Steve_M

Look, Lean And Roll Crispin is also one of the Hopp Rider Training instructors, and I have benefited from his training.

Press = basic positive (AKA counter) steering. It’s machine control 101. As an observer / tutor I would have covered that as a matter of course as needed by an individual associate. I would recommend the machine control course(s) run by i2i where counter steering and general machine control is covered in some depth. Tom has an interesting science based approach and encourages question. EDIT. I just found this video with Tom illustrating the point. Counter Steering. I would add that Roadcraft is so much more than IPSGA.

Pillion comfort is a necessity. We do around 3,000 miles each tour including several seven or eight hour days. We also have an intercom… I’ll let you make the connection.

After being accustomed to the huge screen on my ST1100 I found a similar problem with the Tiger. Replacing the screen with an MRA screen, as seen in the photos, sorted that. I could adjust it on the move for more airflow when needed which was a bonus.

An interesting list of bikes there. Having owned a Tiger 1050 I’ll put in a good word for it. I used mine for commuting (briefly as I retired), social riding, and touring in Europe. It’s really an “adventure style” bike which is more tall sports tourer than any suggestion of having off road abilities. The riding position is comfortable, the pillion, my good lady assures me, is also comfortable. The standard luggage on the SE I bought is a decent size, though I had a top box fitted as we don’t travel light. The top box sits quite high which isn’t always convenient. The engine is a peach, though the sound of the triple was strange to me at first… Downsides? I once had to filter around 10 miles through a gridlocked M25, two up, full luggage. The mirrors are exactly the same height as Transit mirrors which was mildly annoying. Also, two up, fully loaded, clumsy acceleration in 1st and 2nd gear can make the front wheel lift, as I found in the Alps much to my pillion’s amusement. i can’t comment on long term reliability as I sold mine at 3 years old and 24,000 miles.

I’m on my third Neotec mostly because Shoei’s tend to fit my head best, and because the flip is handy for going through customs. My biggest criticism is that, despite reviews claiming that ventilation is good, I’m not convinced. Compared with the lid I had before moving to the Neotec (a Shoei XR1000, I think) it’s relatively poorly ventilated. My last purchase was a bargain (????) £450 as it had an end of line graphic pattern (which I rather like). The expensive bit is that my good lady also likes the Neotec… and she’ll need a replacement next year. And, yes, I’m very much of the mind that 5 yearly replacement is a must.

I’m somewhat surprised that was the guidance given (and, bear in mind it is guidance). Did you ask for the rationale for his suggestions, how they bring benefit. I’ve passed both the IAM test and RoSPA (Gold) as well as being a senior observer for the IAM and a RoSPA tutor, both for bikes. I certainly don’t ride in that manner and, when helping others towards their advanced test would be guided by Roadcraft, and encourage discussion on the reasons for any guidance.

Good point. I’ve had a mo’ to see what the required standard is and how to tell. I think the attached image provides the information. From this site Link Now to check my odds and sods draw which has a couple of ex-plod hi-vis items in it.

Good evening. Currently chilling with a glass of red wine after a pretty enjoyable trip up to Glasgow -ish. I took a circuitous route through Dumfries and Galloway/ Ayrshire … some cracking roads and scenery. Shame about some heavy traffic in the more populated spots around Ayr.

I would also point out that RoSPA operate from the same basis, using IPSGA out of Roadcraft.

I’ve seen and been taught LL&R. Look, Lean and Roll which, I understand is based on MSF teachings (press missing? What is “press”?). Though not explicitly labelled as such, it was covered when I was in the Novice group for a Hopp Rider Training “Better Riding Day” at Cadwell Park. As I’m now regarded as experienced by Hopp it hasn’t been covered for me in a while so I can’t comment whether they still use that as the basis of their days with novices. Particularly since Martin Hopp no longer runs the days.

I have my own spreadsheet checklist which works for me. I originally based it on the checklist from a website of some guys I went to Andorra with some years ago. I note they haven’t kept it totally up to date but it remains a good start point. For hi vis (France) I have a waterproof jacket that is also hi vis, so saving packing space. Im’m not sure if they exist any more but I would guess you could buy something similar from somewhere like Screwfix Checklist

The only time I’ve been scared on a track day is when someone decided to overtake me up the inside into the hairpin at Cadwell. He was fully committed under me as I headed to the apex. I had no indication he was going to pull that stunt, especially after the earlier briefing where there had been some discussion about what “overtaking with respect” meant.

Good morning. It was delightfully sunny at 5.45 this morning.

It’s on the corner of West Rd and the A697. Ish.

Yup, that’s the one. I was heading towards Rothbury via Otterburn on route to the East Coast, but I noticed a sign for “Winter’s Gibbet viewpoint” so went to see what that was (as you do. Or, I do ). Having diverted i continued on to Longhorsley thus bypassing Rothbury.

You are encouraged to travel at the speed that conditions allow and it is safe to do so within the speed limit. The coaching you receive from the observer / tutor should be aimed at improving your Roadcraft to achieve this over time. Engine braking? “Gears are for go, brakes are too slow” is the mantra. You are expected to use brakes to reduce speed except when using acceleration sense (an odd phrase, when applied to deceleration, I’ll accept). Running in a gear too high may be an illustration of lack of mechanical sympathy, and it may not be the safest option if it reduces the responsiveness of the bike. It may, also, not be as economical as you think.

I’ll stick with the GS’s seat… He’d only travelled 15miles to get to the coffee stop (at Longhorsley. Recommended) and was returning straight home. I think that would be my limit on it, too.

Good evening. Out for a ride today I stopped for coffee on route after seeing this little beaut parked up. The owner said there’s still a bit of work left to do on it but I couldn’t spot anything.

Riding up to Glasgow to do some DIY and gardening on the step daughters’ places, then babysit grandchildren for the week. Sometimes I wish I was a bit rubbish at DIY and gardening.

I’ve booked myself into inters (I’m definitely middle of inters on normal track days) a couple of times to find the organisers have over-booked the novices and under-booked the fast group and have promptly promoted me, and others, to fast. Bloody embarrassing to go out in the last batch for a session to be lapped while still warming up your tyres. The other lesson learnt is not to do a track day in the week before a race series on the following weekend… Aaargh.

I’ve never denied it.

Yes. We had lunch on Blea Crag

I’m trying to learn the IOM TT course. Can anyone confirm if this is the bottom of Bray Hill?

Good evening. The view from today’s lunch spot.