Advanced Riding

[ant177]

I'm settling in nicely with the GTR (just over 8,000 miles since July) and should be feeling properly settled on the bike pretty soon - the biggest thing I've found coming from the Bandit is having a cross-section the size of a barn door to catch the wind, not the fault of the GTR - just large faired bikes!

I had been meaning to look in to doing an advanced riding qualification this year but I thought it prudent to get used to the new bike before trying to get through one.
I've done a quick search on the forum and have seen a few people mention that they've done a RoSPA or IAM course, I was just wondering if anyone has any thoughts about either course and which one to go for? I know the IAM is a pass once thing and the RoSPA needs requalifying periodically but are there any other substantial differences?

I suppose things like the social aspect depend on your local organisation rather than the parent organisation.

Does anyone know anything about the IAM and RoSPA groups in Gloucestershire?

Any thoughts welcome but religious preferences for one or the other need to be backed up with a reasoned opinion ;)

[snowy]

I did my IAM with the Severn Group but too many years ago!, no bull, made me so much more aware and assertive. Suggest Google Severn Advanced Motorcyclists, else I believe Pross on this forum, just up a bit in the West Midlands is involved in advanced training.

[GTRpilot]

did my IAM and a couple of Police bike safe courses. Anything to advance your skills is worth it IMHO. 

[Debs]

I did my IAM this year on my GTR...

I decided on the IAM over RoSPA as I don't want to put myself through the stress of having to pass a test every 3 years... With our local IAM group they do a MRC = Members Ride Clinic.. Go out once a month with a observer to keep your skills up to date..

It works for me.. 

[snowy]

I'm with Debs on thoughts over ROSPA / IAM, I took the test 23 years ago, still use the skills on every ride, just can't be fussed with ongoing affiliation / membership, but saying that would love to do it again, met some good folk!
Here's the web site............
https://sites.google.com/site/iamsambikers/

[ant177]

Thanks for the responses so far everyone. I am definitely sold on the idea of advanced training - just which one! It seems that there are two IAM groups around Cheltenham; http://www.advancedmotorcycling.org.uk/ and https://sites.google.com/site/iamsambikers/.

[Lonewolf]

ROSPA are so far up their own arse it's difficult for me to say anything positive about them. 


IAM on the other hand, I found to be excellent.   


I'll leave it at that. 

[ant177]

Hehe, thanks for that! That is an opinion I've seen repeated a few times on other forums etc but I am always very cautious about internet opinion ;)
There does seem to be a definite trend however.

Does that attitute filter down to the local groups do you think? I suppose every group is going to have good and bad eggs.

Definitely leaning towards the IAM route at the moment.

[O.C.]

ROSPA are so far up their own arse it's difficult for me to say anything positive about them. 


IAM on the other hand, I found to be excellent.   


I'll leave it at that. 

   only joking Steve,  well partly because I do agree with you about ROSPA  I made three, I think, phone calls to local reps regarding participation on a course and despite promises, never received a returned call

I may well involve myself in an IAM course next season   

[STX1300man]

Which ever you choose, just get on and do at least one of them.

With my IAM Observer and Committee member hat on I'd say go for the IAM ... but the reality is that each local Group is its own entity. So that can be good or not so good, depending on how it is run. All the Observers/Tutors are individuals as well (some sit in both camps).

Both organisations approach is based on Roadcraft, the IAM having their own publication How To Be A Better Rider (an easier read, but you can read both).

The main differences are with the test where ROSPA includes some formal Highway Code questions where the IAM one doesn't (but your knowledge will still be explored during the pre/post ride chat). ROSPA awards Gold/Silver/Bronze/Fail and the IAM award F1rst/Pass/Fail. ROSPA test has to be taken every 3 years, the IAM doesn't though you can take another assessment with an Examiner any time you want (£35) or take a Masters test.

Which is better? The classic answer I give to many riding questions ... "It depends". Do one and then do the other. I'm sure you'll learn something from both experiences.

Me? I did IAM, became an Observer and do my ROSPA retest every 3 years (with no formal ROSPA training as they are essentially the same). You NEVER stop learning.

[ant177]

Thanks for the comments, that is pretty much what I had assumed. I very much agree with the "never stop learning" sentiment, that is part of my reasoning for doing the training.

[Debs]

Thanks for the comments, that is pretty much what I had assumed. I very much agree with the "never stop learning" sentiment, that is part of my reasoning for doing the training.

I'm a far better rider after doing the IAM.. I don't take risks like I used to so that makes me safer..

Whichever you decide it will be a good decision. 

[O.C.]

Great replies from both STX1300 and Debs....thanks both   

[virginiajim]

I think we've got beginner and advanced rider courses here.  Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to enroll in the advanced course this spring.  I've never really been a thrasher in my riding style and I think that I have mellowed in certain respects over the years, but one can always learn new things.  I know that I ride better alone than with a group.

[O.C.]

I think we've got beginner and advanced rider courses here.  Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to enroll in the advanced course this spring.  I've never really been a thrasher in my riding style and I think that I have mellowed in certain respects over the years, but one can always learn new things. I know that I ride better alone than with a group.

That's an interesting point Jim and one which I agree with, I don't mind being with smaller groups and am quite happy being 'tail end Charlie'