Ian Speight Advanced Rider Training

Training today with Rich on his Africa Twin. Rich passed his test 9 years ago, and since then hasn't had any further input, so decided it was time for a refresher. Rich is a confident, progressive rider, but wasn't using the full flexibility a bike offers when it comes to positioning. However, once discussed and understood, Rich was soon extending those obs, getting into the right position and making the most of the available road space. Cracking session, and just in time for his annual bike trip. This year he's going to Switzerland.... and he goes tomorrow! Have a fantastic tour 👍

After training today, I headed over to Barrie Robson BMW in York as I'd been invited to put some running in miles on their latest demonstrator, an R1300RT.

The new 1300 has been heavily revised over the 'old' 1250. More power, restyled, lots of tech. The model I took out, is the ASA version, which stands for Automated Shift Assistant, and features a clutchless transmission that eliminates the traditional clutch lever while allowing you to choose between fully automatic ('D' mode) and manual ('M' mode) gear changes. It retails with a starting price of around £21,000 for the LE model.

With no clutch leaver, but still with a gear lever, it was a weird feeling pulling away. Several times I thought it was going to stall, but of course it didn't, because it can't! Once on the move, it was a great bike to ride. Very 'nimble' and 'chuckable' in the bends, with lots of low down grunt out of the bends. I would even say it was bordering on being 'sporty'! Which amazing given its weight.

The gearbox can be used in either manual or drive (automatic). In manual, you use the gearbox like a conventional bike. Changing gears with your foot on the gear lever. All changes were super smooth, either up or down, the quick shifter taking care of things, with a little 'blip' on the down changes.

In drive, the bike decides when to change gear, but it was too keen to get into higher gears, even getting in to 6th at 30mph. You can override it, with a 'manual' change, but it soon changes up again. I ended up just leaving it in manual and riding it like a 'normal' bike.

The mirrors gave an excellent view and remained clear at all speeds. The TFT is huge, with all the info you could ever need. Brakes were progressive and powerfull, but the seat to footpeg distance I found quite short, so I put the seat into the higher position which improved the 'knee bend' quite a bit. I didn't get chance to play around with suspension settings, but in all honesty, I never felt the need, even though most of the 75 minutes/60 miles I covered was on B roads.

I really enjoyed riding the RT, especially once I'd raised the seat height, and would have happily stayed out on it had I not needed to be back home.

Obviously, how 'good' a bikes looks and the ASA gearbox is a personal thing. I'm not a fan of all black bikes,so I'd buy a different colour. I'd also get the normal gearbox. However, if you love an all black bike and love the idea of an auto box, then get yourself into 'Robsons' and get yourself a cracking bike.

Training today with Rhys who rode up from South Yorks on his BMW GS. Due to work and family commitments, Rhys hasn't ridden much over the last 7 or 8 years, but is now 'back on the road', so decided to have a refresher. Cracking session, building on Rhys's already competent skill set. Unfortunately, due to his job, Rhys decided no photo today (he's a spy 🤫🫣🥸).

Out today on the NYFRS FireBike to assist Humberside Police to deliver their latest BikeSafe event. I was joined by fellow volunteer Observers from the IAM and RoSPA, as well as 4 police riders.
I was paired up with 1000SX riding Jim, an experienced rider, who was taking his first steps in to post test training. It was great to see such an array of bikes, from a beautiful 1983 CB1100F, to the latest hightech sports bike from KTM, the 990RC.

It's looking like a NYFRS FireBike, BikeSafe kinda day with Humberside Police.....

Cracking social ride this evening with fellow members of Advanced Riders North Yorkshire. A 90 minute meandering route led by Chris C, ending at the bike night at The Old George Inn, Sykehouse. Excellent 👍👍

Another little pic in this week's MCN. Me and Kim enjoying a 99 at Bala Lake in Wales, in May. Thanks as always to Lee for the digital image 👍

Cracking couple of hours this morning with Paul. I've known Paul a number of years, but we've not been out for a ride together for quite a while, so it was good to have a ride and a catch up.

Training today with Martin on his R1200RS, which he has owned for 10 years and covered 68,000 miles.
Martin is an experienced rider who has previously completed training through the IAM, BikeSafe and The BMW Club track days and decided it was time for another 'refresher' of his skills. Cracking session, with only a few tweaks here and there to add a little polish to his already competent skillset.

Training today with Simon on his Triumph Scrambler. This was Simons second session as he gets 'back into biking' after a 20 year break and is looking to complete the Enhanced Rider Scheme. A cracking session with further progress made👍