MOTORCYCLE MASTERCLASS 31

[@seaflyfisher]

Okay - no-one's mentioned it so I have to ask - did anyone spot the two little observation jokes I put in on here - I typed in a well used word on this channel in two places in speech bubble fashion - did you spot them ?

[@Back2TheBike]

Not me ... Did spot the bluebottles on the pole at 5.08 though.

[@seaflyfisher]

@@Back2TheBike - Sausage and egg bap wasps - nasty buggers which is why I didn't stop :-)

[@mikeroberts]

I spotted "Magnificent" under the bridge. :)

[@seaflyfisher]

@@mikeroberts - A very discerning dog Mike :D

[@FoxtrotOscar9]

"Magnificent " "yeh" 09:49 🤣🤣🤣

[@SBKPete]

Out of all the people I subscribe to, your channel is the one that I really look forward to when a new video is uploaded. 42 years of riding and I never stop wanting to learn more and your videos provide the perfect platform for that. Thank you for taking the time to create these wonderful, educational videos 🙏🏻

[@Awatchandy]

There are similar videos but they do look rather ‘Staged” though, where your videos are more ‘Real World” rides. Also as bikes accelerate so quick your freeze frame with commentary is a bonus as to what and why you are doing a certain manoeuvre. I used to ride years ago but stopped for many years but been back in the saddle about 4-5 years now, however every ride is a chance to practice or learn a new skill.

[@Awatchandy]

OOP's Sorry Pasted in the Wrong box!

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi Pete - I feel the same way - if I ever stop learning I'll hang my keys up and sell my bikes - the one thing that I aim to do with these videos is to make them thought provoking - if I can get people thinking when they ride and to realise that all this information is out there and how drastically it can improve your safety then I've done a good job - thanks very much for taking the time to comment on them - your feedback is very much appreciated and very useful for me in helping me to decide on what content I use in putting this stuff together and what to plan for next time

[@seaflyfisher]

@@Awatchandy - Hi Andy - your observation sucks :D absolutely brilliant I nearly wet myself laughing - I'm really glad you liked this stuff and all joking apart observation is a hugely important skill that improves your riding no end - stay safe and I've emailed you the link to Specsavers lol. :D

[@Awatchandy]

@@seaflyfisher Sorry I Can't see it any chance of resending? No I had written it in 'Notes" on my phone but then I had calls so just "Copy & Pasted" on my Mac but was distracted with work calls (At my Work bench) , as soon as I done it I knew it was wrong!

[@garygreen6409]

Dale, I’ve watched all your Masterclass videos and they helped me pass my IAM - may I say that perhaps this was one of your best you’ve produced as the freeze frame sections really help to the viewer to analysis the situation and learn from the explanation you’ve provided. Thank you for producing these videos as they are a great inspiration to not only myself but I’m sure for all those who view them. Many thanks, Gary

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi Gary - Congratulations on passing your IAM test - always good to see people keen to improve their knowledge and riding standard and if what I do inspired you a bit then even better - it's a pleasure getting the feedback from you guys and great to share some of what I was lucky enough to be taught with you - I wanted to have an order to these videos and I'm a firm believer in needing to get the basics right first before you can progress any further, so the first eleven videos predominantly cover pure system and safety - the next videos were done with Neil and anyone else looking to take an "advanced test" in mind and to demonstrate a slightly higher level of riding and a better understanding of the basics of bike control, system and roadcraft - it wouldn't have worked to put a video like this out there first without demonstrating how to get to the level of riding needed to achieve the benefits of this level of observation, concentration, positioning and planning. Thanks again for taking the time to comment and stay safe - DB

[@dardobartoli]

I am sure I have already thanked you, but just in case.... thanks for taking the time to share these videos. A 20 year absence and realisation that I wasn't as good back then as I thought I was, your videos, my ongoing IAM training and over a 1000 miles a month riding in all conditions has helped me truly appreciate and enjoy Motorcycling whilst being safer than ever. I only wish the UK roads were as dry as your humour.

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi Bob - some sunshine and dry roads again would be nice wouldn't it - thanks for taking the time to comment and letting me know that what I'm demonstrating is useful and relevant to what you're doing with the IAM guys - always great to get feedback from you, it helps me to decide what to put into future videos and how to demonstrate it for you - please let me know how you get on with your IAM test and stay safe on those wet roads :-)

[@dardobartoli]

@@seaflyfisher I can assure you that your videos and running commentary has been influential in helping me progress. I've had 7 Observed rides over 5 months, but have covered well over 1000 miles per month since coming back to bikes June 2019 (commuting and fun stuff). It took me a couple of months to regain bike handling skills and confidence after 20 years absence, but soon found myself doing 'seaflyfisher style narration' on my rides. Apparently I am just about ready for my test, but like all things, the better you get and the more you know, the more you realise how little you know and how much better you can be. Please keep up the great work and sharing. Thanks again Bob

[@aledlloydwilliams963]

Best video yet - the video pauses and 'thoughts' are excellent, as are the 'dealing with potential incidents'.

