Advanced/Extra training courses

[Silver_Fox]

Are these worth doing as a new rider, or should I just get riding experience myself first? The insurance reduction isn't the aim, just better/safer skills

[struan80]

Just started the IAM myself. It's farly common sense really what they instruct. The IAM guys have given me confidence for sure. Things like overtaking on country roads. Before I was perhaps hesitant. Now i do the planned checklist in my head (Risk assessment), takes about a second. Then good to go or not. Having s defined system in place for this helps.

Are you a level 1 or level 2 thinker? Level 1 acts immediately on his instincts, sometimes this may save him. Level 2 has a thought of risks and and consequences then acts, sometimes level 2 thinking can get you killed due to delay but more often than not level 2 is the way to go.

I was taught the above with accident investigation courses offshore. I am and promote level 2 thinking in my work and am trying to become one with riding.

I think IAM can do no harm. I am also a far better car driver than I ever was from learning bike road craft.

[Silver_Fox]

Thanks. I'd definately lean towards Level 2. I analyse, but probably over analyse things in every day life, so I rarely take risks. On the road I tend to scan everyone for signs that indicate what type of driver they are, and whether they're likely to make sudden moves etc. 17 years a car driver but I only passed my bike test yesterday

[davebike]

Advanced training in my view is a big help to enjoying a bike
But I biased Passed IAM Bike October 1994 Observer from 1998 to last year

Most IAM groups work on the "it is your training " system so you have to make some effort to get the most out of it

If not sure do a Bikesafe day the police you the same system

There are some professional courses far from cheap but the best are very very good

Minimum read Road craft the motorcycle version OK it the police handbook but used by most advanced trainers
____________________
Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
davebike1@gmail.com

[Rogerborg]

Yup. Read Roadcraft, have a think about what bits make sense, then actually analyse your riding and apply it all the time.

That last part is critical and doesn't go without saying - you can't teach a good attitude. I know a handful[*] of IAM and police drivers who got their Gold Star then decided that it gave them a (literal) license to ignore everything they just learned. To a lesser extent, I went on a run with IAM observers and agreed with most of their riding but not with the speed that they chose to carry through blind bends and hill crests.

[*] Sample size may not be significant.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Silver_Fox]

Thank you. I agree it's easy to suddenly think your stringent training standards no longer apply once you pass.

[Val]

[Silver_Fox]

Thank you, that makes a lot of sense. I'll take a look

[Taught2BCauti...]

I find that I learn better from videos than from books, and there are a lot of good ones on YouYube.

I recommend the Nottingham Roadcraft ones, and the 'Twist of the wrist' ones from Keith Code, but there are many to choose from to suit your style.
____________________
Honda Varadero XL125(V8)
www.TheFutureIsHere.eu

[Silver_Fox]

I've read before about Keith Code from various places, but the reviews say the DVD is only a portion of what his book teaches