[rclauson]

Starting an IAM thread / topic

Just back from TAM (Tayside Advanced Motorcyclists) Observers meeting ...

I started to become a TOb (Trainee Observer) with TVAM last September, but with also starting a university MSc and a load of other things I've put my training on hold till next year.

... The IAM is basically a British ...

That shouldn't stop us exporting the ideas in Roadcraft etc.

Do you think there would be merit is starting/keeping a "thread" going on IAM matters etc., under the Europe Forum of K-Bikes?

We could, or we could suggest starting a whole topic on Riding Techniques. I'll leave it up to you to work out how to do it (see above about being busy), but I'll contribute where I can, and advertise the group where I can as well.

PS. I might tweak my sig some more, but not yet, and when I work out what changed I want to do.

 

[jimjam66]

Hi guys - I have not joined any Advanced groups yet. I've been back in biking for a couple of years after a long lay-off enforced by a Significant Other. When we got divorced - the bike was back in the garage!

So to my question - Why IAM? Why not RoSPA? Or BikeSafe? I'm not stirring any pots here, it's a genuine question based on complete ignorance. I chatted to some TVAM guys at Thruxton BSB in April - don't know if you were around that one, Richard? Anyway, there always seems to be something else to spend the £85 on, like new Sidi's or gloves ... but that's penny-wise and pound-foolish, I know. I made a pact with my new Significant Other that I'll do some advanced training next year when the weather clears, so your guidance would be much appreciated.

JJ

 

[rlmr]

Why IAM ?

A good question...

Bike Safe courses run by the local Police Forces are very good... but not every area in the country is catered for (financial constraints and differing levels of support for the concept in differing Police Force Areas).

RoSPA courses are good and the RoSPA Advanced Drivers examination is on a par with the IAM, except that the result is graded (I used to carry out RoSPA tests locally but found a good friend/colleague to take these over, leaving me with IAM matters and time to breathe).
RoSPA Advanced Motorcycling Groups have many members in some areas of the country and are virtually non-existent in others. I think this is rather like the youth groups.. Scouts & Boys Brigade. Unless you live in a large town there is usually a bias to one or another as insufficient support for both to thrive.

IAM Groups can be found covering almost all areas of the country and out of them there are many car & bike groups and a significant number which just cater for bikes.

Personally for the IAM Skills for life deal, which I believe runs at £85 (£75 if you are under 26 yrs) to cover local group membership; "instruction;" IAM Test fee; IAM Membership, I think its good value for money considering it costs £50 to go to Murrrayfield to watch a Rugby match which is over in the same length as the IAM's bike test!

However. What value is your life? Would you like to realise your potential, realise more of the Bike's potential? Get more from your motorcycling. You may get a few seasons out of the £85 gloves, but you will get the rest of your motorcycling life out of some training.

Just my thoughts.

 

[rclauson]

Hi guys - I have not joined any Advanced groups yet. I've been back in biking for a couple of years after a long lay-off enforced by a Significant Other. When we got divorced - the bike was back in the garage!

So to my question - Why IAM? Why not RoSPA? Or BikeSafe? I'm not stirring ...

First I agree with Rennie's good post about the differences between the three options you suggested. As I see from your profile you are in Basingstoke I have a little more local knowledge about the options.

IAM - TVAM Of course I'd promote that. We are your local group. As Rennie says it's £85 which breaks down to £22/y for us, £13/y for IAM and £50 for the test. You do get a copy of the IAM's own version of Motorcycle Roadcraft as well, though getting the real thing (pub HMSO) is also a good idea whatever route you take. Why not come along on any 3rd Sunday of the month to St Crispin's School and try us out for free. You get a short observed ride and can see if you like it. With us, once signed up, all the Observed runs on either the 3rd Sunday or with your Observer are free, and you can take as long as you like about reaching test standard.

ROSPA The local contact is Panos something or other. He is/was a TVAM member and is a good trainer. The down side is he rides a R????GS. He lives somewhere near Alton so you might see him at the local dealer, SPC. The grading on ROSPA is Bronze, Silver (about the same as the pass level for IAM), and Gold. You have to do a re-test every 3 years, but if going from Gold to Gold I think it's free. Check out the ROSPA or SPC websites. I think that with ROSPA the charges may be higher, and there may be a time limit. Check

Bike Safe I believe that Hampshire does have a Bike Safe scheme. Might be called The Edge. Worth finding out about, but you don't get any insurance reduction, I think, compared with the other two above.

BTW, I wasn't at Thruxton, but glad you had a good chat with other members.

 

[zzrman]

Personally for the IAM Skills for life deal, which I believe runs at £85 (£75 if you are under 26 yrs) to cover local group membership; "instruction;" IAM Test fee; IAM Membership, I think its good value for money considering it costs £50 to go to Murrrayfield to watch a Rugby match which is over in the same length as the IAM's bike test!

However. What value is your life? Would you like to realise your potential, realise more of the Bike's potential? Get more from your motorcycling. You may get a few seasons out of the £85 gloves, but you will get the rest of your motorcycling life out of some training.

No brainer IMHO.

 

[Rolf]

Advanced riding?

See recent discussion on this subject (rather than repeat my views on IAM again!):

http://www.bmwmcc.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5652A

 

[rlmr]

Thanks Rolf, its an interesting thread, which as you say, debates the Advanced riding ethos and appears to come down in favour of folk "doing something" to improve their riding and getting more out of their motorcycling... without necessarily having to go any faster if there is no need.

Looks like folk are willing to pay a tidy sum to get training... so why do I do it for nothing ?

I think what your post really highlights to me is that there are many forums around most of which with good content. If we spent time keeping conversant with them all we would never use our bikes . Perhaps I might have some time over the winter to give more of them a cursory glance when on-line. So thanks for bringing that one to our attention.