Northumbria Advanced Motorcyclists

Promoting motorcycle road safety in Northumberland, Newcastle and the North East since 2002.

IAM Roadsmart Coaching

Preparing riders to pass their advanced motorcycle road test.

91% Pass Rate

Continuous training of Observers to maintain high standard of IAM Roadsmart test passes.

Motorcycle Skills Days

Providing safe environments in which to practice essential motorcycle skills and slow riding.

Rideouts

Bi-monthly ride-outs for Members and Associates from March to October.

Social

Providing opportunities for riders to share experiences through monthly meetings and weekend breaks.

Poll Position

Winner: best UK motorcycle group 2016 (Institute of Advanced Motorists).

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"Northumbria Advanced Motorcyclists Open Day"

About us

Our aim is to help motorcyclists become ‘thinking riders’. Northumbria Advanced Motorcyclists' qualified, volunteer Observers prepare riders to pass their advanced rider test.

With over 200 club members of all ages, male and female, every type of bike is represented. Motorcyclists join NAM for many different reasons including:

seeking confidence to ride in all environments
looking to improve and test their skills
seeking additional training
obtaining objective feedback on current riding
seeking more enjoyment from riding
needing an advanced test to join Blood Bikes

Northumbria Advanced Motorcyclists is affiliated to the Institute of Advanced Motorists and is a registered charity (1099238).

What is a thinking rider?

Advanced riding is not about riding slowly or ‘stunts’. It’s about greater skill, control, forward planning and fun.

You will learn to ride using the system taught to Police motorcyclists. You will raise your own riding standard and enjoyment and learn how to get the best from yourself and your machine.

total control … all of the time
confident cornering
quick, efficient and safe overtaking
anticipating other road users' mistakes
progressive riding to the conditions

Sharing motorcycle skills

We encourage members and pillions to support one another and to share riding experiences. Our programme of rideouts and weekend breaks give riders the opportunity for continuous improvement and to exchange ‘know how’.

group rides
‘chip shop runs’
group weekend breaks
theory sessions
machine control skills days
touring workshop
winter riding workshop
‘two-up’ riding workshop
slow riding practice
non-riding, social activities

This is also your chance to meet new riding buddies. Whether you prefer touring, off-road riding or track days, come and join us!

Why we do what we do

I can't believe the progress I've made in a relatively short period of time
I came to biking via the direct access route in August 2016 and was looking for further training to make me a better, safer rider. I came across the IAM website and liked what I read.

Joining was very easy along and I was soon made welcome at an evening meeting of my local group, Northumbria Advanced Motorcylists

My expectations have been well and truly surpassed. I had been concerned that, because I choose to ride a mid-capacity (650cc ) bike, I would be out of my depth. No such thing!

I was very quickly assigned to my Observer and we arranged a ride to enable him to assess my riding. We developed an action plan, then built on that over a series of rides which I thoroughly enjoyed. My Observer gradually took me through “the system”, building foundation skills, leading to me passing my advanced test.

I can’t believe the progress I’ve made in a relatively short period of time. Learning how to become an advanced rider is a course of action I would recommend to anyone who rides on public roads, irrespective of age, sex or ability.

It’s great to sort problem(s) that have been bugging you, to ride with confidence and get more enjoyment from riding your bike.

Alex Morrison, 2018 (Kawasaki Versys 650)

... an absolute lifesaver (literally)
After passing my DSA test earlier this year, the techniques and skills I’ve learnt so far with NAM have been an absolute lifesaver (literally) and I’ve not yet passed my IAM test yet!

Barry Sayer, 2018 (Triumph Tiger XC)

I can't believe the progress I've made in a relatively short period of time
I came across NAM and IAM through an internet search. I was hoping to find a way to make my riding a bit smoother and to meet people who shared my love of biking.

The signing up process was quick and easy and I was assigned an Observer who was in touch within a few days. I was also put in touch with the Membership Secretary who introduced me to the NAM ladies. Everyone was lovely and, despite being worried that I would get lost on ride-outs, the drop-off system kept me with the group.

My Observer was crucial in the development of my understanding of ‘the system’ and helped transform my riding through a combination of observation, demonstration, diagrams, reading materials and many discussions over a cuppa. I also attended a slow riding session and picked up some great tips which have massively increased my confidence when filtering and manoeuvring at slow speeds.

I have just passed my test and am looking forward to finding new ways to improve my riding as part of NAM. I thought the advanced test was the end goal but it turns out, it’s just the beginning!

Donna Leiserach, 2018 (Suzuki Gladius)