IAN SPEIGHT ADVANCED RIDER TRAINING
Delivering quality advanced rider training throughout the Yorkshire region.
07894 158949
ABOUT IAN SPEIGHT
Motorcycle History - 1979 to present.
In 1979, at the age of 16, I had my first (very unreliable) moped. At 17 I had a Honda 250 Superdream and once I had gained my full licence I moved onto Honda CB900's and GPZ Kawasaki's. In the 90's and into the 2000s it was mainly Fireblades and GSXRs before moving onto more sports-touring orientated bikes that eased my ageing body and allowed me to sit up and take in the views more easily. I currently own a 2023 BMW R1250GS Adventure.
I have toured mainland Europe almost every year since 1993 and have ridden most of the bucket list passes and gorges and also completed a few laps of the Nürburgring.
I have been a Police motorcyclist and obtained Class 1 advanced qualifications in both bikes and cars and completed numerous driving and riding related courses.
I ride approximately 20,000 miles a year and my riding and experiences have been published in magazines such as Motor Cycle News, RiDE Magazine, The Journal (BMW) magazine, RoSPAs Care On The Road and the website Mad or Nomad.
Police Career - 1988 to 2016
I spent almost 30 years as a Police Officer with Humberside Police, retiring in December 2016.
During my service I spent 5 fantastic years with the dedicated Motorcycle Section, where I completed my advanced bike and car courses, obtaining a Class 1 qualification in both disciplines, as well as completing a number of related courses such as High Speed Pursuit, VIP Escort, and I even managed an off road riding course with the Army! I also spent many hours escorting weird and wonderful abnormal loads around the county's roads.
Honda Motorcycle Appreciation Course (MAC) - 1998.
My first experience of advanced rider training was on the Honda MAC course in 1998. As the name suggests, it was run by Honda and all the trainers were Police motorcyclist riding 1100 Pan Europeans. I did the course riding a Fireblade but seeing the trainer ride the wheels off his Pan made me want to know more about advanced riding.
RoSPA - 1998 to present.
It turned out that my Honda MAC trainer was also a RoSPA Examiner, so after passing the MAC course, I took and passed my first RoSPA bike test, obtaining a Gold in the process. I am still involved with RoSPA, now as an Examiner, Advanced Tutor and Diploma holder trainer, see below.
BikeSafe - 2000 to present.
I first became involved with BikeSafe in 2000 as part of my role as a Police motorcyclist. When I left the Motorcycle Section I continued to assist with BikeSafe and it is something I am still involved with as a representative for RoSPA, ERS, IAM and the BMF.
RoSPA Motorcycle Examiner 2013 to present. (Group Training Officer 2013 - 2021)
In 2013 I became a RoSPA Motorcycle Examiner and also joined my local RoSPA group where I became the groups Training Officer. The Training Officer role saw me responsible for training the Tutors as well as overseeing the associates training. I stepped down from the Training Officer role in 2021 but continue in an Advanced Tutor role.
Motorrad Tours - Motorcycle Tour Leader - 2016 to present.
In 2016 I began working as a Tour Leader for Motorrad Tours. As the job title suggests, I lead groups of motorcyclists around Europe on motorcycle tours. It's a great job and brings me into contact with a vast array of people and personalities from all walks of life.
IAM Motorcycle & Car Examiner, National Observer Assessor and Masters Mentor - (2017 to 2021) - 2023 to present.
In March 2017 I took the IAM Masters Test, passing with a Distinction. As a result, I was invited to become a Motorcycle Examiner and a Masters Mentor, a role I enjoyed for approximately 4 years until 2021. In September 2023 I requalified and restarted as an Examiner, National Observer Assessor and Masters Mentor for motorcycles and in Dec 2023 passed all the above qualifications but for cars.
Diamond Elite Motorcycle Test.
In November 2018 I took the Diamond Elite Motorcycle test. This was a relatively new test and separates itself from the likes of the IAM and RoSPA by requiring the rider to give a verbal commentary during the ride. I decided to take up the challenge and passed the test successfully.
(Blog 6/11/18)
RoSPA Diploma in Advanced Motorcycle Instructor Training - 2020 to present.
In February 2020 I successfully passed the RoSPA Diploma in Advanced Motorcycle Instructor Training. (see blog dated 8/2/2020.
Enhanced Rider Scheme (ERS) Trainer - 2020 to present.
In March 2020 I qualified to become an ERS trainer. ERS is a government led scheme backed and accredited by the DVSA to encourage newly qualified and back to biking riders to take some post test training. Because it is monitored and overseen by the DVSA, all candidates who complete the necessary training to the desired level receive a certificate that can help them to get motorcycle insurance discounts.
Motorrad Tours Rider Academy - Jan 2021 to present.
New for 2021, the Motorrad Tours Rider Academy came about to combine training with touring and I am pleased to be part of the team of trainers who deliver this.
British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) Regional Chief Instructor/Examiner - Feb 2021 to present.
In February 2021 I was appointed as Regional Chief Instructor for the BMF Blue Riband Rider Award. Region 2 covers the N E of England. I am responsible for training and assessing new and current BMF trainers as well as conducting training and assessments for Blue Riband Rider Award candidates.
British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) National lead for the Blue Riband Rider Award. Dec 2023 to present.
In December 2023 I was appointment National Lead for the BRRA. The role involves me over seeing the processes, training and delivery of the BRRA and all the Instructor Assessors around the UK.
Miles Kingsport Honda, Hull and Barrie Robson BMW, York.
I have close connections to both these excellent dealers having bought many bikes off both over the years. I am very pleased to be associated with them and to work in association with them to deliver training to their respective customers.
www.barrierobsonmotorcycles.co.uk
40 years of motorcycling
In September 2019 I celebrated 40 years of motorcycling. (Blog 9/9/19)
Reviewed by RiDE Magazine
In January 2020 I spent a day with RiDE Magazine journalist Jon Urry and photographer Jason Critchell. This was for an article called 'Riding School Rated'. The idea being that Jon would be my customer for the day and he would report on this experience. The article featured in the April 2020 edition of the magazine. (Blog 15/2/2020)