Advanced & Refresher

A full motorcycle licence doesn't necessarily make you an expert rider. As more and more riders come to terms with the fact that most modern bikes, especially sports bikes are capable of performing well above the level of most riders in many situations, rider training is being considered by more and more riders.

Advanced training can, and does, mean many things and everyone's idea of it is different, as are their needs. Any training taken after passing the DSA test can be considered advanced training.

It is often said that you only really learn to ride (or drive) after you pass your test. Even so, riders who have had many years of experience may not be getting as much out of their riding as they could and sometimes they could have adopted potentially unsafe "bad habits".

The problem for a lot of riders however is the image conjured up by the very terms "advanced training" and "refresher training". Thoughts of pompous know-it-alls telling you "You don't want to do it like that" immediately spring to mind (at least my mind) when these terms are mentioned and all thought of fun is banished. It doesn't have to be like that though.

Our training is intended to make riding more pleasurable as well as safer. While there is no way that we can take you out on the open road and let you ride flat out everywhere, we can help you to develop skills and techniques to ride safely on the road while exploring the potential of your machine while remaining in control at all times.

We can provide training that will improve your ability, confidence and enjoyment of motorcycling, allowing you to get maximum satisfaction from riding a 'bike, along with improved safety and survivability on our sometimes chaotic roads. Advanced training can be tailored to provide a general improvement in all areas or specific improvement in one or more areas where you are having problems, for example bends/cornering, high speed riding, riding in towns etc.

Courses can be also be provided which will lead to you taking and passing one of the Advanced riding tests. This can provide benefits in many ways, including reduced insurance premiums, as well as improving safety.

However you may not want to do another 'bike test or you may only want a bit of a brush up before getting back on a 'bike after a lay off. Many people who have had a break from riding feel that they benefit greatly from a few hours refresher training before getting back on a 'bike. This is even more relevant when getting onto a modern machine as opposed to a classic from the era when you last rode. Bikes, tyres, brakes and roads have all changed greatly recently and a couple of hours rider training can prevent many days of frustrating and potentially costly mistakes.

It is for all of these reasons and more that our advanced training is tailored to suit the individual. All of our training is based upon "Road craft" the police motorcyclist's handbook. You won't spend time as part of a large group, covering subjects that you have already mastered. You will be part of a small group (max. 3 pupils per instructor) with pupils of similar ability or we can guarantee you individual tuition if you prefer. The instructor will have a radio link to relay information and guidance to you as you ride and you will receive a thorough briefing and debriefing for each lesson. Our intention is to provide training that is enjoyable and worthwhile in addition to making you a better, safer rider.

Other training courses
The following subjects can also be covered in hourly, half day or complete day lessons depending upon requirements. Special discount rates apply to bookings of two or more students.

Motorway and Dual carriageway riding
This training will help you to become competent and comfortable riding at sustained high speeds on multi lane roads with a high volume of other road users. Positioning, forward observation, anticipation, planning and making progress are all part of the package.

Night riding
Riding in the dark can present its own problems and this training package is designed to help you cope better with those problems. This is one of the few courses that is actually easier to arrange in winter due to the long winter evenings.

Pillion carrying (lessons available for both rider and passenger)
It can be daunting enough for you as a rider to take a pillion passenger for the first time, but spare a thought for your poor passenger. They will be nervous enough at getting onto a bike for the first time, and when they learn that you have never done it before either they will be rigid with fear. (Maybe even too rigid to get on the 'bike.) Help take the anxiety out of the situation and learn how to do things properly. Instruction includes how carrying a passenger will affect your control of the bike, how to adjust your riding to suit the situation and practical implementation of your newly acquired skills. The course for passengers includes how to minimize the effects on you as a rider and all the other skills and information they will need to enjoy riding pillion, in addition to some practical experience.