What is advanced motorcycling?
“Advanced” motorcycling is the ability to control the position and speed of the machine safely, systematically and smoothly, using road and traffic conditions to make reasonable progress unobtrusively, with skill and responsibility.
This skill requires a positive but courteous attitude and a high standard of riding competence based on concentration, effective all round observation, anticipation and planning.
All this must be co-coordinated with good handling skills. The motorcycle will always be at the right place on the road at the right time, travelling at the right speed with the correct gear engaged and can always be stopped safely in the distance that can be seen to be clear.
WHAT THE IAM NZ HAS TO OFFER
IAM advanced rider training is based on a planned system of riding taught to Police riders, both in the UK and NZ. This system is explained in two excellent publications available from the IAM in the UK as well as selected other on-line booksellers. These books are:
- The Police Rider’s Handbook to Better Motorcycling, ISBN 978 0 11 341143 6
- How to be a Better Rider, ISBN 0956223915
The planned system applies equally to all motorcyclists from scooters through to large capacity sport bikes. The test may be taken on any powered two wheeler capable of sustaining the national speed limit where conditions allow.
By attaining outstanding situational awareness and other skills taught by IAM, you will be able to deal with both planned and unplanned events in a confident and skilled manner. Who wouldn’t want to increase their enjoyment of riding on 2 wheels, raising skills and reduce the risk of coming to serious harm all at the same time?
Motorcycle Commentary
The Director of Tests (Mike Turner) together with the Chief Examiners and Chief Observers for the divisions has pulled together some guidelines for commentary rides and drives. Every Associate and Member needs to make themselves fluent in Commentary – Basic which covers left and right turns and roundabouts. When the Director of Tests receives feedback that it is being reproduced to a good standard he will then introduce it as part of the test. The Basic is the bare minimum required.
For those of an adventurous disposition then the Intermediate Commentary expands on the Basic and we encourage Observers and Examiners to become familiar with it. At this time there is no immediate plan to make it part of the test but may at some time in the future depending on how we as a group progress.
The Advanced Commentary is in a similar vain to the Intermediate but provides more of a “filler” between dealing with hazards.