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi Aled - thanks very much - I'm a big fan of observation and the more we can deal with before it develops the better it is for keeping us safe - stay safe out there - DB

[@BoatingBiker]

well, that was a mix of revision and a selection of points that had not occurred to me before. I spotted just oe of your obs jokes but I did spot a lot of very good demonstrations of good thoughtful riding. Thanks very much. Ride safe.

[@seaflyfisher]

Hello again, it's amazing when you up your game, how much more that you find out that there is to know, and how much there is to see once you train yourself to observe. I've been riding for quite a few weeks now and never stop learning or picking up on things that I could have done differently or better. Stay safe out there.

[@davidgoddard5423]

Great observation tips. Re tailgating, I decided to pull over and let a works van pass me during my commute to work this morning as it approached me from behind at much more than the 30mph zone we were both in.

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi David - good decision - it's a sad fact these days that you do get the odd person that seem to think it's okay to play these road games with someone elses safety from the protection of their metal box - hugely funny until it goes wrong but these idiots aren't usually the ones that end up in the hospital - I don't get it - a couple of months ago a guy followed me through a forty and thirty limit in fairly heavy traffic almost touching the back of the bike - I let him go by in the end and fifty yards up the road where everything came to a grinding halt I pulled up alongside and very politely asked him if driving that close and putting me at risk was really necessary - his response was - "I'm not in the mood for this today - I don't care - f#@k off" With that sort of attitude I'd rather be behind him than in front of him - stay safe out there - Dale

[@ddcgoddard4612]

@@seaflyfisher Thanks Dale for your vote of confidence. I guess there is a fine line between slowing down traffic on the approach to a junction/reduced speed limit zone and letting an overly assertive/aggressive/careless driver (hazard) pass you and go on their way. Part of me feels guilty though of passing a hazardous driver on to another motorist to deal with.

[@Glasshousebc]

Utterly magnificent.... the video was good too. The demo/explanation of observation and positioning was excellent. Loved the point at 27:45 - thunderous applause from this side of the big pond. Thanks again, Dale. Stay well, matey, Steve.

[@seaflyfisher]

I think Magnificent summed me up perfectly :D - that woman in the Audi seriously put me at risk and every time I waved her off she thought that it would be oh so funny to keep doing it....... right up to the point when six foot and sixteen stone of hairy arsed biker was on the other side of the glass from her - it got unfunny really quick then and she left a big gap after that on her way back home to change :D

[@larryvenezia1542]

Another great instructional video. I never get tired of your commentary and excellent presentation. Keep them coming.

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi Larry - thanks very much, I'll see what I can do :D I'm just editing some more at the moment and have been playing round with the helmet mounted camera angles to get them better - I managed to film some interesting rides in the last week or so - watch this space

[@1050cc]

😆 Good on ya👏 Enough is enough. They just don't realise that the odds for you of them messing up are more than a scratch and exchanging insurance details !!! Nice ride, thank you, I wanna get out there n practice having seen this 😁

[@seaflyfisher]

Thanks Alex, shame about the weather now :-)

[@jazzyclarinetic]

Super set of video on your channel Dale. They take me back some nearly 25 years when I was very fortunate to have been offered, as a civilian, training in advanced driving techniques as part of the skills section of my gold DofE by Dorset Police Driving School. These are roads I remember very well too, and I am endlessly thankful to DPDS, and PC Williams for taking the interest to provide me with some 1st class training, and he and they put me on the path for life long interest in advanced roadcraft. It wouldn't happen now I suspect. There is a lot in your commentary, in your general high mobility in the lane, in what you say, and your positioning and presentation of the vehicle to see and be seen, that takes me right back to those days and that training. Since then, I have transferred that interest to two wheels, and I know that on at least three (and possibly many others) discernible occasions in the last 9 years these techniques have kept me from being KSI'd. Great stuff!!

[@seaflyfisher]

Hello JC and welcome to the channel - fascinating stuff isn't it - I remember vividly the first time I saw this used in anger and sitting in the passenger seat being flown round the country at warp speed thinking how on earth are you doing this - I was in complete awe and wanted to learn as much as I could to be able to do the same - I'm very lucky to live where I do and with some great roads to keep my hand in on - I go to a breakfast meet at Sammy Millers on Tuesday mornings and driving school occasionally drop in for a debrief coffee stop - if you get a chance come over and say hello - one of the best breakfasts in the Forest, an impromptu bike show and some great people :D

[@jazzyclarinetic]

@@seaflyfisher Hi Dale, Sadly, being on the Devon/Cornwall border I'm not local to these fantastic road any longer. But, there are some good'uns down here too. Having just watched your follow rides with Neil I do have one comment..... cream before jam! tut tut..... everyone know's it's the other way round. ;-) Cheers, James.

