Positioning | Easy As 1 2 3 

You have intuitively nailed most of it. Positioning is dynamic. Position for safety based on hazard perception, then position for observation. As you have assessed, there's no point being in an "optimal" position for the view if it puts you into a pothole or near an oncoming vehicle. The only thing that's making me wince is you taking up position 2-3 "for bend" (left) with oncoming traffic. At those speeds it takes little input for the oncoming driver to cross over your way. The hazard in this scenario invalidates taking up the position (IMO). Would add that if you're in traffic fore and aft think twice before positioning lest the following traffic take it as an invite to close the gap. Nice to see you enjoying your new ride 👍

At 2:35 totally agree about the left signal at the straight ahead first exit off the mini roundabout. Similar in principle where a priority road goes round to the right but you are turning off it into a side street that's in the straight ahead position. A left signal in that scenario helps those waiting to come out of that straight ahead side road, though of course they should still exercise caution.

Positioning is life saving for anyone on two wheels of any kind. I was recently close-passed by a van going 50km/h, while I was riding a 50cc moped at the same speed. It was a single lane road. Taking primary position like a cyclist should have could have stopped this entirely.

Regarding your positioning in the tight left hand bend (timestamp 10:30 ish), I think you got that slightly wrong according to Roadcraft (if the police are still using it) by staying out on the line on your way around the bend. Yes, be right on the central line on approach, but slow more and as soon as you can see through the bend, move left before the apex, because as sure as Audis are Audis, oncoming traffic is likely to clip their apex (which is nearer to you than yours would be) so you'd arrive in conflict. This also allows you to get the bike upright earlier for the next straight. Also, earlier in the video you talk about being "between position 2 and 3", which is why some instructors use a 5 position system. 5 would be where you're right out on the line as in your approach for the tight left hander, which you describe as "out beyond 3" in your system; 3 is the middle of your lane, so your "between 2 and 3" position would probably be position 4 in the 5 position system. And position 1 is not in the gutter, which is where you usually find debris and scooter delivery riders, but is the same as in your 3 position system.

Intersting at 12:13 where you position out towards the centre line but not looking to overtake. As I have commented before, I don’t ride a motorcycle but as a car driver I would, upon seeing a rider out towards the centre line, hold back slightly on the straight sections out of corners to assist the rider in overtaking as the language from the bike in the mirrors _suggests_ I am looking to overtake rather than I am simply getting a better view around you (something I am learning from this channel) I have over the last year or so started to communicate back to the riders with an arm out the window with a simple thumbs up and a point forwards to say “clear to pass if you wish”. This results in either an overtake or a shake of the head to say no thanks. Never be afraid to help, never be afraid to ask but more importantly never get frustrated if the help you offer isn’t taken

Congratulations Owen 👏👏

Hi Ashley, as you speak I am reminded of my own primary concern when driving which is always in a car now-a-days but dates from my motorbike days. While I do keep an eye out for the position and density of oncoming traffic my position in the road is always informed by the condition of the road surface, this because I found out the hard way that defective road surface conditions tended toward teeth in tarmac events far more frequently than any other factor. This has left me with a consistent caution even in the car or van. What I have seen recently is seriously degraded road surface in two parallel tracks on most roads where most of the traffic drives, this affords good grip when dry but when the road is wet increased probability of aquaplaning. This inclines me to driving either slightly to the left in spite of the pot-holes or slightly to the right in spite of oncoming traffic. One aspect of this on country roads is that in most places what I actually find is that taking the left hand option on right hand bends gives me better traction all the way round and the opposite on left-handers. This would appear to be evidence that most drivers will turn too early and part cut corners thus giving them less wriggle room. The other benefit is that my chosen wider style on corners gives me more chance to dodge deviant oncoming traffic!. The main take-away for me is that I do not treat the roads as some form of reliably predictable environment where I don't have to make constant observations and good judgement, the practise of continuous observation without presumption might be why I have now got somewhere near half a million miles without harming any one else. On the other hand maybe driving is less dangerous that we think or I am just very lucky. Cheers, Richard.

