Experiance needed before advanced riding...

[EssexDave]

Simple question is - How much experiance do people recommend before taking a course like bikesafe or IAM. I know this is very dependant on the type of riding people do, how much riding, how fast you learn etc, but just as a rough guide.

[Durbs]

Sure i'd heard 5K miles or 12 months.

[Durbs]

Although different for Bikesafe i think as thats an all round 'stay safe' course whereas i think the IAM is geared towards going for the advanced test?

[JamesMio]

I've done about 4k miles since passing my test in September, and booked my IAM training last weekend at the Scottish Bike show.

[clodge]

We joined the IAM a couple of months ago with few miles on the clock as it was recommended on here and we needed to go out and get more confidence. We just told the IAM that we were novices really and they said that it didn't matter they would let us take it at our own pace. The test isn't the be-all and end-all for us therefore we have great observers that take us out and comment on our riding and how we can improve - it is helping us and we paid ?10 (he wouldn't accept more) for the poor chappy who spent the day with us!

Basically - they take all levels which is what I'm trying to say!

[Alpinestarhero]

Clodge - how are you getting on riding now?

I personally would prefer to do a bikesafe at the moment, I have 6000 miles under my belt on my SV and I'm confident on my bike - I just need pointers. I don't know if the IAM is for me, I don't know what I could get out of it what I can't already work out for myself or be told from bikesafe?

Matt

[petevtwin650]

Simple question is - How much experiance do people recommend before taking a course like bikesafe or IAM. I know this is very dependant on the type of riding people do, how much riding, how fast you learn etc, but just as a rough guide.

The earlier the better. Bit like fitting crash bungs after you've had a crash.

Do it. Now!

[clodge]

Hi Matt - great ta! We joined the IAM and bought another bike (exactly the same) for my sister so we do look a bit sad but it beats following in the car as we were doing. We are actually looking forward to going out on the bikes now. Don't get me wrong we've a bit more to do and alot more miles but miles better - thanks for asking!

[dirtydog]

Clodge - how are you getting on riding now?

I personally would prefer to do a bikesafe at the moment, I have 6000 miles under my belt on my SV and I'm confident on my bike - I just need pointers. I don't know if the IAM is for me, I don't know what I could get out of it what I can't already work out for myself or be told from bikesafe?

Matt


Matt i'd been riding for about 10 years before i did IAM training, i wasn't expecting to get a great deal out of it but i went and i did get some good advice and pointers from it. Am i any faster for doing it? possibily, but i am a lot safer now. why don't you go along to your local group and get a observed run, most willl give you one free for the first time

[600+]

join now - you have more to gain by learning the right way than trying to correct old habits

[Alpinestarhero]

Matt i'd been riding for about 10 years before i did IAM training, i wasn't expecting to get a great deal out of it but i went and i did get some good advice and pointers from it. Am i any faster for doing it? possibily, but i am a lot safer now. why don't you go along to your local group and get a observed run, most willl give you one free for the first time

Good idea, i'll try it. Can't cpmplain if its free :D

Clodge - if you and your sister fancy some company on a ride out any time, let me know - I'll come along with my resident pillion :D and maybe the soho lot :flower:

Matt

[EssexDave]

Ah thanks for the advice guys, suppose it was a bit of a silly question now.
Will definately look into IAM over the spring months as I pick my bike up on the 9th of April (at long last) and havn't ridden for a while. I do have a day booked with the guys i took my test with just to get me back on the road (hopefully safely) but would really like to be the best rider I can (who wouldn't?)

Think i'll do the bikesafe first and then look at the IAM (which seems like more of a commitment?)

Ty for responses

[dirtydog]

Think i'll do the bikesafe first and then look at the IAM (which seems like more of a commitment?)

Ty for responses


i wouldn't say it was more of a commitment, most regions do have regular meets. My local group meets the 1st sunday of every month but cos of other commitments i rarely get along infact i managed about 7 observed rides in 3 years :oops:

[Dangerous Dave]

Give yourself a few months and a few thousand miles at the minimum first before going for an advance course. You'll need the experience and feel comfortable and relaxed on your bike first!

They are good courses but some fill you with the obvious and the occasional WTF information but there is some good info and skills to be learnt at them!

[ArtyLady]

i wouldn't say it was more of a commitment, most regions do have regular meets. My local group meets the 1st sunday of every month but cos of other commitments i rarely get along infact i managed about 7 observed rides in 3 years :oops:

you did better than me then - I only managed 1 last year! :oops: #-o

every little helps thats what I say :cool: :D

[Sean_C]

I'm doing bikesafe next month, quite looking forward to it, and as soon as i can be bothered i'll sort out IAM, ive got the gift pack thing but haven't called them yet.

I've done several thousand miles since I got my bike, and feel confident, so I might as well do it early on while im improving rather than later on when im trying to sort bad habbits.