[@seaflyfisher]

@@jazzyclarinetic Hi James - yes some excellent roads down there - I lived in Plymouth for a while then Liskeard, Bodmin, Par and St Austell so know the area very well :D

[@mikeroberts]

Another excellent video Dale. Perfect examples of OAP - Observation, Anticipation and Planning. Nice to hear the bit about positioning that people tend to forget "To be seen" by only concentrating on "To see". The traffic control with the transporter was very nice. We did something similar on a ride out the other day and got a big thumbs up from the lorry driver.

[@seaflyfisher]

Thanks Mike - I do like observation - it's a very underrated skill but makes such a difference if you develop it well - a little road courtesy goes a long way doesn't it - the lorry driver was very grateful

[@mikeroberts]

@@seaflyfisher I noticed the bike is still hungry all the time. :) How do you post record your voice while pausing the video?

[@seaflyfisher]

@@mikeroberts - Hi Mike - I'm using Corel Video Studio to edit with and I can "Split the Audio" which stays at its correct speed if I then pause or slow down the video footage - clever old stuff - I can also either drop the volume or split and delete the original audio and then record and insert a voice over to paused footage or video

[@Back2TheBike]

@@seaflyfisher Steven Spielberg eat your heart out 🎥

[@seaflyfisher]

@@Back2TheBike - Steve often rings me for advice - he can get a bit much sometimes :D

[@Back2TheBike]

Just been watching this again as I come back to the bike for a second time. Monday morning 10am here we come ...

[@ianmills35]

Thanks Dale, of all your magnificent videos, I think this one had the most magnificentness content, thank you I really enjoyed this one. Interesting at the end with the Audi driver, I had this happen to me on my way to meet my observer for my IAM ride, village, car in front doing 15mph obviously looking for somewhere probably a tourist so I sat back and let him get on with it as I knew we had NSL after the village and I could get round him, 3 ft off my rear number plate sits a car all the way through. Thanks again sir, just got the call from the IAM examiner he wants to see me, it’s test time, will be reading the Highway Code and watching this and some more of your vids. Have a great weekend thanks again. 👍🏍

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi Ian - well done that's brilliant news about your test - I bet you can't wait to get out there now and get on with it - keep it smooth, time your approach to things and read the road signs - I was talking to someone today that made a boo boo on their Masters by doing nice early observation and not having to stop at the stop sign/line - easy done - let us know how you get on and if you get the chance to beg steal or borrow a camera and film it - do it :D

[@Back2TheBike]

Best wishes Ian. You'll nail it.

[@ianmills35]

Back2TheBike Cheers Neil, I’m actually looking forward to it, busy swatting up on the Highway Code 👍🏍 Hope all is good at your end

[@dalewiddowson7349]

Brilliant...After being away from riding for a few years now these are fantastic videos for me to get my confidence now I'm back riding, still need to get overtaking sorted though ( tend to go over speed limits a little bit) probably not planning the overtake in time? But it's something I will be working on.But thanks again for your "lessons" ad time spent doing them....cheers.

[@seaflyfisher]

Hello again and thankyou again, I always try to demonstrate at the speed limits on here but in the real world, if you need to pinch a few miles an hour on overtakes, get it done, don't prolong it to be bang on the speed limit, the less time you spend on the offside lane, the better and safety is everything - other drivers won't be too impressed if you're passing them in three figures and on the back wheel but on a smooth, well executed and safe overtake, they'll barely notice you and no-ones going to mind too much if you're slightly over momentarily - thanks again for your comments, I've just been on the phone to Neil to see if we can jack up another day together in sunny Wiltshire in the near future - stay safe and have fun with it - Dale

[@dalewiddowson7349]

seaflyfisher ...Cheers, will do.

[@IanWheldale]

I observed New Milton 😁😎😉, I can still actually visit without going there. Thank you!. Back when I was driving large red 2 storey vehicles in London I was always told to observe the road 15 seconds ahead and work back like you say. That and keeping your eyes moving should mean you don't miss much. Be thankful it was a pheasant, I had to manoeuvre around a 6-foot snake last week that was crossing the road from one rice field to another 😂😀. Enjoy the summer.

[@seaflyfisher]

You'd moan about anything :D was it a vindscreen viper - certainly makes for an interesting ride - I found a nice small one not too long ago - it's on Paulas page - paulasheba100 and it's called something like New Forest critters - hope all is good with you - I'm in Tesco at the moment funnily enough

[@fergabdelicia7664]

BENELLI TNT 1130 CAFE RACER....... I LOVE THAT MOTORCYCLE DEEP..... GREAT HUG FROM NEUQUEN, ARGENTINA..

