Hi everyone hope you are all fit and well, dont know if any one has any experience of the above topic but i took the plunge yesterday and went out on an Observed run with the I.A.M. Having previously been given some literature on 'How to Pass Your Advanced Motorcycle Test which i have read cover to cover i was armed with some knowledge of the System of bike control. We met at Aykley Heads in Durham where my Observer explained what was about to happen and answered any questions i had. We rode for about 30-35mins then i was de-briefed on my performance 'Youre 80% there' he said, just a few areas needing Development. I could'nt believe it, i dont have a lot of confidence in my ability or in the characteristics of my bike (which he picked up on) and i was told this-what a confidence booster. We then set off again with some objectives to work on and once again i was given feedback after about 35mins. The whole Assessment took around 2hours to complete and i've come away happier and a little more confident, i am to be allocated someone who will shadow me and work on the areas needing progression which will follow a structured pattern. Going by this first run out i would recomend this form of training to everyone it can only build on your experience already, will certainly make you safer, quite possibly make you quicker and smoother and give you 10%+ discount on your bike insurance. Worthwhile-to me a definate yes, will keep you all informed as to my progress. Bye for now. :azq

sounds cool DB, what sort of money

£85 and that covers you for the 1st assessment ride, a pre check test to see if you are ready,the test fee and membership of your local Advanced Motorcyclist Club. When you are allocated a member to take you out and advise you as to what you should be doing all they ask is for a small contribution for their petrol as they do not get paid for their services it is entirely voluntary by them. Value for money i'd say. :099

Sounds great, very intrested. Will be watching this space. How much notice do you need to give to organise the rideouts? :fdq

The rideouts are negotiated between you and the person who is going to shadow you, the thing to remember aswell is that there are other Training Bodies out there who offer Advanced Training such as Diamond (a relative new comer so ive been informed) and Rospa-who use the Police System of riding. With Rospa you will be graded Gold, Silver or Bronze depending on the outcome of your test, ive selected the I.A.M as a starting point as ive recently returned to Motorcycling after a 21year lay off. Hope this helps. :099

Thanks very helpful, want to get started just needed some info so will look into it now. Thanks :D

Davey, Thought you might like to know went out today to look at some training and been quoted £120 PLus an assessment fee!!

Thanks to your post wont be taking that up, thanks for the info :011

Do'nt know who's quoted you that but the I.A.M is no more than £85 thats across the board, if you've gone to a motorcycle school then they will charge you more. Because the I.A.M is a registered charity they only seek to cover costs, incidently if you are under 25 the fee is only £75. You can contact them on 02089969600 or by www.iam.org.uk good luck. :099

Unfortunately just over 25 (39) so will have to pay full price thanks again for the info will look to get started after BSB this weekend. Thanks again for the heads up :441

At £85.00 plus your additional payent to your observer you will find that the IAM is the best value for money. I did my test 7 years ago. Plus you will ave all the benefits of what your local Club organises. Went on our clubs trip to Luxemburg a few month ago.

Good luck with your test.

As an Observer with my local IAM group here in Lincolnshire, I am of course going to say that the £85 you pay for the "Skill for Life" package is well worth it.

Alot of people think IAM = BMW and where as they may still be a little in evidence, it's becoming less - hence I do my observing on my z1000!!

Another option could be the Bikesafe scheme - possibly the wrong time of year now and is only a one off intoduction to further training, as distinct from IAM leading to an increasingly recognised insurance company premium reduction!!

Web sites for both options

Thanks for the information kwakasan glad this topic has stimulated such interest its just a shame that it appears that the take up on it doesnt match. :099

I came back to biking 3yrs ago after 15yr gap, (kids wife,debt etc) and like a lot of 40 somethings was confident that i could pick up where i left off ( previously 8 bikes in 12yrs and alot of miles in all weather)

Was introduced to the IAM by a mate who had been through the process, i paid my £85 with some reservations etc etc.

I am having my second observed ride on friday and would highly recommend it to anyone. Believe me they sort out your riding!!, ironing out any weaknesses and giving you more coinfidence

All the local observers are on Blackbirds or ZZRs, big race fans, and know how to ride.

I've only seen 1 beemer, so the smell of wee is'nt too bad :P :P

Congratulations you've taken a good step in the right direction i'd say. I'm really looking forward to my next run out as i've worked on my objectives set for me and feel as if my riding's improved dramatically i'm sure my observer will tell me otherwise. Good luck and keep us posted. :099

Hi,
Just read the string - I am also an IAM qualified observer and can only speak volumes for what membership of a local club can do for your riding and general enjoyment.
I joined as a new returner to two wheels many years ago and learned so much from watching and riding with other "gods". To this day I still learn something everyday I go out with them on a ride, track day or weekend break.

Do yourself a favour and spend the £85 on a Skills for Life package - it'll be the best thing you will have done in years - I promise you - ps some of us even ride Ducati 999's and ZZR1400's (not all BMW's at all)

Anyone wanting a sample assessment ride - email me and I will be more than happy to oblige. I live in the Lake District and keen to help anyone get more out of riding

:D

Hi all, just to fill you all in (not literally) i took my IAM Test on the 8th of this month and guess what - I bloody passed! I can honestly say i really enjoyed the experience and the observed runs too 5 in total. The feed back i received was very constructive with little to comment on in a negative way but i spose it could be classed as positive it depends on how you look at it. Still been on cloud 9 since then (sad i know) and have been asked if i would like to become an observer which i do. Considering doing the RoSPA Test at the earliest oportunity for more experience and credibility will let you know how i get on with that in due course. All the best to you all in the festive season, take care. :099 :099

hi all ... The IAM is very good ... i hav my test on the 6th of jan ... also something worth looking at is the bike safe the police do in most areas its only a day out & at the end u get a certificate that will save u money on some insurance company's ... its all worth doing ... good luck 2 all that try :D

I came back to biking last year after about 15 year layoff and joined the IAM straight away on mates recommendation.

I needed to learn from scratch as I passed my test in the sixties and only ever rode up to 125's. I'm sure my progress would have been much slower (and traumatic?) without the training I got at the IAM.

Wey Valley IAM (Ripley, Surrey) have observed runs the first Sunday of every month. Just turn up, put your name down for a run and you will be allocated to an observer, usually different one each month. Sometimes 2 to 1 observer, but often 1 to 1.

Well worth the money. Friendly bunch. No stereotypes. :228

IAM going up from April 1st 2008 :o so anyone whose interested and only wants to spend £85, sign up before then.

:kawas