Red Steve wrote "Having been on two wheels for 30 years, in my experience is all down to training, experience and putting in the miles, not about the machine. I did a course with the Avon & Somerset bike guys a few years back. All riding their fully kitted BM's. Left everyone else standing....and yes they encouraged us to keep up if we could. Lots of Power Rangers that day I can tell you."
Couldn't agree more!
Last September I booked myself a days advanced bike training using a firm called Rapid Training.
The Hi-Viz Sam-Browne wearing instructor showing us the ropes was on an elderly BMW R80RT, with skinny tyres, panniers the works.....and when he chose to do so he left me and the other student on the course standing :shock: !
As Red Stev wrote, it's not about the machine and this retired gents lines through the twisty bits were superb, he always seemed to be in the right place, in the right gear and with time-a-plenty to make some outrageous overtakes safely and with time to spare. Talk about "making progress!"
I had a great day out, clocked up 200 plus miles on a wide variety of roads and felt my riding and reading of the road improved hugely...thoroughly recommended. :)