[@seaflyfisher]

Beautiful isn't it - I love it too, it's a stunning bike and huge fun to ride

[@fergabdelicia7664]

@@seaflyfisher Next year I travel to Italy and evaluate the possibility of buying one. I've seen some in Spain. Here in Argentina I have a benelli BN 600 with more than 80,000 kilometers and it has been a fantastic motorcycle. I would like very much that you can advise me about the tnt 1130 cafe racer, I have read everything, and many times they make him a bad name. I don't think it's a bad motorcycle. quite the opposite. Everything you can tell me about the bike will be helpful. big hug from Argentina

[@seaflyfisher]

​@@fergabdelicia7664 - Hi Fergab - its a superb bike but unfortunately Benelli got some bad reviews, mostly in Australia from what I understand when they sold franchises to anyone that wanted them - sadly some of the more backstreet garages didn't have the tools or the expertise to service them properly and some peoples bikes became unreliable due to the poor servicing - serviced right, it is as good and probably better than anything else on the road - the finish is great and the bike is beautifully stunning in its design - Benelli have produced a real drivers bike with the 1130 with surgically precise handling, a phenomenal power unit and a unique style all of its own - mine is both a pleasure and a real experience to ride and if I have one very minor niggle with it - it would be that the fuel tank is rather small giving a realistic range of about 100 miles - I love mine and its great to own such a rare and unusual bike - hope that helps - regards - Dale

[@roseysnapper]

Absolutely brilliant, a treasure trove of helpful information presented in an entertaining way. Thank you for answering my question on positioning in lower speed zones. Keep up the excellent work.

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi Paul - thanks - a few people have liked this one - I do like observation, it's so important to be looking and adjusting your ride accordingly all the time - it's a skill well worth investing your time in to develop :D

[@HepcatHarley]

Apart from the utter magnificence of the ride you did park (seemingly close) next to a drivers door at the cafe stop. Could be camera trickery of course ;)

[@seaflyfisher]

Hello young man - loads of room and one of the best breakfasts in the Forest - hope all is good with you and you're getting plenty of riding time in - cheers - DB

[@Christian-ve1wi]

Hi Seaflyfisher Another fantastic video probably the best in my opinion. Thank you so much for providing these videos. You have answered so many questions. Your explanations in regard to obtaining a view at each new view has really opened up a new world and I am really starting to understand what the system is. I am hopefully (MOT pending) training with Rospa soon and your videos are fantastic source of help. My only criticism I have is and I understand your grievances with the car driver. Telling them to back off like that though only puts their backs up and probably wouldn't get them to change their habits.. Maybe just let them politely know you felt they are stopping way to close and hopefully they will think about instead of reacting to your words. Thank you again.. Christian

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi Christian and thanks very much for your kind words - unfortunately with the Audi driver it was a last resort but it worked - I was in front of her in the queue for a while and from the first time that she stopped that close I did a very polite hand signal pointing at the gap, holding up two fingers, the polite way round and holding my hands apart then bringing them together to say "too close" - I've done this times before and the drivers are well aware of what they've done and stop doing it the next time that you move forward - every time I stopped I politely waved her back when she was at a reasonable distance and after the third time it was obvious that she was doing it on purpose - she evidently found it highly amusing but as you can see I didn't - she put me at risk unnecessarily and for the fun of it - I couldn't see anything behind me when I wanted to do a life saver before pulling away and as I said on the film - in a big powerful car like that if she'd got it wrong she would have gone straight over me - when I went back I had no idea who the driver was going to be and my intention was for a civil conversation to ask them to back off - she refused to drop the window to speak to me and was circling her index finger round and round by her temple and just kept repeating "your mental - your mental" I was tempted to take my footage to the Police and have her dealt with but I think they've probably got more important things to be doing - what I did worked, and she backed right off after that - I appreciate that you've only seen what I showed on the video but I've got no time for these brainless morons that deliberately put someone else's life at risk for the fun of it from the safety of their big metal box - it's not their life that they're playing games with - don't forget that we have the right to safe passage on the road too - I was driving correctly and safely and it was her decision to actively put me at risk - if I had forced my way down the outside of the queue and in front of her or done anything to antagonise her I would agree with you but I was already in the queue and she came down behind me and chose to drive in that fashion - I won't put up with it and actually - she's very lucky that I am who I am - a lot of bikers would probably have punched one of her mirrors off, punched her window in and probably her punched her for good measure - she had no idea who I was and under the circumstances, I think in not being prosecuted for dangerous driving she got off pretty lightly and I make absolutely no apology for showing her registration number or for shouting at her - to do nothing is giving idiots like her the signal that it's acceptable and okay for her to carry on to do it to the next rider that has the misfortune to have her behind them - I'd put money on it she thinks twice about playing road games with bikers next time - she wasn't expecting me to get off the bike after she nearly hit it and I could see that she probably needed to go home and change her underwear - this channel and the way I ride is all about safety - mine in particular :D I used to work with the Emergency Services and unfortunately I have seen the end result of when people like this get it wrong - it gets unfunny really fast - people will treat you the way you let them and nobody treats me like that - right soapbox away - I'm really pleased that you like what I do and you've obviously noticed that I've gone from stay alive stuff to the supposed "advanced" level standard of riding - it's very much appreciated that you take the time not only to watch these videos but to comment on them and give me your thoughts - huge thankyou again and stay safe - Dale

