After reading a comment on another thread, I started thinking about advanced rider training and wondered if anyone has done any and how much they benefited from it? I'm a driving instructor so had to train and go through an advanced driving qualification for that. The knowledge I gained from that has made my road riding ability better and safer. So what further training have people had?
For what its worth, I have - Police advanced class 1 motorcyclist Police advanced class 1 car driver Police qualified driving and riding instructor Senior advanced motorcycle examiner for RoSPA (1980 – Present) Senior Advanced driving examiner for RoSPA (1980 – Present) RoSPA motorcycle diploma qualified instructor (1995 – 2004) Btec level three motorcycle instructor/assessor (1999 – present) Department of Transport qualified CBT motorcycle instructor Department of Transport Direct Access qualified motorcycle instructor. I was also for about 8 years the chief motorcycle examiner for RoSPA, I wrote and delivered the Motorcycle diploma course for advanced instructors, and I was a founder member of the MRTA (Motorcycle Rider Training Association) I have various other riding and driving qualifications as well, but they are the main ones. Does that count?
Do it Lee I passed my advanced many years ago, throughly enjoyed the training and a great sense of achievement when you pass, does it make me a better rider ? I would like to think so . And with some insurance companies offering a slight reduction in premium you could save some money at renewal time.
I've been a fence sitter for a while for the Ron Haslam school. Just haven't been game enough to make the commitment. I am sure that any extra training (whether on bikes or anything in life) can only be advantageous. Counts for me. Great accomplishment and obvious knowledge base. Can't fathom why anyone would be 'optimistic' about it.
I did the Suzuki track course at Mallory about 15yrs ago one of the best things I did had dean Ellison as a instructor learnt loads about body position ,,,cornering fast etc.....as for road I once rode with a guy that was a bike cop he never told me what he did for a living until one day I saw him holding a speed camera i! I wondered why he had smooth sweeping lines!
From an American perspective... I am a nationally certified MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) instructor, NYSMSP (New York State Motorcycle Safety Program) certified instructor, New York State driving instructor as well as a Pro Motion Rider Coach (track school). I work for two different schools and a track day outfit. I would say all the students I have put through the paces (whether it be the BRC [Basic Rider Course] or a level 3 track school) have befitted from the training. I encourage everyone to take an advanced class, you can never stop learning. The day you feel you know everything about riding is the day you should sell your bike and never get on one again.
I did IAM after I gave up racing rather so I could step back and review my road habits. I found that knowing I had somebody following me and watching made me far more critical of myself.
But do you stick with all the best behaviours....or revert to the Fireblade hooliganisms that inevitably follow when one opens the throttle. I know I would be on my bestest behaviour during training and testing...but then on my own again, well.........
I had a ride out with an IAM instructor a couple of years ago, very informative. I would definitely like to complete the course if I can commit the time.
As the instructor, I always hope they do and I hope I've facilitated the program correctly and have given the student the tools they need to be a better (safer) rider. As a rider, erm..I may or may not have hooligan like spells from time to time.
The biggest thing I've taken from the training is to observe everything, expect the unexpected and its not speed that's the issue, its the misuse of speed!
I'd definitely consider some track riding tuition and will take advantage of that this year hopefully. Never really considered it for the road though. I can see the advantages of it for those who feel they need it or ride for a job, but I've been honing my skills on motorbikes since I was 8 years old, I'm quite happy with the level I'm at for road riding. I'm safe and I know I have the trust of the people i ride with......which counts for a lot
I've done the Ron Haslam one about 5 times now, all when they were at Silverstone, need to book in for one at Doddington really, it's such a good day out. You do have to do the Premier course on the new 650R before you can access the Blade school though. And have to have completed the Premier within 2 years.
Ooh no, I couldn't do the Blade school. It's been kindly suggested that I should be on a 'sports tourer' because of my cornering incapabilities. I don't think the learned Mr Haslam has any NC750s.
Even though I've done the 'Elite' (Blade) three times, because I haven't been in a span of over two years I would have to go back to the 650, they used to be the 600RR which was great fun. Not too sure on the new 2019 650R though :/
