Reveiws about SMART RIDER 

Letters,  Emails, And Postings on Facebook  from Customers:

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I chose Smart Rider on a friend's recommendation and would do the same for anyone else wanting to learn, whatever age!

Alan Wheeler reviewed Smart Rider – 5 star

11 December at 15:42

Tony is an excellent instructor, he's very straightforward and extremely effective - it took me a bit longer than I had hoped to get to MOD2, but Tony's perseverance paid off.

Birdy Bird reviewed Smart Rider – 5 star

1 December at 16:12

I came to Tony as a nervous wreck after a bad experiance with another school but Tony managed to pick me up straight away and now I have my bike licence. Thank you Tony for your patience, understanding and very awesome teaching talent that you have. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED cant stress that enough.

Harry Hubbard reviewed Smart Rider – 5 star

11 November

Tony helped me pass both the mod 1 and 2 with no faults, he is an excellent teacher and evokes confidence. He will give you feedback after each ride whether it be good or bad, giving you guidance every step of the way. Could not of chose a better trainer, making training fun as well as learning all you need to! Would recommend Tony to anyone looking to take their test, thanks!

Keith Barrett reviewed Smart Rider – 5 star

15 October

Thanks Tony for the great instruction and a awesome experience!...

I totally recomend smart rider as the best place to get your motorcycle training !

Chris Power reviewed Smart Rider – 5 star

7 October

What can I say ! Tony taught me everything I know, I went from novice to being able to very confidently ride my R1200GS. I passed with no faults, this is a credit to Tony and his adaptable style of teaching. He always gives feedback on every ride, good or bad. He doesn't come with a much higher recommendation.

Gary Brooks reviewed Smart Rider – 5 star

18 June

Great instructor very patient got me through mod 1 and mod 2 first time would recommend tony to any one
Enjoyed every minute of the four days

Jack Mawford Sorry, I forgot to write a comment. I am like most others who have had the honour of Tony as an instructor.... he is absolutely superb! Thank you for all the advice and tuition. I will be sure to send a few mates your way. Cheers

Rod Manning reviewed Smart Rider – 5 star

30 April

Passed with tony this morning can't thank him enough. If your gonna do your bike license tony is the man to talk to.

Wez Clarke reviewed Smart Rider – 5 star

29 April

Very good and very clear on wheat u have to do to pass your test....... Pass my mod 1 Friday and passed my mod 2 today

Lucy Harbour

9 May 2014

Ben Crissall Excellent work Tony , at Smart Rider

I certainly got the best instruction from the most professional rider I have ever met, the only choice for instruction for those wanting the best training available . Keep up the great work

By far the only motorcycle training & instruction to use in & around Bury

Mike Crabb –

5 star

Tony at Smartrider is an excellent teacher, the lessons being one on one is a great way to learn as you can really focus on the areas you need the most practice at, I can highly recommend him as a teacher as he has taught me from complete novice right through to passing my full motorcycle test! Thanks Tony!!

Dustyy Ruins –

5 star

had a really good day, didn't find riding as easy as i thought i would but was encouraged and helped until i passed, very grateful. thank you smart rider :-)

Smart Rider

Emma Eaton –

5 star

Done my second cbt with smart rider and my full licence can't recommend Tony enough. My dad also went through his test with smart rider and says the same

Smart Rider

Joseph Head –

5 star

Big Big thank you to Tony for helping me get through my bike test. Tony is a superb instructor and very easy to get along with, really enjoyed my lessons which gave me full confidence going in to my test's. Anyone looking to do their bike test I highly recommend you give Tony a ring.

Carl John Misselbrook –

5 star

So helpful

Benjamin Axe Man Di-Giulio –

5 star

Tony really is a hidden gem in bury! if your thinking of learning to ride a bike he is definitely the man to go see, one to one training just you and him, so at the time I wasn't trying to keep up with somebody else on the course, I could just learn at my pace which I found really good, both me and a member of my family went with tony at different times and we both passed first time both with clean sheets! Highly recommended!

