IAM or other advanced skills?

Most of the IAM groups seem to charge around £85.00 to join initially; but this includes group membership, IAM membership, IAM test fee, a copy of "Pass your Advanced Motorcycle Test", and a copy of the Highway Code. You then make a recommended donation of £5 to your observer per run.
This represents excellent value for money; Expert training in any subject usually costs a great deal more but these people do it for the love of biking and a desire to make people safer.
And, to boot, you'll find some new biking buddies to meet up with at weekends.

On the 'contribution' front - I pay nothing although do offer to pay a token for fuel (a few quid). It is at the discretion of your observer as to whether they actually take money from you (at least that's how it is in West Yorkshire IAM).

Even if it is a couple of quid each time, I feel it's excellent value for coins!

RoSPA and IAM are very similar but disagree on a few points.

Within RoSPA and IAM you'll also find individuals who have their own opinions on speeding, overtaking, etc.

Ultimately it doesn't matter what you do, they'll all make you a better rider. It's junk to claim that one is better than the other, many people do both as they hone slightly different areas of skill better.

I did IAM for a year and picked up loads though packed it in before I got to test stage as it was too much time to give up.

Off road days are good too - very handy for getting used to feeling the bike slide around. Snow and wet manhole covers become just a bit risky and not the end of the world.

I agree with all thats gone before, both IAM and ROSPA will improve your riding (at whatever speed you choose to go) and are excellent value for money.
I can also recommend http://www.rapidtraining.co.uk/e/home.htm for a one day intensive introduction to advanced riding techniques. I have used them a number of times and have learnt loads every time (not to mention having a load of fun too).

I've done a few days 1 to 1 training with a RoSPA trainer. Although it was as expencive as normal motorcycle (or i guess car training). I found it was very worth while.

With one to one training you can say specifically what you would like help with and the instructor can taylor the lesson to that, and also point out any bad habbits you may have.

I did mine with a guy called Steve who runs http://www.freedomridertraining.com/

Well worth the money, and I do intend to do some more sessions when I get the time and money to do it.

Dan

I did my IAM course after a 8 year break from biking. It's one of the best £85 I've ever spent, (although you did have to buy the observer a brew every week!) It made me a much safer rider BUT also a much faster rider, particularly in the twisties. Yes they do stick to the speed limits, (isn't that what they're there for?), but in the nationals, on the ride-outs, they take some keeping up with.

I belong to the Essex Advanced Motorcycle Group, which is no longer affiliated to the IAM. I've passed my IAM recently, and loved every moment of it. It is amazing how much I have learnt....
.... BUT I have not finished learning!
The IAM is great, but it is not the be all and end all!
IAM groups will only be able to teach you the IAM syllabus, which is not that comprehensive!
It's a great thing to work towards, but at the end of the day it is the people that you learn off that will challenge you and change the way you ride.
My (not so humble) advice: Find out what groups are near you and find one that works for you, and see if they offer anything other training other than IAM (slow ride days, full member training days, etc).
One thing for sure, you will enjoy it!

My friend has just done the IAM course and passed, with the Nottingham branch.

It has done wonders for her riding, and she has nothing to praise for the Nottingham team. She says they are very well organised and are really dedicated.

Down to me breaking down last night, was chatting to the recovery driver as he was an ex instructor and told me how he did advanceed after being an instructor and still learnt a lot. He told me the best are the IAM or ROSPA(not sure on terminology), IAM was an advanced course and you would come out of it to say you have done it, Rospa on the other hand was a 2 or 3 year then you have to do it again and that there are levels to it, bronze, silver and gold, this is what i think he told me

[G]

Originally Posted by Korben

Try Shires Motorcycle Training http://www.shiresmt.com/

Did my DAS with them and I thought they were great. Very professional and helpful. I was really struggling on my DAS with my U-turn and they helped me until I got it. They have sites in Derby and Notts.

I think they do advanced teaching, although I am not sure levels.

EDIT: Just looked through site, and they do IAM and RoSPA, and Roadcraft (Derbyshire Bike Plus)

and

Originally Posted by scarlett

My friend has just done the IAM course and passed, with the Nottingham branch.

It has done wonders for her riding, and she has nothing to praise for the Nottingham team. She says they are very well organised and are really dedicated.

I can also 3rd this....I did my DAS with Shires as my girlfriends dad works there.

I got out with him now and then doing advanced riding techniques etc and its amazing the difference they make...........you can ride MUCH MUCH quicker without necessarily speeding.

If you go, and get Ash or Colin they are both great......I also did my CBT there with Dean who is a damn nice bloke.