I was thinking about joining the IAM and would be interested in hearing any opinions, especially from people in the process of taking the test. Have heard good things so far (better road skills & cheaper insurance) from the bike mags, thought I'd ask the real riders. Thanks! -- Peteratabb GSX600F AN400 CG125
Try using this handy device: http://www.google.co.uk/advanced_group_search?hl=en Plenty of opinions have been aired prviously on this NG. HTH
Using the patented Mavis Beacon "Hunt&Peck" Technique, peteratabb More opinions than arseholes around here matey, but I'll add another. Anyone that can use the word "associates"[1] in the way the IAM does is inherently fucked in the head. It makes them sound like a burger chain. HTH [1] With a straight face
Using the patented Mavis Beacon "Hunt&Peck" Technique, GS500MC But not posting skills, apparently. Who are you replying to? And what about?
Using the patented Mavis Beacon "Hunt&Peck" Technique, typed I would think so. We'll award him "2" in honour of Robbo's IQ.
Anything that improves your skills on the road has to be good. I wouldn't worry so much about the piece of paper (prolly looks nice framed) but the roadcraft and theory, coppled with the observed runs will definitily improve your riding (or if you are a riding god, confirm your ability)... If you are interested in spending a day with police bike instructors (see under "Rides Like God") there is a company of said instructors called RAPID TRAINING based south of Oxford. Any TVAM (IAM) member on this newsgroup should be able to furnish you with their tel.no. from the monthly magazine "Slipstream"... -- O 1 Black, shortly to undergo extensive surgery. 1 Red, undergoing lightweight surgery. ----- 1 Blue, for Power-Ranger baiting. | o | Numbers ... | o | Stuff ... | ooo | Life ... -----
Must resist! <Fails> Don't join if you need to know how to keep the roundy-woundy things on your bike all shiny-whiny. -- | ___ Salad Dodger |/ \ _/_____\_ GL1500SEV/CBR1100XXX/KH500A8/TS250C |_\_____/_| ..62743../..14719.../..3157./.19406 (>|_|_|<) TPPFATUICG#7 DIAABTCOD#9 YTC#4 PM#5 |__|_|__| BOTAFOT #70 BOTAFOF #09 two#11 WG* \ |^| / IbW#0 & KotIbW# BotTOS#6 GP#4 \|^|/ ANORAK#17 '^'
Or you could go on the Bikesafe day - http://www.bikesafe.co.uk/ The London one is £25 quid a throw, which is a bargain (but prices due to go up shortly).
I don't have any experience of the I.A.M. but I would recommend RoADA (RoSPA advanced drivers association). You can get more information and your local group from http://www.roada.org.uk/ They use the Police "Blue Book" for the riding system and the 'training' has a practical emphasis. You can take the advanced test, but I doubt you'd get much discount on your insurance. I'm sure it will help your riding skills though. Mark.
Having done the I.A.M. bit recently I can heartily recommend them. I am informed by a biased (read IAM) source that the main difference between the two is that the ROSPA course pays more attention to obedience to all the rules wheras the IAM lot follow the adage that rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men. I certainly found that a fair statement. If you are based in west london I would certainly recommend the lot I joined. They are a great crowd with a full calendar of events.
I guess your source was biased It's not my experience [ROSPA]. Advanced riding involves thinking and adapting you riding to the situation. No general rules can cater for all circumstances. Mark