[@Christian-ve1wi]

@@seaflyfisher It is shame that many people behave in a such a manner but atleast its a minority in my experience anyway. I suppose luck still has a role but your videos and advanced riding help increase your chances of staying alive allot more than without. Back round to No 1 again. Its the commentary section that is really helpful aswell, until I start my advanced and start learning the system properly.

[@seaflyfisher]

@@Christian-ve1wi - yes it's only the odd one or two so don't lose any sleep over them :D

[@markdaws5476]

Excellent video. Great stuff. Keep them coming. Oh, and well done on the car driver...........

[@seaflyfisher]

Thanks Mark - I don't think she'll be playing road games with bikers in the future - she popped straight home to change when she left me

[@IanDocherty335]

Recommended by another bike rider I met today just off the A1 near Baldock....well worth it, keep up the good work.

[@seaflyfisher]

Hello Ian - thanks - I was pleasantly surprised to see how many people are keen to polish their riding up a bit - stay safe out there :D

[@Awatchandy]

WoW as great as ever, Great filming, edit and commentary.

[@seaflyfisher]

Very kind of you to say so Andy - thanks very much and good to have the feedback from you so that I know I'm posting footage that's relevant, useful and interesting to what you guys are doing - stay safe out there and watch out for arrogant women in big Audis :D

[@DaveBrown2020]

Awesome video, an absolutely brilliant demonstration of how it should be done.

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi Dave - thanks very much, I have a lot of fun making these and it's a good way to share your knowledge and put the road safety message out there - excellent to get your feedback to know that I'm putting the right content in them too :D

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

What recording equipment are you using for the voice over?

[@seaflyfisher]

I use Corel Video Studio Pro which is pretty good for useful features - my original recordings are with a GoPro 4 on the front and a 3 on the back - Corel lets you adjust the volume right down, mute it completely or split the audio into a stand alone track so you can delete it if you wanted to halve the speed and double the length of the video track - you can add your own commentary, music or sound effects and fade them in and/or out - good stuff

[@seaflyfisher]

I forgot - mic wise I use a clip on lapel mic in my lid - I've just got a stereo version from Amazon but haven't used it yet and I use a little USB desk mic when I'm sitting at home

[@AaronNotts]

It would be something like "OBS" aka "Open Broadcast Software", and you just record with a mic and add the layer in post, given its mp3.

[@TheDervMan]

Good stuff Dale. I’m liking the freeze frame special effects. 😬👍🏻

[@seaflyfisher]

Hello young fella - thought you might like this one - Sammy's is looking like it might be a tad damp for Tuesday so I'm fingers crossed for a dryish morning - hope all is good with you :D

[@TheDervMan]

seaflyfisher Took the long haired commander to Sammy’s cafe a few weeks ago. She was very impressed.

[@seaflyfisher]

@@TheDervMan - yes brilliant place - the foods superb - you can sit and have breakfast next to one of Italys finest gunships with your mates - they've got a fish pond there - what's not to like :-)

[@TheDervMan]

seaflyfisher livin’ the biking dream 😎🍽☕️

[@arbitrator1958]

Fantastically educational video, really enjoy all of them, thank you. I have a question that has been bugging me! When you turn left at about 6:30, you nicely avoid the pedestrian, and adopt (temporarily) a position on the offside lane, thereby greatly increasing your view down the road. Is it acceptable to move routinely more into a left hand bend (across the centre line) in a much wider position thereby getting a much better view, this especially on country lanes with no centre markings, or is this considered unwise?