At around 23:25 and that whole section of road, one thing to really watch out for in that shaded area on your left is cyclists and pedestrians hidden in the shadows. Especially if you are wearing sunglasses or a tinted visor. I remember a viewer submission where they were very much caught out with this on a sunny day and a shaded area to the side of the road with a cyclist...and it was actually along a road up in the local mountains to my other homeland of Vancouver, Canada. I even recognized the road. Either way, ever since that video, I've tended to take sunglasses off when on a partially shaded road such as this stretch and very much tell myself to be on special lookout for cyclists and pedestrians in the shadows.

Re thinking you've failed you test (50 secs in). About 2 minutes into my driving test, the examiner asked me to turn left at the next street. I did my observations, signalled, and did a perfect RIGHT turn into a cul- de- sac. The examiner sarcastically pointed out my error and commented that it was an apt time to carry out a turn using forward and reverse gears. I was certain I'd failed my test, so my nerves disappeared. When the test finished, I was shocked to learn I'd passed!

I too thought I had stuffed up my test (second try). Examiner directed me to drive into a cul de sac and I confused the sign with a no entry and refused to go in. Examiner directed me to park up and gave me a lecture. I thought I'd failed (again!) so relaxed and drove naturally. He really put me through my paces but I got through the challenges. At the end, he tested me on my signs (this was back in the days before the separate theory test) and I correctly identified them all including "No Entry" and "No through road". He thought about it a while and then, much to my amazement, announced I had passed! A few years later I did the Institute of Advanced Motorists test and passed that, so I am really looking forward to watching Ashley's experiences with doing that!

Hello Ashley passed my test 53 years ago , then passed my aim , best thing I ever did . Reference positiong use the five section road position much easier. As for relaxing I’m literally asleep holding the handlebars 😂 much better on your wrist. When overtaking parked cars position ok but also look through the back windows of the cars to see what the occupants are doing . A young lady looked in her hand bag then just opened her drivers door without looking behind yesterday. I saw her right arm reaching across. She then noticed me as she got out of the car and thanked me for her mistake. Great video plus do that aim training . It’s lengthy but brilliant. Ps I’m still learning 😊👍👍

I really enjoyed watching this. Your general positioning in this video is right on the money - with a couple of points worth commenting on from my point of view.. You were talking about transitioning between left/right bends one after another - staying in position is right, but you can position for the next bend as soon as you can see the whole of the exit of the first, so position for the point where you first lose view of the whole of the road, if that makes sense? That's the IAM way. The part at 15.50 where you move from 3 back to 2 because of the potential for someone cutting is fair, but staying out a little wider on entry can sometimes allow you to stay out for better view for longer. Position does change when following for me, using position to look beyond the traffic down whichever side is most advantageous. And finally, the pins and needles is probably either because you're holding on tight, or your gloves aren't fitting you perfectly.

I know not much about motorcycling. but i do appreciate understanding motorcyclists positioning and why they may be in that position on the road.

Many years ago I did a day of motorcycle training provided by Avon and Somerset Police Traffic Division motorcycle officers. I can sum up what I remember of their advice on positioning in a hierarchy of three rules: 1. Always position for safety, based on oncoming traffic, road furniture and the road conditions. And, to answer one of your questions, yes position for safety from side winds. 2. Where rule 1 allows, position for maximum visibility - both seeing and being seen. That may include “wrong-siding” as long as you are sure you won’t need to do anything sudden to get back on your own side of the road if the situation changes. That also covers where to be when following - subject to safety position where you can see and be seen best. 3. Where rules 1 and 2 allow, command the road. Except where I need to be elsewhere for safety or view, I would tend to ride somewhere around position 2, maybe a little to the right of it. As far as choosing between 1 and 3 for seeing round bends, go by what is needed for the closest bend that you can’t see all the way through, and always (as you put it) glide across from one to the other, no sudden swerves. Yet another edit (this is something like the fifth). Just before the 30 minute mark you ask whether the wind stops you being where you need to be. No. The wind changes exactly where it is that you need to be because it changes where safety requires you to be. If that compromises seeing and being seen, the answer is in your right hand - slow down until you still can see as far as you need to for the speed you are going.

I wasn’t expecting this after ‘Saturday’s’ driving fail

I saw an inexperienced biker following a car come to grief one time because he was in position 2 and following a car. The car drove over a piece of rubbish lying in the road. It wasn't a problem for the car because its wheels straddled the rubbish, but the biker rode right into it! Another good reason for a biker to take position 3 when following a car!