Sandra Salmon –

5 star

SMART-RIDER – Tony is patient, thorough, thoughtful and provides an excellent service. His passion and desire to turn you not just into someone that can pass a test but ride safely makes him stand out from other training schools. I tried 2 schools prior to finding Tony, one a large concern who are only interested in taking your money and I certainly wouldn't consider recommending to anyone and sadly many only find out when they make the same mistake as I did and waste money. I wasn't the easiest to train, took longer than most but I never felt he was just going through the motions with me, he genuinely wanted me to achieve my goal and get my licence. So a big thank you Tony, I am now enjoying riding my 650cc which I do not think I would have persevered and done elsewhere.

Ben Van Der Scales –

5 star

Top quality instructor made everything so easy and clear to understand. Tony most definitely is the man!! Million % recommend this guy to anyone who wants to get their bike licence absolutely brilliant

Luke Bugg –

5 star

Massive thank you to Tony, fantastic tuition and feedback. Passed both mod 1 and mod 2 first time, both within 2 weeks and 15 hours. If you are looking at doing any motorbike training, Smart Rider is by far the best around.

Shaun Sivertsen –

5 star

Despite me bringing rain with me for every lesson and test, Tony still managed to get me through and pass my test. A very patient and genuine chap. I can't recommend him highly enough….Chapeau!!!

Matt Wade –

5 star

Fantastic! Recently done my DAS course with Tony, loved every minute of it. Superb tuition and really approachable. I second a previous comment saying it's as if going for a ride with a mate!

Passed both Mod 1 and Mod 2 first time.

Thanks again Tony

James Morrison –

5 star

I would like to say a big thank you to tony for helping make it through my bike test highly recommended

Smart Rider

Rob Holding

Dec 2014

Myself and a friend just passed our full motorbike tests today after being trained with Tony on one of the DAS courses. We both passed CBT, Mod 1 and Mod 2 first time on the schools 650 bikes which were pristine and very easy to learn on. Tony was the most patient instructor and had a very relaxed manner despite our constant mistakes and failure to listen to anything he was saying. We realised after a while though that if you do what he says it actually works! He is also extremely qualified and seems to hold every motorcycle qualification known, at gold standard! This really comes through in his training as he goes beyond the basics and teaches you techniques that will not only make you pass the test, but also make you into a good motorbike rider. I personally was impressed by Tony's honest desire to get you through the test. He's not after your money, he's after making you into a great motorbike rider, first time. There are no hidden extras, just great training. I cannot recommend enough.

Joe Head

2014

If your looking to do your bike test Tony is a very experienced instructor who will give you all the tools you need to pass. Highly recommend his services.

Simon Scarlett

2014

Expert training. Very clear and helpful advice. Really good value. I would highly recommend SmartRider to anyone.

Luke Bugg

2014

Amazing Training and feedback, will recommend 100%. Personally used other training providers previously, Smart Rider is the best in the area!

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Would like to thank you Tony for everything in getting me through my CBT & direct access tests, excellent instructor & all your tips made everything all the easier & i will have no hesitation in giving your number to anyone after taking lessons & their test. Also thank you for the ride to seaside i enjoyed meeting new people & the ride was great (once i got the feeling back in my butt cheeks).

Thank you once again & no doubt see you on the road somewhere.

Sandra Salmon

22/08/2014

SMART-RIDER – Tony is patient, thorough, thoughtful and provides an excellent service. His passion and desire to turn you not just into someone that can pass a test but ride safely makes him stand out from other training schools. I tried 2 schools prior to finding Tony, one a large concern who are only interested in taking your money and I certainly wouldn't consider recommending to anyone and sadly many only find out when they make the same mistake as I did and waste money. I wasn't the easiest to train, took longer than most but I never felt he was just going through the motions with me, he genuinely wanted me to achieve my goal and get my licence. So a big thank you Tony, I am now enjoying riding my 650cc which I do not think I would have persevered and done elsewhere.

Benjamin Axe Man Di-Giulio

Simon Smith April 2014

Top quality instructor made everything so easy and clear to understand. Tony most definitely is the man!! Million % recommend this guy to anyone who wants to get their bike licence absolutely brilliant

Ben Scales April 2014

Massive thank you to Tony, fantastic tuition and feedback. Passed both mod 1 and mod 2 first time, both within 2 weeks and 15 hours. If you are looking at doing any motorbike training, Smart Rider is by far the best around.