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi Graham and thanks for your question - left hand bends have been the source of many debates and conversations but before you do anything out on the road, ask yourself the simple question, "am I in the safest place on the road"? If the answer is no, you shouldn't be there - Your question is not an easy one to answer as every bend is different but I'll try my best for you based on what I do - starting with the simplest, an open, gradual bend between two straights presents very few problems because we can see the road surface and across the bend with view of any other road users and the exit point for the corner - to set up for this bend, I would be looking to travel round the circumference of the biggest circle that I could fit into my own lane - with no other traffic or anything else to cater for, I would look to be on the crown of the road at the entry and exit points and follow the shortest, smoothest course between those points by straightening the bend through the apex and being close to the nearside as I go through the apex area - this "big circle" course allows me to keep the bike more upright, which in turn gives it more stability and let's me carry more speed safely. Gradual bends with less view bung a spanner into our perfect cornering world by making the crown of the road a potentially dangerous place to be at the entry point for the bend - we don't want to be there when a car travelling towards us is also against the crown of the road or could even be encroaching onto our side of the road - on these bends, I set up on the crown of the road, on the straight and on the approach to my preferred entry point - if anything comes the other way, I go to Plan B by giving up position for safety to a mid lane one, and reducing speed to cater for the new lack of view - if it stays clear though, I can sometimes safely maintain my position at the crown and on gradual bends, the ever extending view can allow me to hold that position until I have chosen my exit point and I alter course to that exit - if traffic comes from the opposite direction during this bend, it's time to revert to Plan B On blind, and more acute bends, it's a no brainer - I can still position on the crown on the straight on the approach to the bend but at the entry point I would adopt a compromise position mid lane and at a lower speed - this gives me safety, the best view possible and a position of visibility where other road users can see me - discretion is the greater part of valour and your safety must come first so the less view you have the lower the speed and the greater the safety positioning needs to be. Remember that you may be confronted with a broken down vehicle, the back of a queue, pedestrians facing the oncoming traffic or an out of control vehicle on your side of the road. I use these guidelines for all left hand bends regardless of the size and width of the road - if you haven't seen it yet, my video 29 is all about taking the mystery and the fear out of the dreaded left hand bend, showing you how to set up for, and negotiate them safely - I hope that's helped and has answered what you wanted to know - my advice on using the offside lane is to stay out of it unless you really need to be there - stay safe and keep it fun out there - Dale

[@arbitrator1958]

@@seaflyfisher Thanks Dale for taking the time to give such a detailed reply. Very useful.

[@arbitrator1958]

seaflyfisher L

[@Back2TheBike]

Nice one Dale. Years of experience on display here. Just need to get yourself a proper German bike now ...

[@seaflyfisher]

Hello lad - I thought that you'd like this - it's right up your street to improve your obs - and you can see how it brings out the best in all your other skills too - they all compliment each other but without this one you won't hit the others potential - I was waiting for the comment on 10:54 - even I was impressed with that - I was Magnificent :D

[@seaflyfisher]

Did you spot my two observation games I put in :D

[@Back2TheBike]

Maybe you could consider riding a bike professionally?

[@seaflyfisher]

@@Back2TheBike - funny you should say that - I maxed out on my overdraft to buy a unicycle - I keep getting letters from my bank now though - they want to see me about my outstanding balance

[@Glasshousebc]

seaflyfisher many many... many years ago, I was in the senior service... I was in the gulf at the time and I remember receiving a letter from the bank manager informing me my overdraft was a limit and NOT a target... cheeky bugger.

[@richardsherwin3259]

Absolutely Mag-nif-i-cent! 🤴 Superbly done video Dale 👌 This one really does need multiple watches, there’s so much info contained in the 30 mins

[@seaflyfisher]

Thanks Richard - since working together with Neil, there's been so much interest in improving riding standards that I thought it was time to crank things up another notch and demonstrate this level of concentration and attention - I do like to keep him on his toes and observation is one of my favourite things for improving your riding and producing the best out of your planning and positioning - thanks again for taking the time to comment and letting me know that I'm demonstrating the right things to be relevant and at the right level and in the right way - it's very much appreciated - stay safe and enjoy the sunshine

[@seaflyfisher]

PS - I don't wear a watch let alone multiple watches - that's just stupid ;D

[@cobenblack1876]

Hey dale, just thought I’d thank you for your time on these. I owe you a cake one day 😂

[@seaflyfisher]

Lol - you're welcome - rum truffles are my favourite :-)

[@tinkertime7165]

I’m impressed. Not just with the observation information but you educating that woman at the end. In all likelihood she was ignorant of the danger she posed, it’s no excuse tho, and she needed telling before she got the message by killing someone. It’s not clever and it’s not funny :-). Ps. What do you use camera wise on the front of the Benelli and mic during the ride? Ant

[@seaflyfisher]

This is one of my favourite videos, Neils greatest wish was to ride at a very high level and I demoed the standard the first time we met with the emphasis on positioning - every now and then I like to chuck something in to these videos to keep him on his toes - have a look at 10:55 :-) I use a GoPro 3+ and 4+ Black Editions together with Corel Video Studio Pro - the mic is just a plug in one that I picked up on Amazon

[@tinkertime7165]

seaflyfisher thanks for your reply. Your training is spot on but it has a slightly different language and subtle differences from perhaps the current IAM course. Differences would be ‘opinion issues’. I’m sure you have also honed and developed your own skills, so what we get is not just good training but your extended experience. It is quite interesting. I’ll do my IAM test soonish and in reality we are taught to learn and practise what the examiner is looking for regardless of whether it is actually what you believe to be the safest method. Take for example ‘off siding’. I know you are not a fan, you have commented about staying on your side of the road unless you have to (overtakes excepted). Whereas the IAM make allowances for it. Straightening up some ‘s’ bends for example. You have a great way of teaching us to really think about what we are doing. Ultimately that will last and passed onto others. Sorry for the long ole message!

