What is SmoothRider?

SmoothRider provides Motorcycle Rider Development and Advanced Road Coaching and Rider Development for riders who want to become smoother, safer and more confident on the road.

Our coaching is designed around real-world riding, helping you develop observation, planning, road positioning, cornering, hazard awareness and smooth control.

Is SmoothRider motorcycle training?

SmoothRider is post-test coaching and mentoring, rather than learner motorcycle training.

You must already hold the appropriate motorcycle licence for the motorcycle you are riding.

We don't teach you how to pass your test. We help you develop the skills you already have and become a better road rider.

Do I need to be an advanced rider?

Absolutely not.

SmoothRider is suitable for riders at many different stages of their motorcycling journey.

You might have:

• Recently passed your test.

• Been riding for a few years.

• Returned to motorcycling after a break.

• Bought a new or more powerful motorcycle.

• Lost confidence.

• Started riding longer distances.

• Decided you want to develop your riding further.

You don't need to consider yourself an "advanced rider" to benefit from coaching.

What if I'm not a very confident rider?

That's precisely why coaching can help.

SmoothRider isn't about putting you under pressure or trying to make you ride faster than you're comfortable with.

We work progressively, at a pace appropriate to you, helping you understand what you're doing and why.

The aim is to build genuine confidence through understanding and experience, rather than simply encouraging you to push harder.

Will I be expected to ride fast?

No.

In fact, one of the fundamental SmoothRider principles is:

Smooth riding is fast riding – but fast riding isn't necessarily smooth riding.

Our priority is good observation, planning, positioning and smooth control.

A rider who consistently makes good decisions will naturally become more efficient and often faster without deliberately chasing speed.

What happens during a SmoothRider coaching day?

Your coaching day is built around you.

We'll discuss your riding experience, what you want to achieve and any particular concerns you have.

We then spend time riding on real roads, observing your riding and providing feedback and coaching as we go.

The emphasis is on understanding rather than simply being told what to do.

You'll learn to recognise opportunities to improve your own riding so that you can continue developing after the coaching day.

Is the coaching a test?

No.

You aren't being examined and there is no pass or fail.

The purpose of a SmoothRider assessment or coaching session is to identify your existing strengths and areas where you could develop further.

We want you to finish the day knowing what you're doing well, what you can improve and how to continue improving.

What roads will we use?

We use real roads rather than a closed circuit.

That means you'll experience the types of situations you encounter during normal riding, including bends, junctions, changing road surfaces, hazards and varying traffic conditions.

Routes are selected to provide appropriate opportunities for development while keeping the focus on safe, progressive riding.

Can you coach me on the roads I normally ride?

Where appropriate, yes. In fact SmoothRider will request, where possible, that the first ride, the assessment ride, which lasts about 30min is a route that you know and you have chosen

Familiar roads can be useful because you can concentrate on your riding rather than worrying about navigating somewhere completely unfamiliar.

However, unfamiliar roads can also be valuable because they encourage you to use observation, planning and hazard perception rather than relying on memory.

Can I bring my own motorcycle?

Yes all the coaching is done on your machine

In most cases, coaching is carried out on your own motorcycle because the objective is to improve your riding on the motorcycle you actually use.

Your motorcycle must be road legal, appropriately insured, taxed and maintained in a safe and serviceable condition.

What should I wear?

You should wear appropriate motorcycle protective clothing and equipment suitable for the weather and type of riding.

This should include appropriate motorcycle helmet, gloves, boots and protective clothing.

If you are unsure whether your equipment is suitable, please ask before your coaching day.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Motorcycling takes place in the real world, and changing conditions are part of becoming a competent road rider.

Where conditions are safe and appropriate, coaching can continue in wet or changing weather and can provide valuable learning opportunities.

However, safety comes first.

If conditions become unsuitable or unsafe, the session may need to be modified, shortened or rearranged.

What if I make a mistake?

Mistakes are part of learning.

You won't be criticised for making an error.

The important thing is understanding what happened, why it happened and what you can do differently next time.

SmoothRider coaching is designed to develop your ability to recognise and manage situations, not to make you afraid of making mistakes.

Will I receive feedback during the ride?

Yes.

Where safe and appropriate, feedback can be provided during the session.

We may also stop periodically to discuss what you've experienced and identify specific areas to work on.

Some of the most valuable coaching takes place when we stop and discuss why a particular decision was made.

Can I have a passenger during coaching?

Generally, coaching is carried out with the rider riding alone. However we also offer courses for pillion riding. Coaching both the rider and the pillion.

This allows us to concentrate on your riding and provides the clearest opportunity to assess and develop your skills.

If pillion riding is specifically part of your coaching requirement, this can be discussed in advance.

Can I book coaching for someone else?

Yes. We also offer gift cards

SmoothRider coaching makes an excellent gift for a motorcyclist.

Gift options are available, and the recipient can then arrange their coaching at a suitable time.

What is a SmoothRider Rider Assessment?

A Rider Assessment is an excellent starting point if you're unsure what type of coaching you need.

