The Dorset Group of Advanced Motorcyclists are dedicated to improving riding standards and promoting road safety for motorcyclists in Dorset.*

Honda Blackbird left hand corner

Our aim is to get the most out of our motorcycling, enjoy a range of social and biking activities whilst improving our riding skills. We are part of the Dorset Group of Advanced Motorists and a key objective of the club is to bring riders up to the standard required for the IAM test.

Do you ride a Cruiser, Tourer, Commuter or Sports Bike?  We cater for all roadbike styles and levels of experience... all we ask is that your bike is roadworthy and capable of  motorway speeds. Whether you’ve just passed your motorcycle test, or have spent years chewing flies, we'll help you meet the challenge. Although the membership is predominantly male there are plenty of female riders and pillions are also welcome.

If you are interested in improving your skills, becoming more confident on the road or simply getting more enjoyment out of riding your bike then go to the Contact us page, we would love to hear from you.

WHAT IS ADVANCED MOTORCYCLING ?

“Advanced” motorcycling is the ability to control the position and speed of the machine safely, systematically and smoothly, using road and traffic conditions to make reasonable progress unobtrusively, with skill and responsibility. This skill requires a positive but courteous attitude and a high standard of riding competence based on concentration, effective all round observation, anticipation and planning. All this must be co-coordinated with good handling skills. The motorcycle will always be at the right place on the road at the right time, travelling at the right speed with the correct gear engaged and can always be stopped safely in the distance that can be seen to be clear.

THE PRINCIPLES OF ADVANCED MOTORCYCLING

  • Do you concentrate and avoid distractions?
  • Do you read the road and anticipate potential hazards in good time?
  • Do you always react to hazards early enough and do you deal with them in a planned and systematic way?
  • Do you use the mirrors and all round observation links effectively before changing speed or position, and do you give the appropriate signals in time when they would benefit other road users?
  • Do you ride with reasonable restraint, but not indecision?
  • Is your judgement of speeds and distances always accurate?
  • Do you ride with courtesy and consideration for other road users, including pedestrians?

HANDLING SKILLS

  • Do you steer the motorcycle safely and effectively?
  • Do you brake smoothly and progressively?
  • Are all your gear changes made at the right time and at the right road speed?
  • Do you use acceleration sense?
  • Do you use the controls used with finesse and sensitivity?

ADVANCED MOTORCYCLING SKILLS ON THE ROAD

  • Where conditions permit, do you maintain a safe and sensible level of progress?
  • Do you anticipate and react correctly to situations that develop ahead?l
  • Do you adopt the correct road position, and maintain the right distance from other vehicles?
  • Do you approach all signs, signals and road markings correctly and obey them?
  • Do you overtake smoothly, decisively and safely?
  • Do you exercise proper restraint and sensitivity of control when roads are slippery or visibility is reduced?