. I wasn't forced to wear high vis kit I wouldn't normally wear and the only book I needed to refresh up on was the Police Roadcraft manual. We had a few long ride outs, many cups of coffees during de brief style training sessions and I ended up in RoSPA for many years.
Also try some more advanced bike handling training, like www.i2imca.com before you get into any bad habits, learn to confidently control the bike. Tom (i2i instructor) also does advanced road training if you are in his neck of the woods.
Most importantly, get your test passed and get out enjoying the freedom of 2 wheels, get some fun miles under your belt in between all the training
The local IAM group I met rode around on matching BMW GS1250s with green vests, and were very dogmatic in their approach....I didn't really fit in, so tried joined RoSPA and was assigned a local instructor. My local RoSPA guy was a retired copper, and ex military, really down to earth and didn't hang about. I wasn't forced to wear high vis kit I wouldn't normally wear and the only book I needed to refresh up on was the Police Roadcraft manual. We had a few long ride outs, many cups of coffees during de brief style training sessions and I ended up in RoSPA for many years.
Also try some more advanced bike handling training, like www.i2imca.com before you get into any bad habits, learn to confidently control the bike. Tom (i2i instructor) also does advanced road training if you are in his neck of the woods.
Most importantly, get your test passed and get out enjoying the freedom of 2 wheels, get some fun miles under your belt in between all the training
100% agree IAM vs RoSPA will come down to the strengths of your local group(s), essentially they are both attempting to pass on pre-pursuit police training. I did IAM last year, enjoyed the experience, more importantly I saw great merit in the fundamentals, and am currently training for the observer exam, looking forward to helping the local group out next season.
I'd like to do some track based work at some point, I'd like to stretch my limits, but a bit unsure where to look since Haslam closed.
I'd like to do some track based work at some point, I'd like to stretch my limits, but a bit unsure where to look since Haslam closed.
RoSPA also do the slow riding course which is mentioned above. I did it on a Pan European about 10 years ago. From memory, RoSPA likes you to have >6 months post test pass experience before doing any advanced riding training. Have taken the RoSPA test twice; the test (separate from the slow riding course which is a separate single day out) remains valid for 3 years, but it isn't a problem if you let it lapse and then take it again after >3 year break. Bikesafe you can do any time. I like RoSPA. No experience with IAM but I hear it is also good.
Edited by iidentifyaswoke on Friday 18th August 03:08
All advanced training is based on Motorcycle Roadcraft
Get yourself a copy, read it, then asses your own riding accordingly. If you're realistic and honest in your assessment, you won't go far wrong.
Get yourself a copy, read it, then asses your own riding accordingly. If you're realistic and honest in your assessment, you won't go far wrong.
black-k1 said:
All advanced training is based on Motorcycle Roadcraft
Get yourself a copy, read it, then asses your own riding accordingly. If you're realistic and honest in your assessment, you won't go far wrong.
and then lose the will to liveGet yourself a copy, read it, then asses your own riding accordingly. If you're realistic and honest in your assessment, you won't go far wrong.
GSA_fattie said:
black-k1 said:
All advanced training is based on Motorcycle Roadcraft
Get yourself a copy, read it, then asses your own riding accordingly. If you're realistic and honest in your assessment, you won't go far wrong.
and then lose the will to liveGet yourself a copy, read it, then asses your own riding accordingly. If you're realistic and honest in your assessment, you won't go far wrong.
I agree it's not what you'd call a page turner but the concepts are good and described clearly, if lacking a little in excitement!
I recently completed Rapid's Bikemaster level one, and it was excellent.
I work as a professional coach (rugby) and I thought the quality of their instruction was exceptional.
It was two long, full on days training with a 2:1 student:Instructor ratio. My first day was lovely sunshine and the second was heavy rain all day. I can honestly say by the end of the second day, I was riding in the rain faster and smoother than I was in the dry 48 hours earlier.
I've booked onto level two next spring which includes some track tuition. Cannot speak highly enough about Rapid. I would definitely recommend to anybody serious about their Roadcraft.
I work as a professional coach (rugby) and I thought the quality of their instruction was exceptional.
It was two long, full on days training with a 2:1 student:Instructor ratio. My first day was lovely sunshine and the second was heavy rain all day. I can honestly say by the end of the second day, I was riding in the rain faster and smoother than I was in the dry 48 hours earlier.
I've booked onto level two next spring which includes some track tuition. Cannot speak highly enough about Rapid. I would definitely recommend to anybody serious about their Roadcraft.
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff