IAM Roadsmart Bike Masters Test Part 2 (Demo Ride)

[@JulianGrubb-fd6fc]

Very useful and informative, thank you. I passed my IAM Riding test in 1999 and have been a Senior/National Observer for about 10 years. I noted from your commentary that in order to maintain a level of progress that might not be envisaged on an Associate's test, brakes can be used when coming into a lower speed limit area rather than just rolling off the throttle and using acceleration sense to slow the 'bike down. Also, using both sides of carriageway, if safe to do so, to keep the machine upright through shallow bends. A good advertisment for the Masters Programme!

[@seren-sp1ec]

I am currently training for my bike masters in North Wales. Both of the masters videos you've so kindly produced are exactly what candidates like me need. So much detailed, relevant and inspiring information. THANK YOU! Fab job! I've just passed my IAM advanced driving and we do a spoken thought commentary on part of our test. The best part for me of the demo video was your rolling commentary. There was so much detail, context, background and loads of useful information, including Mr. Leslie Hore-Belisha. ;-) Although we do not do a spoken commentary in the masters, as part of my solo training runs I am doing such a commentary in my head, using the caterpillar teachnique you mentioned one of your IAM advance riding videos. It does wonders for the concentration!

[@thesmithsteron2wheels362]

Cheers John for the demo ride and good informative commentary , my riding has definitely improved since taking tuition from ROSPA and watching videos like yours and putting into practice , not sure im upto masters standard but im enjoying my riding more than ever, ride safe all and enjoy

[@WoodNotts]

Hi John. Thanks for taking the time to put these two videos together. Great timing too😉 Keep up the good work. Cheers👍👍

[@davidpotter4909]

This is the best video yet, reaffirming my actions and thought processes, also hoping for a consistency of message in relation to other advanced gurus. yes I've used cruise in a 30mph area before to improve hazard concentration. inspiring video. let's try and emulate. 😊 thank you for helping me to improve

[@AbsolutelyAverage]

Great ride, beautiful part of the world. I just renewed my IAM membership today and will do my Masters this year. Cheers for standing up at 40:10 John

[@jeffsmith3850]

Great ride thanks for taking the time to upload it for us keen to learn. Thanks

[@paulcoyne7646]

Reg, like all your videos, this is very, very informative. I love your continual commentary: it's always informative and relevant, unlike soooo many others'. Also you really show the ride. It's quite therapeutic - If I was unable to ride I'd watch a video like yours. But mainly I'm learning a lot. I've been riding for over twenty years, but have only just started my IAM Roadsmart training and your videos are meat and drink. Please keep it up.

[@paulcoyne7646]

wait, what?? Is your name John?? So who is Reg?

[@RegLocal]

International man of mystery…

[@grandadtim1]

@@RegLocal😂

[@paul5taylor]

Wow, some great roads and what an ideal training ground, but most importantly, thanks for posting about the Masters test very informative. 👍

[@TwoFourCharlie007]

Hey I like these vids Reg but I was taught to shoulder check before I straighten the bends out in case I’m being overtaken myself? Thanks

[@thesmithsmaf]

The Master - thanks Reg - very motivating

[@rcraven1013]

All the rules of cornering up on Hartside pass and although not stated verbally obviously we dont mind crossing the mid line [ whether there is one or not ] on bends to straighten them out appears to be the norm.

[@rcraven1013]

To my mind making use of all of the roads surface is primarily a police thing , where they have to make faster than normal progress but again to my mind and its only that we civilians don't have to make as much use of the full road as they, the police may need to. We are not police we are not going somewhere in an emergency thus we don't have to take or put ourselves to the risks they have. Also, lets face it, if all 40 million motorists decided that they could use the whole of the road when and where they wanted to there would be chaos.

[@markt5426]

Hi Reg, Enjoyed the video... Systematic, Safe, Progress and Restraint.👍👍

[@katrinalowe7647]

Great video, John. Might be giving false hope to those doing their masters in the south east though, who will mostly be riding along busy, bumpy, pot holed roads 😂 I have road envy, but we do have better weather 🤪

[@RegLocal]

You’re supposed to test people away from roads they’re familiar with. It doesn’t specify the distance. Bring them to Penrith!!

[@katrinalowe7647]

It’s supposed to be roads they’re unfamiliar with, not me! If I could get away with the expenses, I’d give it a go 😂

[@stevesstuff552]

Thanks for the video. The commentary is very informative.

[@jasonebison438]

Which road is this

[@darrenfern]

Can you clarify the ‘offsiding’ position that you adopt frequently? I thought that the latest IAM guidance (late 2023) was that it isn't encouraged if there was re centre road markings, and we should remain on ‘our’ side of the road? I believe that ‘straightening’ a series of bends with an unobstructed distant view is fine. My test is in a few weeks so I'm just trying to get clarification as it seems open to interpretation!

[@tigerplumber]

I think this is a valid point. I am a IAM member and considering the masters at the moment. Our local club has recently stated that “offsiding” is no longer the way to ride. I believe that Police riders will not offside due to the occurrence of avoidable accidents. However I regularly see advanced riders crossing the line. I can see that if you’re certain the road ahead (and behind) is clear then why not use the full width of the road to your advantage, for view and smoothing out of corners?

[@keithmunns8929]

I think you’ve got straight lining and off siding confused!

[@darrenfern]

No, he's definately offsiding at times! I asked my Masters’ mentor who said “you can do it at Masters but don't do it often, and only when you have a really good long distance view and are sure there are no hazards. Don't offside to get a view.” I passed my Masters test with distinction having done it once on the test ride when I had a really good long view.

[@chriswool7738]

thanks for that.. what would you think if i was generally 5mph slower through out the ride due to the conditions.

[@gadget02]

Hope everything is ok not seen a video for a while?

[@RegLocal]

I’m back!

[@ivanrushtonthelonewolfrides]

Hi Reg loved the video any chance you could do a town based masters run perhaps show some filtering and possible more speed changes and hazards

[@RegLocal]

Masters tests do not generally take place on urban roads - at least not for long. I will do a filtering/urban riding video soon though.

[@ivanrushtonthelonewolfrides]

@@RegLocal I did some town work when I did mine straight through a city centre aswell as some motorway and as you say a long stretch of nice twisty roads

[@mikerider58]

Fantastic 👍 consistent 👏 are there any questions about bike maintenance, tyre pressure, chain and general checks

[@philpeacock7803]

Enjoyed that. Thanks

[@luc1ferblack]

Thanks for the video but unles someone is a crap rider i dont know why they would go through all that to say oh yeah im great or is there another benefit other than bragging rights?

[@spency787]

All advanced training has nothing to do with bragging rights or improving ‘crap’ riders. It’s a system that will improve the safety of every rider on every ride regardless of their previous experience level or the machine they use. If you are a bike rider why would you NOT want to be safer?

[@johnbateman3244]

Thanks for another great informative video.

[@EmeraldExplorer1200]

Reallly interesting video, do you have to give a running commentary during the test, explaining why you're doing what you're doing? I really want to do ROSPA or IAM just undecided on which one to go with and the next few weeks are crazy busy for me what with work, an overnight trip to Caernarfon on the 21/22nd May then NC500 in June and trying to fit in family time.

[@dudeonart8492]

Great 2 videos on Masters. But one question, why do you only "take a bit" off a right hander when it looks like you could sometimes take a lot more? Thanks in advance.

[@steve00alt70]

You see for tailgaiters how would you wave them to pass you when your in the UK. In America they can use their clutch hand to wave them pass if its safe for them. But we cant since thats our throttle hand.

[@KGowans]

I am thinking about doing this but not sure if we have mentors in my area. On a test, are coms used? Or, on unfamiliar roads and directions, does the student need to watch the examiner’s indicators?

[@andrewharrop7932]

Lovely steady, safe riding , nice one 👍

[@mikeroberts]

Nice ride Reg. Oh, for such lovely open sweeping roads for my Masters Re-Test. 😉 Instead it will be the pot holed, filthy, white van and lorry infested roads of the South East of England. I can see where my road tax has been spent. 😄

[@katrinalowe7647]

Yep 😂

[@dexradio]

Good point Mike, it would be great if Reg paid us a visit in the SE corner and did a few demo rides here, the hazards come thick and fast given the congested roads in poor condition and likely to include filtering through busier towns and villages, with a few more hazards to negotiate perhaps.

[@ThisIsNotASim]

Thanks for that Reg, really enjoyed the ride and the view! I've been involved with RoSPA for years (Gold, Advanced Tutor) and recently passed with a F1rst the IAM test. My Examiner asked if I was going to do the Masters which was what lead me to your videos. I noticed you were often on the gas ever so slightly before the national signs, does this fall under a "near enough" consideration? I ask because I'm quite picky with my associates if they don't wait until they've passed the sign to get going again, and now I'm questioning whether that is needlessly so. Thanks!

[@CarlLeatherbarrowsthelens]

Love the series think you did a great job. I currently ride a 600cc scooter would that be a suitable bike to do an advanced course on with it not having gears.

[@foddy0]

Thanks for the video. At about 11:50, it looks like while your tyres have not crossed the double-white lines but part of the bike is overhanging them, which I thought was illegal. Could you clarify whether this is correct - and if so, for a test would you stay further away for the avoidance of doubt? Cheers.

[@RegLocal]

Not illegal.

[@foddy0]

@@RegLocal Thanks for your reply. I was told (I think by a policeman) that as the law says "... shall be so driven as to keep the first-mentioned continuous line on the right hand or off side of the vehicle" and the handlebars are part of the vehicle, it would technically be breaking the law. I'm not saying you're wrong, but if I'm going to take my masters test, pushing closer to the limits seems expected, but it'd be a shame if the examiner interpreted the law differently to you, so it's genuine curiosity, I'm not trying to start an argument! Thanks again.

[@TheJmebe]

Accelerate out of the corner, not throughout as a default. Assuming correct entry, for constant radius corners, speed should be maintained around the corner, by balancing throttle against increased frictional forces.

[@Lacebylad]

Both the IAM and ROSPA claim to offer the highest possible civilian standard of advanced riding / driving within their course structure. Do you consider them the same in terms of the standard required to pass?

[@RegLocal]

IAM advanced pass = RoSPA bronze/silver. IAM First = RoSPA gold. IAM Masters = higher standard than RoSPA.

[@jjnewman65]

Hi John, Are you sure you can offside into corners on your test and not get a fail? Albeit as long as you have clear and continuous vision of the road surface for the duration of riding on the 'other' side of the road.

[@daisychain8622]

You’re off siding quite a bit there. Surly that would be a fail in an IAM test?

[@fazerman2003]

Not with the IAM Masters, with the normal advanced test you should not offside.

[@danbo20]

Hi…. Quick question ref IAM and change of speed limits… as you cross the national speed limit ( increasing speed) a shoulder check is required.. is it before you pass the signs or as you pass… cracking videos… had my first observed ride yesterday.

[@tomnorris1734]

It's not 'required' Some lazy examiners will expect to see them at every change of speed limit however it isn't a requirement. If there is no reason to do a life saver ie you've been looking in your mirrors and having good rear observations prior to the change of speed limit and there are no other vehicles behind you then it's not necessary and if anything I'll advised as it would distract from where any real potential threats or hazards are. However, if a shoulder check is to be done it's before the change, when there is time to react to anything you may see when doing the shoulder check.

[@SouthWest-jj8yu]

A hypothetical question not a serious proposal, I have several GS models in the garage but also have a C400GT. Could you undertake the masters on a big scooter? I have no intentions of doing this just wondered what the position was, and if you can’t how would this affect DCT models?

