Frustration

Ever tried sticking to speed limits for all your rides, day in day out?

I've got to the stage where I'm just about to take the IAM test and had a pre-test evaluation by a senior observer on Saturday. He said everything was fine except in a couple of places (where I let my concentration lapse for a moment) I drifted up to 33/34 in a 30 limit. This would probably result in a fail.

So, I've decided that for the next couple of weeks I have to rigidly ride to the limits so that when it comes to the test it's second nature and I'm not having to think "don't speed, don't speed" all the time. Jeez it's difficult. I feel like an old dear in a Morris Minor on her way to the shops.

Yours, frustrated of Derby

A good example of why I wouldn't bother with IAM. Each to their own though.

Originally Posted by BigApe

A good example of why I wouldn't bother with IAM. Each to their own though.

IMO you're wrong. It's like saying you wouldn't train to take the normal test. in practice you behave yourself when you take the test and then decide when to obey the limits. Exactly the same with IAM, but to a higher standard of riding.

I can say that what I've learned about road positioning, observation and hazard perception makes it well worthwhile and is even more relevant if you're giving it the beans.

The observers I go with may toe the line when instructing but many of them are bloody quick (and safely so) when "off duty".

Cheers Keith

I know the feeling from when I did my IAM car test... I just did it for the few days beforehand to get into the temporary habit of it.
And I'm sure I'll do exactly the same when I get round the doing the bike one!

Good luck for the test!

Originally Posted by Well Oiled

IMO you're wrong. It's like saying you wouldn't train to take the normal test. in practice you behave yourself when you take the test and then decide when to obey the limits. Exactly the same with IAM, but to a higher standard of riding.

No. I took my normal test as it was compulsory if I wished to pursue riding motorcycles. I'm not interested in any way shape or form of doing any further tests. I find it all rather pointless. I passed my test, I immediately took further training to show me how to ride my motorcycle at real speeds but more safely. Shortly after this I went for and passed my instructors course. Forcing yourself to ride at 30mph in a 30mph zone and fail should you go over by 4 mph regardless if the road is totally clear without any hazards, is in my opinion not advanced riding skills at all. If your going to put yourself through that, why not going for motorcycle instructor instead. But as I said, it's each to their own. Good luck with the slow riding, I wouldn't have the patience that's for sure.

Originally Posted by BigApe

...[snip]...I find it all rather pointless... [snip]...

Cheaper insurance!

Originally Posted by Steve_God

Cheaper insurance!

I'd rather not bother though Knocks, what is it 10% off? How much you pay for an IAM course?

Originally Posted by Steve_God

Cheaper insurance!

That's as significant a saving as having an alarm fitted to your bike. Not saying that it's not a good thing to have an alarm fitted to your bike, but I am saying it's not worth doing just for the saving on the insurance.

Cost of alarm over saving on insurance. You'd have to be with the same insurance company with the same motorcycle for years before you had any financial balance out of it. The saving on insurance for doing an IAM is in the same vein.

Originally Posted by BigApe

No. I took my normal test as it was compulsory if I wished to pursue riding motorcycles. I'm not interested in any way shape or form of doing any further tests. I find it all rather pointless. I passed my test, I immediately took further training to show me how to ride my motorcycle at real speeds but more safely. Shortly after this I went for and passed my instructors course. Forcing yourself to ride at 30mph in a 30mph zone and fail should you go over by 4 mph regardless if the road is totally clear without any hazards, is in my opinion not advanced riding skills at all. If your going to put yourself through that, why not going for motorcycle instructor instead. But as I said, it's each to their own. Good luck with the slow riding, I wouldn't have the patience that's for sure.

I know where you're coming from, but a national organisation aimed at improving riding skills can't have an offical line of not keeping to the limits. I don't find taking an advanced test pointless. For most people it's a goal to aim for and a motivator. I don't want to train to be an instructor because I don't want to become an instructor (though I have a healthy respect for people like you who are).

I agree there's not much to be learned form keeping to 30 in an open road with no hazards, but there's plenty to learn at 60 on a twisty country road. It's cost me ?75 and to me it's good value, even ignoring the insurance reduction. Anyway, as you say each to his own so I'll agree to disagree and won't debate it further.

Cheers Keith

I'll back off too. Must be the time of the month for me. Any sort of training which improves skills can only be a good thing I guess. Especially when at the end of it you can save a couple of quid on your insurance.

Si, your an a**e sometimes.

Best of luck with the slow riding.