Opinion please - What does the IAM teach

[Navy Boy]

The bottom line is you’re not taught anything with the IAM...your coached into being a better rider than you were when you started. They have a system of riding that you are encouraged to learn and develop. You’re given a bunch of tools and you use what fits you, the conditions and your bike.
Progress is each to his own and as each "associate" gets familiar with a riding system better progress comes naturally.
Failing a test for not being “progressive” is unlikely. I suspect the fail was “indecision” which manifested itself in low progress and pauses which is common in people not quite to IAM standard. Being over cautious as Observation and planning skills are not up to speed.
As an IAM Observer I meet all sorts from Harley Riders, Vintage machines and Superbikes. Recently sent a guy for his test on a Royal Enfield who never went over 55mph while he was with me...he passed.
Good progress matches the situation, conditions and the bike.
Don’t get hung up on details is all I can recommend...get out there and practice riding well to a good standard.

+1! Well put Gabby.

I did many of my observed runs on my Honda Silverwing scooter with it's 50Bhp on a good day. Didn't stop me putting (Or trying to) the things I was told/taught into practice.

Indeed I've found that when my riding's not flowing as I'd like then it's usually because I'm not looking far enough ahead/positioning myself properly.

You're right when you say that it's about thinking and then putting into action.

 

[Commuter]

Enjoyment

I joined the IAM to get out with like minded people who could give me some honest feedback on my riding style and I hoped I would take something away from each observation I went on and ultimately the final test.

I wanted to improve my skills (whatever was identified as a need) and move forward from there. If it helped me make progress okay that was a bonus, if I helped me be safer, that was a bonus too.

Overall I learnt and enjoyed the entire experience, I didn't agree with some things, so I discussed it and chose to ignore it, but have considered it for the future should I need to use it. Even when my observer binned his bike on my final run. I learned how to get a bike out of a ditch

Surely it is about ones mindset and what you as a person are looking for, because ultimately that is what started it for in the first place?

 

[Johnny Davies]

My 2 peneth....

I think the IAM should teach safety as a paramount for riding - it has to.

Their whole system is built around ensuring you are out of trouble and having clear road in front of you (the making progress bit).

I also think "the system" is up for grabs in terms of interpretation, hence all the views on what consitutes progress, examiners having differing opinions, clubs advocating 'the way' to do things and so on. As a result cracks now show with all these contradictions and the IAM need to get grip on it and deal with it - although I'm not sure if this will actually happen.

IMHO I would advocate getting as many advanced quals and experiences as possible and from that develop your own style and system, too many are indoctrinated in the IAM way and become blinkered to the world of knowledge and experience around them, which can assist them in achieving a better standard of riding.

As for this bit about "this isn't teaching, its observing", well its just a bit of legal arse covering phrasiology, by virtue of imparting knowledge to another you are teaching someone. Same goes for the whole 'observer' title thing.

I'm not sure the RoSPA thing is quite a paradox - they give you tools to allow to achieve a higher/safer standard of riding, thereby enacting there mission statement of safety. What you chose to do with it is your business, if you decide to ride like a twat and stick yourself in the hedge - well tough titty to you.

Johnny

 

[Navy Boy]

Good points made by one and all here.

I'm about to have my first appraisal/tutored run with a RoSPA tutor this weekend after having done my IAM test back in Jan this year.

I am of the opinion that having a good selection of knowledge-based tools is the best way to keep your riding to as good a level as you can.

I'm not really interested in the IAM vs RoSPA debate. At the end of the day if they improve my riding then they are both worthwhile - simple as that. More to follow once I've had my first ride this weekend.

 

[AxeGrinder]

Don't they just teach people what is general common sense...such as "look as far ahead down the road as possible" and other gems of this ilk?

 

[Dave Cr]

Common sense is in short supply for some people. Ask yourself why so many riders get killed or seriously injured each year, or go into the Dales on a sunny week -end and watch some of the riding.

 

[AxeGrinder]

Common sense is in short supply for some people. Ask yourself why so many riders get killed or seriously injured each year, or go into the Dales on a sunny week -end and watch some of the riding.

Refer to my posts in HIGH VIZ JACKET SELECTION thread...

It doesn't matter how much common sense you have...or how many advanced rider qualifications you have...If someone doesn't look...you can be dead...

You're right about a short supply of common sense tho...'tiz a shame that people have to be taught to ride in an "advanced" manor!

Imagine all the new "advanced" riders thinking "well what did my instructor tell me about this situation"...by the time you've remembered the answer...your dead!

The only advanced riding classes I want are how to keep my XR's front wheel from bogging in deep sand burms, the way my old KX did it without thinking...I think thats actuallty just a matter of common sense too...change the gearing