[@RegLocal]

Yes, you could - no issues with DCT.

[@Cowelly84]

I'm really enjoying your videos. I've just passed my advanced & now looking (probably next year) to do my Masters. Really informative too. Do you recommend any Audible motorbike 'books'?

[@Grahamvfr]

Really informative video Reg, I know this is tongue in cheek, but given that offsiding is acceptable.. Being able to stop 'on our side of the road' in the distance we can see to be clear... Begs the question.. What then is 'our' side of the road.

[@ItsBeenDanBefore]

The rule of limit points still applies when using the whole road, so you must be able to stop on your side of the road, which does mean the original side provided for you. Even if it's not specified, I generally will always abide by that. Any doubt,stay safe and stay put. If in absence of any other hazard, especially oncoming vehicles, then can be done safely

[@lenwoodman9442]

Has it been 7 months since you were in a 🤔car?

[@RegLocal]

I’m regularly in a car Len, just not recently with my cameras!

[@lenwoodman9442]

@@RegLocal Perhaps I should ............... No, I will fall off!

[@richarddepledge960]

nice one.

[@Eastsussexbiker]

I thought offsiding was not allowed on a Masters test I appreciate straight lining left n rights.

[@ivanhelovanitch7444]

Alien13 has got you lot figured out and he's not holding back. for any one that watches this video go and watch his videos and learn.

[@rcraven1013]

If riding along single track roads at ehe speeds he was doing is anything to go by then I don't think I will be doing advanced riding. Let alone a Masters. His speed at times that we saw was 35 mph and on a single track road with high sides in places and with debris [ shit ]on them and blind bends. I don't think I would be going that fast. Maybe 20 to 25 mph in places and certainly less around some of those blind bends. As recommended one slows down on such a road and gives twice the stopping distances with regard to one total vision ahead and prepares for the worst case scenario.

[@piotrek7500]

Crossing the center line in bends is a very bad and dangerous habit imho. I buy everything else except this. Nice vid.

[@tracer1127]

I agree, if you keep crossing the white line you had better have eyes in the back of your head. If a faster rider comes up behind you and you don’t realise he’s there he will take you out as he tries to pass. If an approaching driver sees you on the wrong side of the road it could cause them to panic and do something unexpected.

[@chrisowens3781]

I’m told by my observer that IAM no longer like you straightening off the bends or using the other side of the road.

[@RegLocal]

Your observer has misunderstood the IAMs policy. Offside through right-handers (with a good, clear view throughout) is fine. Offside on approach to blind left-handers is not, but again, if there is a good, clear view throighout & no risk of conflict then it is acceptable.

[@chrisowens3781]

@@RegLocal thanks John

[@katrinalowe7647]

What Reg said 👍🏻

[@PThree-ru7gl]

So the IAM teach you to remonstrate with more vulnerable road users do they ? I don’t remember that as part of my IAM training. Whether they heard you or not is irrelevant, it’s the fact you thought it appropriate to behave that way. Would you have done the same to a couple of children crossing and not giving you enough information as to their intentions. I really don’t think this reflects well on you or the IAM

[@d_p_collins]

Why hoot at the cyclist? He was minding his own business, dressing in black is not a crime.

[@TheWalterKirk]

I’d recommend reading Reg’a performance driving book. He is a big fan of getting the horn used again to warn others of presence rather than what it’s become known for (as a way of telling off other road users). Horn to warn a cyclist as you approach quite appropriate. I like to give two quick beeps and a wave just to let people know I’m using the horn properly 🥰❤️👍

[@ivornotion6624]

Taking a test in the middle of nowhere has to be an easy peasy masters pass for anyone. Totally unrealistic

[@kevinmurray7789]

To the people who live in that area, it's the centre of the world. Regarding a location for a test, a country road is a country road, and a small town is as good a place as any , to demonstrate the skills necessary to negotiate them safely.