Adventure.gs

Common ‘faults’
What separates an average rider from the IAM standard, a good rider from a very good one? I note that some of those presenting themselves for test show the traits of having been taught to pass a test, just that, just enough! They do not think for themselves, show any individuality, they don’t make quick, snappy (but correct) decisions and then get on with it. Rather they wait until a Fax comes in! For the most they lack flair! Yes, that word again. (Flair…natural ability or talent…. style). They do ‘this’ or ‘that’ because they’ve been told to! Not really knowing why, not knowing there are occasions when it’s not required. In more than twelve years as an IAM Examiner I have compiled the following list of faults, or hints and tips. Whether you are seeking to take your IAM test, or just looking to be a better rider… I hope they help.

Not in any particular order of importance

Heads turning, shoulder checks but seeing nothing. If I’m behind someone who does a shoulder check, and I’m out to that side...I want to see their eyes. But…

Too many shoulder checks! The more expert we get, the smoother we get, the less shoulder checks we need! Fact. OK we need a shoulder check when turning left or right...but do we? Moving towards a junction and we’re going to turn right off the main road, we’re positioned close to the white line, bread van coming towards us and we turn right behind it, it comes past us two foot on our right and we turn right behind it, why do we need a shoulder check! Anything coming past us is on the front of said bread van going t’other way! We want to be looking where we’re going, into the junction, pedestrian activity etc.

Leaving built up areas we don’t need left and right shoulder checks. I know the police teach/taught it, but then they used to teach the Hendon Shuffle! We’re leaving a built up area, we can see the National Speed Limit signs well ahead. We’re scanning our mirrors, we know what is happening behind. Where’s that red XR3i gone? He might have turned off, he might be overtaking, then let’s shoulder check, and slap ourselves on the wrist for not picking it up. Remember, the better more proficient we get, the smoother we become, then the less shoulder checks are needed!
Not looking far enough ahead.... time and time again I see riders, even on test, move out for a parked bus, lorry, car, hearse, roadwork’s. They ride up to it and have to give a shoulder check (again) to move round it. The obstruction was clearly visible two hundred and fifty yards ahead as we negotiated a gentle bend and the view opens up, we should flow gently and smoothly into position, as the view opens up, thus negating requirement for said shoulder check. We’re already on the correct course, we’re not going to move the motorcycle round the hazard. This of course requires good forward observations!

Plan ahead - and know your road signs!
Separate direction and vision. A common fault, and the cause of many people braking and wobbling round the corners... not reading the road. The piece of road in front of the front wheel should have been 'looked at' some time earlier, our vision, our face, towards where we want to be going! Look at a picture of a professional racer, he's looking at the entry for the next corner... as far ahead as possible. Remember, we don't place our 'bikes somewhere our brain wasn't five seconds earlier!

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