BikeSafe : Will It Improve My Motorcycle Skills and Confidence?

[@RTPOV]

I think it's important to add that the course is only a 'taster' of a bigger picture and all areas were only briefly gone into. This video is just a short highlight summary of my experience and my main takeaways, not an in depth representation of everything taught. The whole team was super friendly and helpful and I can't recommend it enough.

[@craigwilson777]

How much is the course? Loved the video thanks

[@mrdderby5234]

Another good course which I can suggest is the Biker Down course run by a combination of fire and ambulance staff. This teaches you how to react if you encounter a motorcycle collision, and could save somebody's life.

[@RedDragonUncaged]

@@mrdderby5234 I second this, an excellent course which you have to hope more and more bikers do

[@NUFC2412]

I did one back in August. Best 65 quid ive spent. What a brilliant day.

[@WAMIAM-s4x]

Glad to hear you enjoyed Bike safe and look forward to seeing you on the course.

[@RTPOV]

Thanks and can't wait! Were you one of the merseyside instructors from this video? 😳

[@WAMIAM-s4x]

@@RTPOV Yes, I was your observer on day 2.

[@RTPOV]

Ah no way!! Thats awesome! Thanks so much for everything! It was hard to put all my thoughts into one video! You were very helpful and I'm still trying to master all the things you taught me. 👊🏼❤️

[@MultiOutdoorman]

I agree. Too many folk call Bikesafe a "course". It is actually a workshop designed as a taster for a more comprehensive training schedule such as the IAM , Rospa etc. But the important thing is taking part regardless. Its all extra learning content... Keep it goin mate !

[@ianday38]

The lack of comms is probably deliberate to make you use your mirrors, it also gives you a short break while your instructor runs through what you've just done. They will remember just about everything. That's how emergency riding and driving training is done and IAM do the same. I'd recommend everyone to do a bikesafe course as a minimum but preferably do the full advanced IAM or ROSPA. You'll be surprised how fast some old beardy guy on a tourer can be whilst remaining safe and in control.

[@barrysimpson9645]

Many years ago, when I had my FJ1200, I had a day with an Essex Police rider at an advanced rider motorcycle club. Those fellas can ride! I was gobsmacked at how far in he took position 1. Where there was something of a raised verge, he would use it to arrest any potential slide caused by being there. I enjoyed a little game of pursuit towards the end of the day. I could neither keep up with him, nor lose him. They were the best of days! Each time I visit your videos im taken all the way back. This one has been your best so far and took me back to my days as an instructor. Bless you. Stay safe. Watch everyone, all of the time. 😊

[@RTPOV]

Hey Barry! How are you doing? Thanks for stopping by again! Really glad you enjoyed it! I'm still learning how to put things together and try to tell a story etc..doesn't come naturally! I'm glad they are improving! Take care! 🙏🏼

[@simonwood8685]

I did my bike safe course last weekend. It was very helpful.. But hard to take everything in... We had comms because it was with a motorcycle instructor I found that things came together better in the following days after the course... Keeping the bike in the optimate rev range... For accelerating out of potential hazards or to offer better engine braking... Was a helpful tip... You can always learn and improve

[@Se_la_vie]

Any mention of trail braking ? Road positions 4-5-6 ?

[@RTPOV]

No, it was more of an 'introductory' weekend rather than an in depth course

[@andyarmstrong81]

I did the bike safe course about 3 years ago, think I will do it again next year to keep the skills sharp. California Superbike School is fantastic for a gradual buildup approach on the track with again split theory and practice under instruction. Practice practice practice.

[@FromAlba432]

I done a Bikesafe course years ago at Fettes, Edinburgh. Evening classroom then Saturday out with bike cop. Fantastic experience, Limit points, correct gears, road position etc etc. Really made a difference to my riding to this day I'm still there😂

[@RTPOV]

Thanks.for sharing! Did you ever do the full course?

[@FromAlba432]

@RTPOV Sadly no. They had stopped doing the course for a while up here, not sure if it's back or not. Also tried doing Iam's and or rospa but waiting list was ridiculous. I just passed my ADI 2 Car test, one more to do to become instructor. Tho I kinda wish I'd pushed for bike instructor instead 😁 As long as we enjoy life 💚

[@RTPOV]

best of luck with the test! let us know how you get on! 🙏🏼

[@VStrom2019]

It certainly opened my eyes and I use it on a daily basis. Pretty sure it saved me at least once.