Will watch this soon today, rather appropriately whilst working out on the stationary bike at home. I need to get back to my regular workouts. I'll pay particular attention to optimal positioning, naturally.

On my test years ago I also thought I failed very early on. I just relaxed and completed the test and found I passed.

My days of riding, effectively, ended when I obtained a full Driving Licence. This was for Safety reasons and a certain amount of influence from my Dad who decided to give up two wheels back in 1986. He had been riding Bikes for 30 years + by this time. As a Pillion passenger from a relatively early age I have a certain recollection for Road positioning etc which seems to resemble your adaptive approach to the situation as one position is not always an optimum place to be...... Potholes and detritus on the road surface dictated where he would be at; per-se. Why watch this channel? Simple. You never know what I might learn and it does no harm to see things from another road users perspective. I am also subscribed to the Cycling channel for this reason. Keep up the good work Ash.

I’ve found that the more relaxed I am , the less I suffer from pins and needles In my hands , also by dropping your shoulders you are pushing less down on the handlebars and more inline with the handlebars , I’ve found this gives more sensitivity when countersteering. Positioning for observation is one thing , but equally important is positioning to be seen , if you’re approaching a vehicle about to pull out from a junction on the left hand side and you’re in position 1 , you’re riding straight at the vehicle , if you move over to position 3 you’re moving across the drivers field of view and more likely to be seen . “Be like a busy bee” was one phrase I head a few times whilst training . I’m also an advocate of auxiliary lights , since using then , and moving about the road, I’ve found fewer vehicles pull out in front of me , and I suspect those who still do just aren’t looking 😃

My bike instructor kept telling me to go into left hand bends in between position 1+2, but because I drive artics all week, I’d want to be out In position 3 to get a better view around the bend. I could see his reasoning which was a HGV might be coming against me and would need the room.

Manhole covers etc tend to be on the middle of the lane because the services they give access to are there, however when they widen the road to give two lanes up a hill or to create a dual carriageway, they only move the road surface, not the underlying services, hence the perceived randomness. I suggest more caution on newer bigger roads for this reason.

Regarding your pins and needles. Try adjusting handle bar position and especially brake lever position to keep wrist straight with arm it will help. Also I noticed you don't cover your front brake. You can cover with two fingers using the remaining on throttle. It saves valuable thousands of a second in the event of an emergency stop. Just generally good practice.

13:28 exactly this. They might not be your nephew, granddaughter, brother, mother or whatever... but they'll be someones. Pass them with the same care you'd want a stranger to show to your family member when they're cycling.

When I did my police riding course they pointed out that the thing to look out for in position 1 is the debris in the road. Dust and gravel make the surface slippery for steering and breaking. In regards to coming out of the bend, I was taught that as soon as the vision line was there you come back to the centre position, or even straight over to the other one if safe to do so.

Your positioning is good. Like you, I often struggle with maintaining my line round a corner whilst also keeping my eyes up as far as possible. I'm sure a lot of advanced / police bikers would've taken an off-side position for many of those sections.

Two out of three cyclists in the countryside wearing hi vis well done.

Positioning is dependant on what can be seen, what can't be seen and what situation is likely to develop. And totally dynamic. As for wind then consider speed reduction. As for Advanced lessons? Ashley you are a thinking rider and driver and this video demonstrates this without compromise. Save yourself the money and just continue to practice what you are doing. Unless you fancy a badge for your jacket or bike.

Pre-viewing comment: In a past video in your car, I remember you talking about optimal positioning for bends in a car and one thing I took away from this is to "pinch an inch" rather than "out and out right up to the centre line" to improve visibility through a left hand bend. Will be interesting to see if you take the same approach on the motorbike.

31.16 position 3 is good sometimes because you stay online with the car's mirrors in front of you. Better chance the car in front can see you with his mirrors. But in on coming traffic i would stay in the 2 position. It amazing what a small position change can do when your driving a motorbike gives you so many options.

The middle of a road for a car is when your gearbox is over the centre line which in theory being the furthest distance from either pavement is the safest taking into account if there's a lack of junctions and traffic, however maximum visibility all things being equal is when the driver themselves is sat on the centre line. Making use of both sides of a road when possible has its advantages.