We observe your riding on real roads and provide constructive feedback on areas such as:

• Observation

• Planning

• Road positioning

• Cornering

• Hazard awareness

• Speed management

• Smoothness

• Confidence

The assessment can then form the basis of a personalised development plan.

Do I have to book an assessment before one-to-one coaching?

No.

If you already know what you want to work on, you can book one-to-one coaching directly.

If you're unsure where your riding could benefit most from development, an assessment can be a useful starting point.

What is One-to-One Coaching?

One-to-One Coaching provides a full day of personalised rider development.

Unlike a group session, the entire day is built around your riding, your objectives and your development.

The current price is £275 for a full day.

Can I book more than one coaching day?

Absolutely.

Some riders benefit from a single session while others prefer to work progressively over several days.

For riders looking for a more structured development programme, SmoothRider also offers multi-day mentoring.

What if I want to improve my confidence?

Confidence is one of the most common reasons riders seek coaching.

Rather than simply telling you to "be more confident", we work on the underlying skills that create confidence:

Observation → Planning → Positioning → Control → Understanding → Confidence

The objective is to help you develop confidence based on competence rather than bravado.

I've recently passed my test. Is SmoothRider suitable for me?

Yes.

Passing your test is the beginning of your motorcycling journey, not the end of your development.

New riders often find that the biggest challenge comes when they are suddenly riding independently and encountering roads, traffic and situations they haven't experienced during their training.

SmoothRider can help you develop those skills progressively.

I've been riding for years. Can SmoothRider still help me?

Definitely.

Experience is valuable, but experience and development aren't the same thing.

Even experienced riders can discover that small changes in observation, planning, positioning or control can make their riding smoother and safer.

You don't need to be a new rider to benefit from professional feedback.

I haven't ridden for years. Can you help me get back into riding?

Yes.

Returning to motorcycling can be exciting but can also expose gaps in confidence and familiarity.

SmoothRider can help you rebuild your skills progressively, allowing you to regain confidence before taking on longer journeys or more challenging roads.

Can you help me prepare for an advanced riding qualification?

SmoothRider can help you develop many of the skills associated with advanced road riding, including observation, planning, positioning, hazard awareness and smooth control.

However, SmoothRider is independent coaching and does not guarantee a pass in any external examination or assessment.

Can you coach me to ride faster?

Our objective isn't to make you ride faster.

We concentrate on helping you become smoother, safer and more efficient.

Interestingly, riders who improve their observation, planning and positioning often find that their pace increases naturally because they aren't constantly reacting to situations at the last moment.

What if I don't want to ride in a group?

That's fine.

One-to-One Coaching is specifically designed around individual development.

We also offer Discovery Rides for riders who want to develop their confidence while enjoying a relaxed ride with other motorcyclists.

What are SmoothRider Discovery Rides?

Discovery Rides are relaxed, guided rides with a group of like minded ridersdesigned to introduce riders to the SmoothRider approach.

They're particularly suitable for riders who want to meet other motorcyclists, explore great roads and start developing their riding in a friendly environment.

A Discovery Ride can also be an excellent introduction to SmoothRider before committing to an assessment or coaching day.

Is SmoothRider only for sports bike riders?

No.

SmoothRider coaching is about rider development, not motorcycle type.

Whether you ride a sportsbike, adventure bike, naked bike, cruiser, touring motorcycle or something else, the fundamental principles of observation, planning, positioning and control remain relevant.

Is SmoothRider about riding like a police motorcyclist or racer?

No.

Road riding is fundamentally different from racing.

On a circuit, the environment is predictable. On the road, it isn't.

SmoothRider focuses on the skills required to deal with uncertainty: seeing further, understanding hazards, managing risk and keeping options open.

The objective isn't to find the fastest line. It's to find the safest line based on the information available to you.

Can you guarantee that coaching will make me a better rider?

No responsible coach should guarantee a particular outcome.

What we can guarantee is that your coaching will be focused on your individual development, delivered professionally and based on recognised principles of safe and effective road riding.

The more you practise and apply what you learn, the greater the opportunity for improvement.

What if I have a medical or physical condition that affects my riding?

Please discuss any relevant condition, limitation or concern with SmoothRider before booking.

Coaching can often be adapted, but your safety is the priority.

Where necessary, you should seek appropriate medical advice before undertaking motorcycle riding or coaching.

What happens after my coaching day?

The aim is that you leave with more than a day's worth of riding experience.

You should have:

• A clearer understanding of your riding.

• Specific areas to work on.

• Practical techniques to practise.

• Greater awareness of your strengths.

• A plan for continued development.

And, if you'd like to continue your journey, SmoothRider can help you decide what the next step should be.

The SmoothRider Promise

We don't believe that becoming an advanced rider means riding faster, taking greater risks or pushing yourself towards the limits.

We believe it means:

Seeing further.

Planning earlier.

Making better decisions.

Using smooth control inputs.

Leaving yourself options.

And always keeping something in reserve.

SmoothRider

Motorcycle Rider Development and Advanced Road Coaching and Rider Development

Ride further. Ride smoother. Ride safer.