[@Akuji_uk]

I did the Bikesafe last year then the advanced rider course with the IAM, one of the best things I did. Wirral advanced motorcyclist are a great group and couldn’t do enough to help through all the training. My advice before you start the course would be to look at the motorcycle roadcraft book to familiarise yourself with some of the concepts that are covered, I also did my DVSA enhanced rider scheme as well in between the Bikesafe and the IAM course, it’s not as high level as the IAM course but it helped bridge the gap to prepare for the IAM course.

[@RTPOV]

Thats really great info thanks! Il check that out! Have you ever done or considered California Superbike school/Similar?

[@MrHoteiGoom]

In France, we also have day practice with moto road police instructor. Really good advices and positioning on the road. I fully recommand ! Great video by the way, cheers :)

[@RTPOV]

Hey! Thanks for that! Glad you enjoyed it! Hope everything's good in France! I might be coming on the bike next year for a road trip! 🏍️💨

[@Mattyj3388]

I did the bikesafe course many years ago when it was first becoming a thing and i have to say, best money i have spent. Not an advanced license by any means, but you will be learning advanced riding techniques, ways to better position yourself in the road for maximum visibility to other road users. Best lines to use around bends on country lanes. Same with urban and extra urban roads. I personally think insurers should provide some savings to those who have completed it. You learn a lot of valuble riding techniques over the two days.

[@900BEN]

I did it after having a liscence for nearlly 40 years and still learnt stuff . Well worth doing . Did it from Wallasey too

[@RTPOV]

yes really good and nice bunch of guys too!

[@evo692-f5s]

Really your video and thinking of doing a refresher myself. I am an ex Paramedic and I am advanced and A1 advanced trained on car but not bike. Interesting he only broke the road in to 3 positions as I was taught to use the whole road so P1 to P6 which takes weeks to get your head around and get used to. But it is faster and safer if done correctly. Thank you again for sharing the video.

[@RTPOV]

Hey! Thanks for taking time to comment! No, the positions weren't gone into in great detail. It was just an overview of everything. I often come over into position 4/5 depending on the situation! 👊

[@alanalan3290]

After returning back to a bike last year after a break of six or seven years I enrolled on a ROSPA Advanced course and passed my test in August this year which I think has improved my confidence and riding ability no end and my local group who I trained with have some great rideouts and weekends away. I've also covered around 11,000 miles since last year which I feel has helped as well.

[@RTPOV]

That's amazing! Thanks for sharing! 🙏🏼

[@mototakahe836]

I did the I.A.M. course and I would recommend it to all riders. l learnt so much from that course. That comment about no comms , it makes sure you are using your mirrors and ensures you are using the road signs. You will see junctions coming up and you look to see if the indicator is going. If you miss it you find yourself on your own in 100yds cos he has turned. ho hohho , or oh sh..t

[@RTPOV]

Thanks for the info! Yes that makes sense. I guess a balance of both worlds would be ideal! Not so much for the directions, but realtime feedback on what your doing right and wrong and tips etc along the way

[@stevejones7232]

I have done the IAM course and I would recommend it l learnt so much room it

[@RTPOV]

I'm hoping to do the course in spring ,but it might be fully booked already

[@cloudmaker]

This was an excellent insight into this course thank you. Bad luck with the puncture, but strangely had an identical thing happen to me. Had by bike serviced at Bob Minions in Derby, including a new disc, brakes two new tyres etc, two weeks later I turned up to my next advanced riders meeting, for one of the observers to tell me I that I'd got a puncture. One of the ladies there carried a pump so blew it up and I rode home. It really is a strange feeling having someone following you just knowing they are watching everything you do, but the IAM observers were such a friendly lot that you soon felt at ease. I had signed up to the IAM course at the Manchester bike show at event city and it really does make you understand how to think about and ride safer. Of course I was one of those ones that thought they knew everything about riding, especially as I'd been road riding for 40 years by that time, but I'd been thinking of trying to join the blood bikers group and to do that you needed to be an advanced rider at least. Unfortunately after passing my test and then taking a tour of the north of Scotland about a week later I was diagnosed with a rheumatism disease, all clear though now after 3 years of treatment. When I'm telling folks about the course I say that I've never ridden on the wrong side of the road so much until I took that course. By the way what the hell was wrong with the K1300 at 7:47? Not seen an engine do that since the '70's! 😉🤔😮🤣🤣Great video.