7.33 straight on open road position 2 spot on. Position 2 is my Default position put i will shift my position between 1 and 3 when i think is appropriate exactly like your doing

On a single carriage I always tend to stay between 2 and 3, dominates the lane a bit and gives you a bit of a view around the car in front if giving it a good amount following distance. Dual carriageways, left lane between 2 and 3, right lane between 1 and 2, helps dominate the lane you're in and stops people overtaking you with inches to spare, some people take any amount of space as an invitation, someone overtook in the same lane as me putting me between his car and a truck in lane 2, with a speed difference of about 20-30 mph. He had his offside wheels over the line almost touching the kerb on the central res. But it's very important to remember these are NOT laws you HAVE to follow all the time, you SHOULD always consider your position, especially so when taking in the road and weather conditions.

As a biker I enjoyed the longer video, you are positioning yourself on the road like I do

For me I would make the following observations, when passing the parked vehicles use the opposite carriageway ( if it's clear, obs) it will give you time and space should something unexpected occur. Move slightly left for all oncoming vehicles again to give time and space should move right to avoid potholes or other obstructions etc. The IAM handbook and Road craft doesn't use the position 123 neither do I it can tend to become to rigid as you found yourself, position is generally reactive to the conditions and hazards at the time. Personally I think you would do well with IAM or ROSPA, your riding is almost there already.

One thing to guard against with this whole positioning principle and I find myself trying to guard against in my car: You can get so engrossed at trying to achieve optimal positioning that you end up focusing too much on looking down at the ground to achieve that optimal position, that you don't concentrate enough on actually looking ahead...at the optimal view you are trying to achieve in the first place.

Regarding the wind and road positioning issue. I have found that adventure type bikes to be more prone to cross-winds that say naked bikes. I think it’s the height, beak, oversized mudguard, fairing and bigger front wheel combination. And yes, you sort of compensate automatically after a while, just noticing it on really bad days.

Good bit of riding there, safe and confident. Couple of thing I'd have done different. :- I'd have gone position 3 at 7:48. If the private hire moves when you are very close, then you stand a better chance of dodging them. Good use of position 3 at 10:26, but I would have held it much longer, opposing was clear and the road had a gentle left hand beyond the car in front. Good point about position 2 often being a very dirty part of the road. I normally ride between 2 and 3 for that reason. Well spotted and handled, that crossroads at 28:47, good use of the horn. That was a situation that make the hairs on the back of neck stand up, totally reliant on 2 other drivers seeing you and not being stupid, lol.

18.52 bang on what you saying. Also reduce for better control if needed

10:25 On two wheels, I tend to position out prior to the left hand bend, but quickly bring it back to the inside once the view has opened up enough. Reason being it's easier to swerve out than swerve in if there is an obstruction and it creates the biggest safety barrier between oncoming vehicles.

As far as positioning is concerned as with most advanced riding as always "it depends" but safety always takes priority over obtaining visibility. I use 1-5, 1 being as close to the gutter/edge of the road as possible, 2 is where the left hand tyre of a car would be, 3 is central, 4 where the right hand tyre of a car would be and 5 as close to the centre line as possible but without crossing it I usually ride in position 4 to dominate my side of the road if it's safe to do so. Offsiding is something I avoid as there's no real visibility advantage to be had at legal limits and yiu run the risk of confusing any oncoming motorists if they come round a right hand bend to them to see you coming in the opposite direction on their side of the road. Reg Local does a lot of advanced videos on RU-vid and is well worth a look.

When riding normally I follow the outer line of the inner wheel track, between 1 and 2. Keeps me out of all the muck you describe and slightly increases my distance from the oncoming traffic which means I’m less affected by the turbulence from trucks and buses and also people who are on the phone, shouting at their kids, falling asleep or just dislike motorcyclists and think it’s funny to try and scare me.

I’d see a physio for the hand tingling. I had a similar thing with added back pain. The cause turned out to be in my neck, but it was vehicle specific and didn’t happen when I drove my Golf, but did happen when I was driving for several hours in the work van. My local sports physio got my neck working again and shortly afterwards I changed work van, and the pain never came back.

First and third cyclists on the lane seemed to have mirrors as well as hi vis!!!✅✅✅

Some of my bikes were so sensitive to cross wind gusts that I had to slow right down. Once it was hard managing 30 mph when crossing a mountain pass on Achill Island on a top heavy Zero DSR.

