Echoing others here, do an advanced course, it'd be so worth it.
I'm the same age as Deadeye. I did an IAM course a few years ago and it helped a lot. I've become a far better rider since. I ride 2up regularly and I do so in complete confidence in my abilities and the pillion's safety. The advanced course/rides will help in themselves but they also let you learn and improve after you've finished them.
I think it's £60 odd for membership and then factor in another £60 or so for the rides/course before taking the test. That's 5 or 6 rides lasting pretty much a whole day each. Worth the investment. Much cheaper than a lifetime of replacing broken fairings. Most of the observers/instructors I met fit the pipe and slippers stereotype but lots of them rode professionally and will be very good riders. When I first started, I was shocked by how fast they all were too.
Took a big crash, broken bones & a written off bike for me to start this and other training. Believe me, you don't wanna wait for that to happen. Plus, when other riders see you can ride they'll stop calling you knobhead and take you more seriously! :lol
I'm the same age as Deadeye. I did an IAM course a few years ago and it helped a lot. I've become a far better rider since. I ride 2up regularly and I do so in complete confidence in my abilities and the pillion's safety. The advanced course/rides will help in themselves but they also let you learn and improve after you've finished them.
I think it's £60 odd for membership and then factor in another £60 or so for the rides/course before taking the test. That's 5 or 6 rides lasting pretty much a whole day each. Worth the investment. Much cheaper than a lifetime of replacing broken fairings. Most of the observers/instructors I met fit the pipe and slippers stereotype but lots of them rode professionally and will be very good riders. When I first started, I was shocked by how fast they all were too.
Took a big crash, broken bones & a written off bike for me to start this and other training. Believe me, you don't wanna wait for that to happen. Plus, when other riders see you can ride they'll stop calling you knobhead and take you more seriously! :lol