[@seaflyfisher]

@@tinkertime7165 - No worries, and you're right - when I started this channel and when I was advising Neil I wouldn't demonstrate how to play a game to pass a test - my aim was purely to demonstrate good practice and practical safer riding - I find that it's a good way of keeping my own standards something like it too :-)

[@stags-gr8to]

Another superb educational video, thanks Dale!!

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi Stags - thanks and hopefully a useful one for anyone looking to up their obs skills - good obs makes for good everything else and it's a must have skill that's we need to develop to a high level - get that commentary video on here :D

[@stags-gr8to]

Here you go Dale, but you're going to regret it...……….I reckon you'll stand it for about 2 minutes! In my defence, it is the first time and I have been motorcycling for 7 months, coming to it late in life :-( Any advice would be gratefully received!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZOnZ2V5pap3qK8@@seaflyfisher

[@seaflyfisher]

@@stags-gr8to ​ Hi Stags - apologies but I only just found this - normally YT wings you a message but not in this case - it says video unavailable - can you re-post it - cheers - Dale

[@robertdolan2624]

@@seaflyfisher Hello Dale, thanks for the reply, it's really appreciated! I must admit I thought as I hadn't heard anything you were just ignoring it because it was so bad, so I took it down! It's now been written over on my sd card!

[@seaflyfisher]

@@robertdolan2624 - Hi no problem - it was pure luck I found your message with the link - I just happened to be reading through some of the comments and came across it - I would never belittle you for your riding and would be only too happy to give you any help and advice that I can - I was lucky to have the best instruction which is why I run this channel - to share some of it not to show off with it - you've probably guessed by now that I don't take myself too seriously on here, I like to have fun doing it and I take the P - a lot - but - I do take great pride in my bike riding and I try to demonstrate to a high, professional standard aimed at promoting road safety and, having done eleven videos to cover basics, at a level now, that will suit people looking to take one of the advanced tests - I worked with the Emergency Services for thirty two years and like Maximus said in Gladiator "I've seen enough death to last me two lifetimes" so the idea of this channel was to encourage riders to up their game, look at some further training and ride safer. This channel is all about getting that message across so if you would like my advice and I feel qualified to answer you, I'm only too happy to do it - stay safe my friend - DB

[@sail4life]

Recommended by Roadcraft of Nottingham, I subscribed before even watching, LOL!

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi Dennis - welcome to the channel and I hope that you find something on here to spark your interest - stay safe - Dale

[@dexradio]

Hi Dale, as always, a great video and for me a great education. I think I remember in one of the many excellent videos you mentioned that you didn't like to filter? It difficult to know what the conditions were in the traffic you were queuing in at the end of the video when you had to deal with your "tailgater", but might filtering through the traffic have helped in such a situation. Assuming it was safe to do so of course? As always I'm always working on my observation and seeking to follow your good example, and try to stay moving where I can. If you filtered to the front of the traffic you would not have had any tailgaters?

[@seaflyfisher]

Hello young fella - yes I could have overtaken the queue but I do like to ride and drive properly and with a queue like that I would have had to force my way back in which doesn't look good, the Benelli's actually quite a wide little bike as it has bar end mirrors too - I shouldn't have to make allowances for someone else's abysmal driving standards because they're frustrated or find it funny to put other people at risk for the fun of it from the safety of their car - I was so tempted to take the footage to the Police and get her stuck on but sometimes a little roadside justice has a better affect :D

[@dexradio]

seaflyfisher Just thought it may have been the lesser of all evils in that case. May have removed the need for you to have to confront the driver perhaps. They are generally unsympathetic to other classes of road user in my experience. Of course filtering has to be done in a courteous manner. But you are right of course, you should not have to make allowances for others driving standards, but that is what good observations are about too I think. Just got me thinking, always a dangerous thing to happen 😬

[@beano6452]

Hi, can’t help but notice you generally use a high gear at any given speed with the bike hovering around 2-3k. My IAM observer is saying I need to use a lower gear and keep the bike at around 5-6k but it doesn’t feel right. I know motorbike engines are designed to rev, but putting the engine under more strain than is necessary isn’t natural for me. Do you have a view on this? My bike is an in-line 4 CBR650F if that makes any difference!?

