IAM

I can't see any of them wanting to follow someone on a sports bike though can you? They are hardly ideal for observation purposes.

Originally Posted by Jackie_Black

I can't see any of them wanting to follow someone on a sports bike though can you? They are hardly ideal for observation purposes.

Nor is a sportsbike any quicker (at the legalish speeds you'll be doing during IAM training) than a sports tourer. Particularly if the chap following you is a better rider than you, which you'd hope to be the case.

One of our observers rides a V-strom thou. Hardly the most sporty bike, producing what, 80-85bhp at the rear wheel? No trick suspension or anything like that, yet I have never seen a sportsbike overtake him. Simple reason, he is one of the best riders I know.

[Stu]

I was never going to display the badge in case I brought IAM into disrepute. Guess I was right after the above.
I know 1 observer on a Gixxer 1000 K7. There really isn't a sterotypical bike in our group IMHO.

Originally Posted by Jackie_Black

I can't see any of them wanting to follow someone on a sports bike though can you? They are hardly ideal for observation purposes.

Our Chief Observer, who was also my allocated observer, rode a ZX12 until recently and now rides a Blackbird.

Originally Posted by Nutter

Well, as far as I know I'm not pompous. I don't have a beard either. And I ride an SV650.

And I know I'm not better than everyone else.

Who's shouting it from the rooftops?

So everyone can tell what bad habits they've picked up over the years with no advice from someone else? I don't think so. How is a rider who always rides badly, has no sympathy for the mechanics of the bike, takes poor decisions, etc going to get better if they always ride like that, and practice doing it over and over? Do you think you don't have to have any decent riding skills to be assessed by a police class 1 rider as passing a test? The IAM groups across the country are pointless? Insurance companies give discounts to IAM members for no reason? Yes, experience is most definately needed, but RoSPA and IAM have definately helped all the riders I have seen take it improve. I'm not saying the IAM are perfect, but I certainly don't agree with your opinions.

I never quite said what you posted, for some it's ideal. I've gained experience over the years from riding. It doesn't mean I am perfect, not by far. But I always get the impression that some poeple seem to think IAM is the be all and end all. Like I said, I have a bad taste after being berrated and laughed at when I went to St Crispins to ask about my full test while I was on L plates. "Come back when you've done your full test son, this is for advanced riders only". This is what a group of observers said, I only wanted advice. Bitter, me???
I just don't like the organisation personally. You don't have to agree with my opinions Nutter and I don't expect everyone to, it is just that, my opinion based on my experience.

Originally Posted by HooliganDan

...I have a bad taste after being berrated and laughed at when I went to St Crispins to ask about my full test while I was on L plates. "Come back when you've done your full test son, this is for advanced riders only". This is what a group of observers said, I only wanted advice. Bitter, me???
I just don't like the organisation personally. You don't have to agree with my opinions Nutter and I don't expect everyone to, it is just that, my opinion based on my experience.

I can see why they're not your favourite organisation based on that. It's a shame that a few people who behave like that can make the whole organisation. From what you've described it's unnacceptable and plain rude. And as much as I might not agree with your opinion, I certainly agree you're entitled to have one that differs from mine!

Our Chief Observer, who was also my allocated observer, rode a ZX12 until recently and now rides a Blackbird

I suppose they are physically big bikes and would be ok to observe from.

yeah Im a qualified Observer with local group, well I was not been for a while.

I still dont ride particularly fast but my observation skills are good.

I ride as fast in the wet as I do in the dry but that is more to do with coming from Scotland than the IAM. No matter what the weather is like you head out for a ride in scotland and it will be raining at some point during the day.

But all in all I recommend the IAM. Have fun

Originally Posted by Jackie_Black

I can't see any of them wanting to follow someone on a sports bike though can you? They are hardly ideal for observation purposes.

When I was having regular observed sessions, my observer rode a Fireblade

Originally Posted by ArtyLady

When I was having regular observed sessions, my observer rode a Fireblade

Yes, the fact that the current IAM handbook has a chap on an urban tiger blade on the front is quite telling about their choice of rides (or at least the way they'd like to be seen). It's true most of them ride pans and beemers, but I've seen them on Buells, Gixxer thous, Blades, big naked bikes, all sorts.