It's interesting how the 1-2-3 positioning is a standard thing for two wheelers but I don't recall ever seeing it referred to with regards to cars. Yet it can be equally applicable. Position 1, close to the left edge. Position 2, central within the lane. Position 3, over to the right of your lane.

Larger windscreens make a motorbike more aero dynamic especially when sat upright and help keep the weather off.

22.58 totally spot on

14.37 keep good control of speed is so important you might go around a bend that curves a lot more than you expected. That is when controlling you speed with your gearbox and brakes is so important. Many a time i have mis timed bends and i need to take drastic action. ABS brakes are so good these day.

for me, position changes constantly depending on road quality, vehicle in front, drain and access covers and so on. normally i aim to be in position 2 no vehicle ahead of me and i can see the road to be clear. if i am following a car, i will be in position 2 as i feel most drivers use there rear view mirror mostly so they can see me, if i dont want to overtake them i will be around 1.7 position, if i setting up an overtake i will position around 2.5. if i following a van or lorry i will position so their right mirror can see me on the straight, hold back a bit so they can see me in their left mirror on a left corner or bend. if i see a long line of covers on the road i will off set my position to avoid them. in the rain on a roundabout, diesel will likely splash to the left so i try to stay position 2.5 to avoid diesel spills. it all changes depending what is in front of you and the road quality.

Here in Devon the roads are so appalling that the safe and best observation line for bikes is often potholey and sometimes even those tramliney strips of degraded road. Bikers either go too far out or are tucked in too close to see beyond a curve. I see very many cars that do not notice this forced bad position as well as being badly positioned themselves, avoiding the potholes and lines on their own side. I have seen a couple of close calls in front of me as a result.

I've only watched half so far, but had to to comment. In the absence of hazards then generally P3 is the preferred position. Why do we position? To see and be seen, but ultimately for safety. Safety always takes priority. So you are using P3 when there's oncoming vehicles. You need to equalise your exposure to hazards and move to P2 (the oncoming may wander and you can also be seen better by following traffic). For your left bends, yes P3 on approach (usually) but as you come through the bend, again if there's oncoming, you need to give up that position. I've loads on positioning in my own videos. You really do need someone IAM/ROSPA/ERS to come out with you. Even if not for a full course. Remember, I've commented before, you are not in a car now. 😉

Of course approaching a junction on the completely opposite side of the road when a vehicle is obviously turning with the flow of yourself would allow them out without stopping.

Yay IAM videos to look forward to

Totally unrelated to driving/riding: At 5:13 there are some telegraph poles carrying a cable across the road, but note that there's only the cable across the road on them, nothing radiating out to houses or other buildings. Very unusual that, it's obviously taking some service that's buried on both sides of the road over the road because, for some reason, they couldn't dig the road up to bury it. I wonder why.

I did notice you rode the full length of an arrow painted on the road, best to go either side as they can be very slippery. I did Rospa years ago and they weren't averse to straight lining roundabouts if it was quiet.

Safety over view/ positioning is something I'm sure I've heard used by Roadcraft Nottingham, on You Tube.....

15:30 - I don't ride bikes but I am a HGV driver and I was thinking this very same thing. if you take a left hand bend and stay on position 3, depending on the corner and visibility, what if you had a larger vehicle, such as a lorry, needing the extra space? Yes the lorry should by going slow enough to deal with the situation, but having a rider stay out in position 3 to me is a safety risk - if this is what is taught. I believe starting in position 1 or 3 and veering into position 2 is instinctive. Being more vulnerable than a car you instinctively want to go where you feel safest, which is probably the middle of your lane.

31.16 if the wind is bad drop your speed slightly. This makes taking positions up a bit easier. Wind can be a absolute nightmare.

19:30 VA21 UNJ could do with a speed awareness course I think!

The three zebra crossings as Islands Brow, Haresfinch that are at the start of the video should be what all junctions have, everybody would have greater knowledge that pedestrians have right of way at junctions

7:50 Private Hire car has the drivers window open which is an advantage to motorcyclists being able to see where they're looking the hand to the face is psychologically inadvertently implying I'm not going yet which is also clearly visible with the window down.

If I may suggest trying kevlar glove liners, they help.