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi Beano - yes all bikes are different and the Benelli is a physically small and light little bike with a huge pokey fuel injected 1130 triple motor in it - the triple configuration combines the smoothness of a four with the huge torque of a big twin and I can't ride it any differently or I'd be on the back wheel and in three figures :D - I aim to be in the "right gear" for the speed and conditions all the time so that the bikes responsive but, as you say, not straining or labouring - the way we use the gearbox can really make or break our riding - I don't know if you've watched Neils channel (Back2TheBike) at all but in his first forays back out onto the road, he used to ride everywhere in third or fourth gear and it took him some time to get to grips with getting the best out of the bike and the gearbox. If you've watched my videos you'll see that I like to get straight to speed but once I'm there I can rest the engine by taking a higher gear that allows me to comfortably maintain that speed and relieve the load on the engine - hope that makes sense - stay safe and good luck with your IAM Test.

[@beano6452]

seaflyfisher thanks for taking the time to reply. Really appreciate it. The IAM course material repeatedly states ‘select the appropriate gear for the speed’. What is appropriate changes for any given circumstances I guess. Sometime a low gear is ‘appropriate’ other times a high gear is okay. Your videos are incredibly useful, please keep up the good work 👍 Back2TheBike is great too.

[@wynn62]

Great vid. Learnt Alot from that one👍

[@seaflyfisher]

Hello again young fella - yes I like this sort of thing - I can't push the importance of good observation enough plus it keeps that young whippersnapper Neil on his toes - thanks for taking the time to comment on it too - always much appreciated - DB

[@alanjones923]

As always, poetry in motion.....

[@seaflyfisher]

Italian bikes are heaven sent Like me they are Mag....... never mind

[@alanjones923]

@@seaflyfisher Been an avid viewer for a while. Fantastic content. Came across your clips from Backtothebike. I'm currently riding with the IAM. I have my 5th observed ride on Sunday. I'm also doing my ERS tomorrow so that I can ride for Blood Bikes Wrexham.

[@seaflyfisher]

@@alanjones923 - Hi Alan excellent - the IAM is well worth joining and just knowing more about what you're doing on your bike is really satisfying - getting some further training will get the best out of your bike and yourself - the Blood Bike sounds interesting too so best of luck with the ERS - keep it smooth and time your approach to things :D

[@Back2TheBike]

And good to see you ride a sensible German bike too.

[@C...G...]

the whole video is brilliant! :-)

[@seaflyfisher]

Hi CG - I'm glad you enjoyed it - you must stop with these drawn out rambling reviews though. :D

[@C...G...]

@@seaflyfisher i'm pleased you pointed that out however, i would only embarrass myself as i am not magnificent enough to comment in great detail on the way you make 'riding a motorcycle' look so easy, therfore i try to keep it short and to the point! :-) it is brilliant to watch though :-)

[@learn2rideVIDEOS]

Good stuff! It's not rocket science is it but getting it through to the new riders can be a bit of a challenge. On my last tour a mate said he'd never seen anyone use as much of the road as me lol. I hope now he knows why! Edit: who could give this info a thumbs down? I get it on my vids too.

[@seaflyfisher]

You've hit the nail on the head - it's not rocket science but amazing how many people aren't doing it - I can't push the importance of this enough to people - you see so many things that you need to slow down for but drivers ahead of you don't seem to notice until they actually bump into it - I think a lot of riders and drivers are mentally composing the list for tonights tea and you just can't do that when you're driving

[@seaflyfisher]

Russ was saying about the thumbs down brigade - Neil and I have had a few prats on here that we've blocked so it's probably a new email address and identity and they can't be blocked if they don't comment - I'm going to try really hard not to lose any sleep over it :D

[@learn2rideVIDEOS]

@@seaflyfisherhaters gonna hate. Just keep doing what you're doing. So long as it helps new and existing riders thats all that matters.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Looks like the same numpty disliked yours too. 😂. Regarding moving constantly, that's what I do and I've had two separate motorists give me hassle for "being all over the place" Good upload as usual.

[@seaflyfisher]

Yes he really doesn't like Neil from Back2TheBike - every time he posts anything he gets one straight away :-P

[@Back2TheBike]

seaflyfisher which I take as a badge of honour M'Lud ... Cor. Esteemed company to be mentioned on the same post as SFF and NRC, both of whom are helping my road back.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

Thanks for the great feedback buddy. ☺

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

... And I hope you meant RCN and are dislexic. ☺

[@Back2TheBike]

Roadcraft Nottingham my pleasure. I've come back to 2 wheels after a 37 year break and watched all your films in the build up to getting on again. I've trained 25,000 people in my own specialism so recognise excellence when I see it. Your gift Russ is to get your message across so simply it seems obvious. More power to you and thanks.

[@FoxtrotOscar9]

Infuriating isn't it, someone driving so close to your chuffer!

[@seaflyfisher]

You can't call my bike a chuffer !! Yes infuriating sums it up nicely, playing road games with someone else's life