[@Exupace]

Absolutely loved doing bikesafe, did it some years ago now but it did create a bit of a chuckle at the time when they advised 4000 rpm, I put my hand up to ask were they serious, as this would have put me the wrong side of a ton 😀 Instructor asked me what bike... ZX-12R I replied, to which he said, in your case a lower gear 😀

[@RTPOV]

😂😂

[@RedDragonUncaged]

The best money you can spend as a biker is on further training. Both BikeSafe and IAM offer excellent value for money. My BikeSafe experience with Surrey Police was only a day and the classroom sessions were done online at home watching the course materials. Not very interactive but ok. I passed my advanced after 4.5 months with IAM, like you i thought the lack of comms was archaic, following a rider who is behind you is just weird and suboptimal. I learned a lot though and achieved my personal objectives. The assessments and the final test include a subjective element, so most important is to learn to navigate through the often conflicting dogma (eg be progressive and ride your own ride) to become a thinking rider. Good luck with your advanced, you're more than capable already.

[@RTPOV]

Thanks very much for sharing your experience!

[@RedDragonUncaged]

@@RTPOV for balance I would have to add that there's a fair bit of anti-IAM sentiment out there, including on YT. I mentioned dogma because my nickname for them was Scientology for Bikers, there's a cultist aura about some cliquey elements, some tossers amongst the broad church. Think for yourself, take what's useful and discard the bad advice often offered by the egotistical with their personal agendas. I got what I needed and left, not believing for a second that the certificate means I'm suddenly "advanced", it does little to nothing for your insurance premiums and won't protect you against accidents. There's plenty to be critical of so be mindful, be a thinking rider and consider ROSPA too.

[@nigelsride]

Im going to give this a go , great video , well done , brilliant 👏 👍

[@RTPOV]

Thanks! Yes do it! 👊🏼

[@Lewfromwales]

Sounds scary riding with the police all day but after seeing this it looks well worth doing. Also definitely worth getting out on track, did my first track day last year at Anglesey with James Witham Track Training and I couldn't recommend enough. Proper BSB riders following you around the circuit with debriefs at the end of every session, telling you how to improve body positioning, braking points and lines. Really casual and friendly atmosphere too.

[@RTPOV]

Ah thanks for that! Il check that out. Been past the track many times but never gone in! 👊🏼

[@JUSTSOME-GAMER]

I had a puncture setting off to my A2 motorcycle test. Had to get a lift. They were brand new tyres. Took tyre off, got to the shop and they just put a new inner tube in. I thought i had to get a brand new tyre but if the rubber is still structurally sound, you just need a new inner tube.

[@oldgriff8559]

All depends on your attitude to biking as to whether an individual thinks it’s worth taking any advanced course to improve their riding ability..some want to learn and stay relatively safe where others have a death wish..

[@Nooziterp1]

Ah yes the Ponderosa. I always pay a visit whenever I am staying with my mum in North Wales. A lovely scenic ride to get there and in decent weather anyway lots of bikes and riders. And as a bonus it is also one of the few bike meets where everyone doesn't blank you if you turn up on a scooter!

[@RTPOV]

haha,, Id still say hi if u were on a scooter! 👊

[@Nooziterp1]

@@RTPOV Good to hear! Most bikers don't want to know. A scooter 'isn't a real bike.'

[@RTPOV]

@@Nooziterp1 I see the person no the bike! Its funny though, coz Im always nodding at scooter riders and they either blank me or look at me like I'm a nutter 🤣

[@Nooziterp1]

@@RTPOV That's because they're not used to it. They are more used to bikers blanking them.

[@stevenl9788]

Interesting vid, as always! I highly recommend Rapid training, those guys completely transformed my riding and confidence. They also offer track focused courses.

[@RTPOV]

Thanks! Good shout! I might reach out to them and see if I can do a feature with them 🤔

[@geoffc3191]

With the cuts that have progressively reduced the effectiveness of police forces across the UK, particularly the traffic/motorcycle section, we’ll be lucky if Bikesafe survives for much longer.

[@macduff1964a]

Bikesafe is a great segway into IAM or RoSPA Did you get to go inside the whole building at the emergency service training facility? It’s the main hyperbaric unit in the whole of NW UK… You must have filmed this a couple months back as the Ponderosa is now closed for a winter refurb. If you’re over my way, this place is an even better biker hideout; The old stores, Pontblyddyn, Mold CH7 4HR

[@RTPOV]

Yes we were inside the centre for the classroom part etc. it was on 2nd Nov. The last one of the year. Thanks for heads up on the old stores. I never knew it existed and it's not too far from me. Will defo pay it a visit

[@thebrowns5337]

I'm always too low with the revs too. Even on the old 125 I'd be in 5th gear at 30mph! It didn't mind on the flat. The 850 I have now I'm trying harder - still using 4th at 30mph unless I make a concious effort, but that has bags of torque so it feels wrong to be revving so high (3500, lol). I'll keep practising.