Rather than having an itch, I sneeze frequently and find that wearing a modular helmet prevents the inside of the helmet from being splattered (usually lol).

Depending on the road I’d avoid riding in the middle of lane [2] as there can be loose debris there as there can be down the centre line

Life savers, they are called life savers for a reason

Might be the camera but your position 1 looked more like 2. Cars approaching I wouldn’t have maintained position 3 give more space. On long straights with no approaching traffic would be in 3. Take up position for view earlier. Positioning in town it’s more important to be in best position to see and be seen rather than concentrating on right left positioning. Realise it’s a learning curve for you I have done many advanced courses tests and assessments due to long term blood biking and always think of safety as in a collision it’s very rare that the car driver will be the one heading to A&E. I could go on but it is more about your learning that will come with time. Nice video ride safe👍

Positioning nowadays on a bike will often have to also take into account the condition of the road surface at that point.

About signaling on rounabouts: I've seen drivers that have taught themselves to signal in the opposite manner than you described. They keep their signal on constantly when on a roundabout, signaling to the inside of the roundabout (left for us, right for uk / aus etc). I find this somewhat confusing as that tells me someone is going three quarters and intents to exit the third exit (assuming its a regular roundabout with 4 exits), and then they don't.

19.36 brilliant driving

To get less pins and needles in your right hand, change your grip, try holding the throttle with your hand at more of an angle, from the bar end your thumb and index finger more angled towards your headlight... "Like you're holding a screwdriver", is how I was taught. The other thing that goes with that, is try to relax you arms and hands, grip the tank with your thighs. Feels a little weird giving advice to a driving instructor... Lol.

Not a motorcycle rider but thinking with my cycling hat on, at 7:43 you chose between position 1 and 2 due to the right bend with a junction but would moving to between 2 and 3 be an option upon seeing vehicles approaching the junction on the left? Just thinking motorcycles are generally missed at junctions so would open up an easier route to avoid a vehicle emerging that hasn’t seen you along with the usual slowing down Or would that risk being stuck behind A pillars as you will be moving with the vehicle at the junction and potentially always be hidden?

I'm thinking if anyone rode with that chin cam in the 1960's, 70's 80's and even 90's, I'd imagine it would cause quite a few raised eyebrows!

The situation at 28:45 would have had higher risk if one was driving a car, simply because the gap between the oncoming car and the black one on the left was slightly narrower than 1 lane width, meaning there would be an obvious need to slow down until the oncoming car has passed. If you slowed down too much, however, you could easily confuse the black one into thinking you are holding back to let them out. My question is would you have felt the need to hold back if you were driving a car? Or would you have slowed down early, calculate when the oncoming car will clear, and then roll back into the gas to be positive? (this is what I would do)

I actually think you should be doing more shoulder checks. 4:44 to 4:52 for example, the check should be completed 1-2 seconds before you turn left. It's just a small criticism and hopefully does not come across as patronising.

overall Brilliant driving Ashley 👍 If more motor biker's drove like that then they would be a lot less accident.

At 28:44, would the horn have been heard from inside both cars? You were quite a distance away and with sound deadening plus possible music, it’s best to assume it hasn’t been heard and proceed with caution

Love the itch!😂

17:19 I do hate if I'm in traffic and a biker follows close in position 2 and I can't see them and I'm thinking can you stay left or right so I can see you

Maybe do a video on motorbike equipment in the future would be great.

I noticed throughout the video you positioned into what you yourself described as slightly different to position 1, 2 or 3. For example "Beyond 3" at around 9:17. Similarly at around 11:07 where you mentioned you are positioning between 1 and 2. I hope therefore that this whole 1-2-3 principle doesn't force riders into thinking that 1, 2 and 3 are the only positions to ever take, cast in stone. There will be all manner of situations where it would make sense to vary slightly from any one of those "standard" positions. It's all too easy to get fixated by general principles.

