About Andrew (Gatsby) Harrison

I have been riding motorcycles for over 40 years, having gained my full motorcycle licence in 1982 on a Honda XL250S. During that time, motorcycling has taken me through commuting, courier work, off-road riding in South Africa, advanced riding, rider development, motorcycle events, and professional rider training.

After returning to motorcycling in 2017, I immersed myself in advanced rider training and development. I achieved IAM Advanced Rider status, followed by a RoSPA Gold award, IAM Masters with Distinction, qualification as an IAM National Observer, and later became an IAM Masters Mentor. These experiences deepened my understanding of motorcycle control, roadcraft, observation, and risk management.

In 2020, I qualified as a DVSA Enhanced Rider Scheme Trainer and have since worked with riders of all abilities, helping them develop safer, smoother and more confident riding skills.

Between 2021 and 2024, I worked as an outrider and ride leader for major motorcycle manufacturers and events, including Triumph, Suzuki and Royal Enfield. This role involved leading demonstration rides at the NEC Motorcycle Live Show, the ABR Festival, the MCN Festival at Peterborough, and the Copdock Motorcycle Show. As well as leading rides, I was responsible for route planning, risk assessments, rider briefings and the safety of groups of up to eight riders at a time.

I have also been involved in motorcycle assessment and rider evaluation, including assessing participants on Honda's staff motorcycle scheme and contributing to Bike magazine's Reader Bike of the Year test panel.

Away from the motorcycle industry, I served as a motorcycle marshal for British Triathlon and Ironman events between 2019 and 2022. These events required close-proximity riding amongst large groups of cyclists, often numbering over a thousand competitors, while maintaining safety and supporting event officials.

More recently, I have worked as a DVSA CBT Instructor, helping new riders begin their motorcycling journey safely and confidently.

My coaching philosophy is simple: smooth riders are safe riders. Smoothness comes from observation, planning, machine control and good decision-making. Whether you are newly qualified, returning to riding after a break, or simply looking to become a better rider, my aim is to help you build confidence, improve your skills and enjoy motorcycling to its fullest.

Motorcycling is a lifelong learning journey, and I am passionate about helping riders continue that journey long after they have passed their test.

That’s where SmoothRider comes in. A friendly bespoke mentoring approach to improve all aspects of your riding.