[@RTPOV]

yes it feels strange!

[@stogmot1]

i did one 15 years ago ,hated it ,horrible copper kept on picking on me through whole course , made my experience really unpleasant and i think actually lowered my confidence . He was a little Napoleon . Been riding for 45 years ,not had an accident ,so i must be doing something right .

[@RTPOV]

That's a shame. yea people can make it break things. All staff on this one were very friendly and helpful

[@apox5308]

04:17 Failed Fist Bump

[@RTPOV]

Glad u noticed 😂😂

[@garethbarrett6468]

Best of luck with IAM &/or ROSPA, if nothing else they're good to affirm your own abilities. In my own personal opinion, left me disappointed so my advice would be pick an Observer who would work with you and don't be afraid to speak if they're not, pick up the Bikecraft book and learn all the terminology from IPSGA, through TUGG, IMSAFE, via LADA and onto MPOWDDERSS!!! Also look into the RoadSmart track days, great easy out. Either way look forward to following your journey.

[@RTPOV]

Thanks! ❤

[@lukeorlando4814]

Something I would love to do some day

[@RTPOV]

do it! just book on!

[@lukeorlando4814]

@@RTPOV Horwin CR6. While I love this bike for commuting every day. It’s not suitable for anything else.

[@steve00alt70]

I disagree that as soon as you tip the bike into the corner that you accelerate from what ur instructor said. You instead need to hold on until your bike is pointed straight towards the exit then accelerate out of the bend. That will lead to stability when you accelerate.

[@specter929]

hmmm, just wondering why it was a 2 day course as the Bike Safe course I attended in Wiltshire was only a 1 day, wondering is it different across constabularies

[@RTPOV]

Its one day as standard but there was an option to book the second day. Only the 1st day was with the police riders, and the second day was with the IAM observers. I'm not sure about other areas sorry

[@mistahugespliff1265]

Excellent attitude to carry on after that puncture! After Brexit the roads of Britain are so badly neglected and peppered with failed expectations.

[@RTPOV]

Thanks! It was so kind of him to help me out like that and still manage to go out for a short ride!

[@michaelbullivant8828]

Now you see i have exactly the same issue with the lines they teach. Yes I can understand being in 1 in the entrance to a right hander but once I have a view through the corner it makes no sense not to decrease the load on the tyres by going to the apex. How often are cars crossing the white line? Very very rarely, I'm normally more concerned about other bikers tbh. So to rigidly stick to position 1 or 3 makes no sense to me. Great video look forward to the next

[@favourites96]

Which is why they teach you to never sacrifice safety for position.

[@michaelbullivant8828]

@favourites96 ok, what exactly does that mean with reference to my comment?

[@favourites96]

@@michaelbullivant8828 'So to rigidly stick to position 1 or 3 makes no sense to me'

[@michaelbullivant8828]

@favourites96 or me, I've been out with IAM and they almost seemed like it was the only way, maybe that was just the guy I was out with. No point being in the gutter in position 1

[@RTPOV]

It wasn't taught to rigidly stick to that line and every corners different I guess.. The system was only briefly taught and obvs my understanding of it far from perfect after just one weekend. I'm sure the full course will go into it more in depth and I'm looking forward to learning more and maturing as a rider in general. It's defo made me more curious about the lines and throttle control and Im gonna watch as much info as I can for now to try and pick up more understanding

[@RussRyan7713]

Interesting video, thanks for taking the time to make it. I passed my IAM car test a couple of years ago and this year got a bike again. I apply all the training into biking, position 1 2 3 is not quite the same but the principle is the same for better viewing of a corner. in IPSGA the Gear option is what I am not totally sure about on a bike, as in a car I adjust my speed and then block change gear, 5th to 3rd or 2nd etc, but on a bike its sequential so i will adjust my gear and speed at the same time which i assume is the correct process otherwise I would stuck in a higher gear and mashing the gear lever. doesn't say "safe" to me. I also tend roll through the gear quickly when just riding about. i a regularly in 5th at 30mph. I have no issue maintaining the speed. Interested in why they say run the bike in higher rpms? I know I can accelerate quicker but is that all?