In general I don't think you're extreme enough with your road positioning. You're a bit conservative and tend to stick closer to the middle of the lane than I'd like. I would make more use of more of the width of the road. Example: 9:54 I'd have been further out to get better 'see and be seen' visibility around that upcoming left curve. Then as soon as I first saw the white van coming from the other direction I'd have set up a line to clip the bend at about where I'd estimate we'd both pass (about where the silver car is sitting on a driveway the other side of the slow marking). Out a long way at first to be in the van driver's face as far as I could manage, then aiming to be on the opposite side of the lane as I went past him. When you go past the oncoming van you're still at about position 2 1/2 and I'd have been in position 1. All that sideways motion also helps to increase your visibility to oncoming traffic as it makes you move in their field of vision. Have a hunt for some videos of the Met. motorcycle boys in action, perhaps some of the bikesafe videos where they're being followed for a long time by another rider. They really do use a _lot_ of the width of the road. They do it so smoothly that it doesn't look busy but in fact they are rattling about left to right to always balance the best view with the best separation.

I have 2 observations , I notice that your throttle grip is full handed ,have ever considered having 2 fingers covering the handbrake especially in traffic ?. Second it appears that your arms are almost straight, ideally arms should be relaxed , forearm almost parallel with the road .

good video but you should still practice more emergency scenarios like braking in the corners to learn how the motorbike behave during emergency cornering braking. Its better to practice in ideal conditions in advance than get caught unprepared in the blind bend during dealing with some unexpected road blockage

Looks like Completely Motorbikes / Triumph Chester has gone into administration.

@ashley_neal Well, this was a better M/C video, Ashley. Much more realistic and therefore more enjoyable. And better because it was honest! No putting down Advanced organisations to make yourself look better. No abysmal Police style commentaries. You rode over far less poor road surfaces, too. You got off to a poor start. But you got better and better. Your 123 road positions improved. Cars waiting to emerge from LH junctions and early on you positioned 1-2 and some oncoming traffic and you were 2-3. Butttttt, you flipped it around. Still improvements to come, but a vast improvement on previous videos! Your question about Position3 on RH bends, caution your head and shoulders over the centre line. The vehicle waiting to emerge from the RH junction - good consideration/use of the horn. Advanced Groups would like a longer toot. But you were right on it! Not quite systematic, but safe and smooth. To add to your commentary: Red lorry parked on the left - consider the horn and possibly add margin for safety with your road position. Roadworks at the T-Junction - Roadworks = debris on the carriageway. Under the trees on the country lanes (alternating between sunlight to shadows) - hidden road surface conditions (potholes, debris). Vanishing (limit) points. Curved centre line markings.

I've noticed in several videos you complaining of pins and needles in your hands. I've never had that, even on long rides, which suggests to me that something is wrong. What it is I can't say beyond the obvious that it must be either something about your seating position or clothing being restrictive where it shouldn't be. Perhaps someone else who has experienced it and found a way to fix it can comment.

Notice you're wearing a light coloured top unlike most.

7:48 if I was cycling I'd keep out due to the car ar the junction to give a bubble of saftey

FP12LVZ FP12 LVZ Silver VW overtaking at speed was that still a 50mph zone and you were at 56mph? How fast was he going? In a rush to get home before his tax ran out? Tax your car. :) Same with the white BMW BH04HEY BH04 HEY, at least that one is taxed. Wow it's a German racetrack VA21UNJ VA21 UNJ. Was that 60mph? :)

Eye sight is obviously slightly higher than camera.

Does the chin camera void the safety standards on the helmet?

@23:00 Nice clear dual carriageway with restricted speeds and then a country lane with a 60mph limit. Bonkers why they need to make clear dual carriageways slower than 70mph. Around here it seems they only do it when they don't make enough money from speeding tickets.

7:15 Looking at the facecam, are those very prominent shoulder pads or are your arms just way too straight?

Audio is good was expecting far more wind noise.

0:40. Maybe not in your locality. But why can't all speed ramps in housing estate's and national roads be standard. RSA say they can be driven over at 50kph but every driver breaks on approach. 🇮🇪🇪🇺

Not really teaching anything new about bike riding! We were trained to ride properly before our test. But you did speed in the 20 zone, 25 on speedo. 47 in a 40 zone, 57 in a 50 zone . Probably a few more if we all looked closer!!!

Do you use counter steering at all Ash?

To be honest most of riding/driving is about common sense. I've often overheard the 'advanced' community harkin on about getting to extreme position three on left handers. This is rubbish in my opinion as you are more likely to be putting yourself in danger from oncoming vehicles especially if your view ahead is restricted., which is the very reason they advocate such a position!

19:30 - wow, what speed was that &^%$ brain going at that passed you?