THE ROAD TEST EXPERIENCE
FAQs
Do I use my own bike?
Yes – the Road Test Experience helps you speak the same language as your bike, and understand what it's telling you. For that, you need some familiarity with your machine.
What makes the ROAD TEST EXPERIENCE different?
Every rider is unique with their own experiences and needs. That's why the Road Test Experience is flexible – we tailor the course to you. It's not 'one-size-fits-all', or based on a rigid syllabus preaching a specific riding philosophy and fixed techniques.
Also, it's the only rider training course run by riders with such a broad range of riding and travelling experience – we've ridden everything from a Honda MotoGP RCV at Jerez to Harleys in California to a GSX-R1000 in Japan to a Z1000SX around Australia, as well as hundreds of thousands of miles in the UK and Europe on almost every production bike built in the last 40 years. We've also written hundreds of features about riding techniques and philosophies, and interviewed everyone from Marc Marquez to novice riders about their riding. It gives the Road Test Experience a unique and unparalleled insight into how to ride, survive and thrive.
What will I learn on the ROAD TEST EXPERIENCE?
Our aim is for every rider to leave the Road Test Experience with their personal goals satisfied. But in general we hope for a deeper understanding of your bike, your connection to it, how to use it more effectively – and also how to ride with confidence on modern roads. It's a combination of techniques, skills and an optimal set of mental attitudes.
Is the ROAD TEST EXPERIENCE for all kinds of rider?
Absolutely. The Road Test Experience caters for everyone, from a raw novice to a hardened expert – because no matter how long we've been riding, we all have something new to learn.
What else do I get from the ROAD TEST EXPERIENCE?
• pre-course Zoom/phone call to discuss your riding requirements and what you want to take away from the Road Test Experience (optional, but recommended)
• an introductory workshop on private tarmac, examining the basics of machine control and on-road group riding etiquette
• a total of 250 miles' riding across the two days around the Lincolnshire Wolds, including tuition and advice on:
• instruction on body position, its effect on bike dynamics and feedback, coaching on how to look good on a bike
• your own personal photo shoot with a pro photographer, to keep and share on social media
• physical road-riding techniques: reading the road, positioning, assessing surroundings and a dynamic riding environment
• machine control, including topics such as:
• throttle response & engine behaviour/performance – how to use them best to suit you and make progress
• when to use which gear, and how engine revs effects bike control, dynamics and balance
• how to make best use of brakes and steering, and learning how to feel for and interpret tyre grip
• secrets of suspension set-up, its effect on handling & ride quality
• the physiology of riding: how body and brain react to riding, and how to maximise your potential
• how to analyse your machine and interpret feedback to become a better, more confident rider
• the importance of psychology and how personality and behaviour dictates fast, safe, confident motorcycling
• and much, much more, including an evening Q&A with hosts Simon Weir and Simon Hargreaves – two gnarly old magazine and website hacks sharing stories of some of the wildest rides, and wildest characters, of the last 30 years of motorcycling.