[@RTPOV]

hey! thanks for taking time to comment! 🙂 I believe It's to keep the bike in a better power range, making engine more responsive both accelerating and engine braking. what bike u got? doing 30 in 5th gear on mine would be very juttery. It's a very strange concept for me, as I'm so used to generally being in a lower rev range. Been riding round town in 1st gear today and I could see loads more people looking round at me 😂

[@RussRyan7713]

@RTPOV CBR650R. Has nice low rpm control and lots of power up too. It's happy in 5th at 30. But yes more power available if I leave it higher. Being inline 4 it's like 2 bikes. Very chill below 6k and then more aggressive over that.

[@RTPOV]

@@RussRyan7713Ah that explains it! Nice bike man!! Sounds like a great all rounder. Sadly I'm way too tall for most bikes 😔 My last bike was a 800 and it was much happier around town.

[@RussRyan7713]

@@RTPOV I have the opposite problem. I'm 5'4 and 28" in-seam. This was the most powerful sports bike I could touch the ground on 😂.

[@RTPOV]

@@RussRyan7713 😂😂😂 we should do a side by side comparison

[@peterrear2864]

I attended one and got told i shout have done an overtake when it woukd have meant breaking the speed limit .

[@stigga1667]

Is it compulsory to wear a yellow vest on the course?….

[@RTPOV]

Yes

[@hgv1883]

No comms means you have to increase your observations

[@StormTEC]

Man I've done 186mph on a plugged rear 😆

[@StormTEC]

Uhh... tyre. Plugged rear tyre.

[@RTPOV]

😂😂😂😂 🪠🍑

[@meemee8041]

Can’t use comms because they are not motorcycle instructors.

[@RTPOV]

Ah that's a good point. There classed as 'observers'. Not sure why we couldn't use Comms either way? Do you know why?

[@meemee8041]

@ only qualified motorcycle instructors can give motorcycle instruction on the road. As you say. They are very careful in how they help you, and can only observe you riding. If they gave an instruction on the road they would be over steeping the bounds of what they are really qualified to do and could get people hurt. Then there would be huge problems for the police and no insurance.

[@RTPOV]

@@meemee8041 that makes total sense. Thanks for clearing that up!

[@spency787]

I recently took my IAM Roadsmart test and we used one way comms for giving directions. Not a problem.

[@alanbrown5593]

I've run a couple of puncture repair days at local dealers. Most were surprised at the amount of effort required. You can get tyres professionally repaired, don't let rac/aa fit a plug to a bike tyre, it is a car one they will use which makes the hole to large to be professionally repaired. Glad you had an enjoyable time, learning should be fun too. Using lower gears aids flexibility, speed and helps with cornering. Good to see a Blackbird "almost" keeping up with a K

[@RTPOV]

haha! it was like having the terminator following me all day! quite a menacing looking bike from the front! thanks for heads up on the tyres.. I was due a new set anyway so was all good. Not sure what brand of repair kit was used but it looked surprisingly easy! need to get one myself

[@alanbrown5593]

@RTPOV You don't have the bmw one???The "best" is the one that looks like bits of string, you'll still require a small tyre inflater. The problem is the 5A canbus limit, for the accessories socket, this can be exceed on inflater start up (and need a din adaptor too), safest way is directly off the battery.

[@RTPOV]

Bike never came with anything. Thanks for heads up on canbus. I'll look into it

[@alanbrown5593]

@RTPOV It shuts down to protect itself, best way is either an sae connector or accessing the battery terminals, which is a pita on a K, more so as mine has the official bmw satnav mount on the front cover ! Not much point repairing the puncture then being unable to reinflate the tyre. Airman inflater comes with cable and is smallish.

[@RTPOV]

@@alanbrown5593 I don't mind getting into the battery tbh.. so long as I don't drop one of the cover screws I to the bikes abyss like I have a few times already 😶‍🌫️

[@dmail00]

With regards to comms it depends on which tutor/observer you are with. I would say you went out with a IAM observer and I have only personal experience with RoSPA tutors/Advanced Tutors many of which do have their own comms. However, your assessment will not use comms so it can be said to be good training. Comms are only really used for very short pieces of information, they were never used to give feedback whilst you were riding. As for a puncture repair kit, I have them permentaly on the bikes as they are worth their weight in gold when you need them, I have also got random strangers out of bad situations with them.