Hitchcocks Forum

I have just completed the Bikesafe course run by the Met Police, a very rewarding day out , I learnt loads about my own riding and what I'm doing right and wrong, £30 quid very well spent, I would recommend it to anyone, it's a first step to advanced motorcycle training. Search it on Google and go do it, you won't be disappointed.

Yes its worth it I done the original Gold Star advanced test way back in the 70s that was the same sort of thing run by the police and included motorway driving. Might do the mew one its amazing what bad habits we pick up over the years.

I did this a few years ago on my Suzuki Bandit. I got quite a lot out of it. Supposed to have been 1 policeman for 2 - 3 riders but because of a lack of numbers it was just me and the copper on his FJ. The thing i remember most was when on clear roads near Redditch he said "Ride as the conditions dictate". I thought 'Right i'll go for it'.......I did and the thing i learned is :- 'You can't out ride a copper'!!

I passed my car and motorcycle IAM tests back in the 1980's with appropriate training. Several years later, after leaving British Railways (where I was a train driving instructor)I decided to become a car driving instructor. First thing I had to do was forget everything I'd ever learned about car driving and re-learn how to drive. It soon became apparent that the different driving organisations, IAM, DSA, Brake, ROSPA, Plods, etc., all have their own ideas about "good" or "correct" styles or methods of driving - and, I've subsequently realised, riding too. Driving that would pass one test would have another organisations examiner screaming to be let out of the car. My point is - be sensible and ride to suit the conditions, take advice on board but do not take it as gospel, whoever it may be that gives that advice because what is considered good practice now may well not be next week.

On yesterday's course the boys in err Yellow supported IAM, ROSPA was spoken about but personal opinions definetly leaned to IAM, this is the way I want to go, the intention being to maybe become a bike test examiner.

I done it 4 or 5 years ago. Even though I've been riding for 30 yrs, I learned loads. Great bunch of guys the Met bikers too.

Hi guys---------- Treat these as your "Bibles" >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>