Luke Bugg March 2014

Fantastic! Recently done my DAS course with Tony, loved every minute of it. Superb tuition and really approachable. I second a previous comment saying it's as if going for a ride with a mate!

Passed both Mod 1 and Mod 2 first time.

Thanks again Tony

Matt Wade August 2013

would like to say a big thank you to tony for helping make it through my bike test highly recommended

James Morrison July 2013

After receiving the magic brown envelope in the post I need to say a big big thank you to the man that helped me get my licence! I can't recommend Tony at smart rider enough very clever and patient man if you want to do your bike test tony is the man to get in contact with!

Josh Stilwell

Despite me bringing rain with me for every lesson and test, Tony still managed to get me through and pass my test. A very patient and genuine chap. I can't recommend him highly enough....Chapeau!!!

Shaun Sivertsen March 2014

Well I never thought for a million years I would be posting this, but today I passed my motorcycle test. Thank you to Tony who without his amazing teaching and help it would have never been possible. THANK YOU so so much Tony. You rock !!!!

Nicola Barrett June 2013

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Managed to get me through from never having ridden a geared bike to full licence in 15hours. Cannot reccomend enough :-)

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Brilliant day's CBT. Thank you :) calm and patient instructor. Definately reccommend to others!

***********

Hi Tony Just though I'd post a little note on your page. So its nearly 10 years since you guided me through my DAS training and test. Thank you. Best thing I ever decided to do and I still have your words in my ears from time to time. When my daughter is 16, your the only person to train her. See you soon mate.

Hi Tony,

Just wanted to say a big thank you and express my thanks for getting me through my test.  Your help, guidance and yes ( ! ) patience has been fantastic throughout and 'Tony's Top Tips' will live on in my riding.

Enjoy the BMW and   I look forward to seeing you again sometime.

All the best
Richard

Hi Tony, 

Hope your well, I have been out riding every opportunity I get (I LOVE it) Thank you so much for giving me the correct training and guidence not only to get me through the Mod 2 test but to make me a more competent rider. 

I'm using the bike to commute to work and have set loads of dates in the diary - I'm off to see the superbikes and going to Goodwood festival of speed next month. Woo Hoo....

I have recommended you too, I believe two of them may have contacted you already Andy and Dan. But im always telling people about you, how you explained everything I needed to know, sessions where always on a one to one basis and how you helped me build my confidence up on the bike. I also tell pepope not to even consider going to ********(edited).

I will get round to baking you a cake (As promised)

Kind regards
Sandy

Dear Tony,

Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your professionalism and patience in getting me safely on two wheels. It could be said that I came to motorcycling later than some and your excellent instruction guided a complete novice through the CBT and both Direct Access modules in only a few months. Not only have you helped me fulfil a long standing ambition, you have also done it in such a way that I feel confident I'll be able to gain the maximum fun that motorcycling has to offer in a safe and responsible way. I've no hesitation in recommending any prospective student to go with Smart Rider - you run a totally professional outfit, have great expertise and provide a thoroughly enjoyable, flexible training experience. Looking forward to the Advanced Training soon.

Best regards,

Tony Jordan

P.S. Please feel free to post this on your website.

Tony,

I am sitting at the bar on the ferry with a drink in my hand and a big grin on my face!

Thank you for your endless patience this week. It has been brilliant.

I will be in touch over the weekend re dates. So we can do it all again......

Bit worried about that cheese. Hope it is okay.

Take care,

Ruth

NB this lady came over from the Netherlands to take her bike test with us, needed two trips because of the 2 tests.

Hi Tony!

I'm so happy to say a big Thank You because you helped me make my dream come true! When I started my lessons under your training I was able to ride just a pushbike, not even a moped...so I was having a very sad life :-( But, thanks to your experience, passion and patience, I now own a full driving licence! :-)

You always encouraged me to make me more confident, it didn't matter if you had to repeat to me the same things two or three times (because I'm Italian and I didn't know certain words, so you taught me English too...a man who does multitasking!) or if I was committing the same mistake again and again. When I was a bit sad because I couldn't do certain things (like the U turn at the beginning) you always said "You know you can do it!Try again!". Thank You Tony!!! Because now I can enjoy riding my new bike :-) Thank You because you haven't just taught me the basic skills to pass the tests, but the real things that a good rider has to know to ride safely while enjoying riding at the same time! I can still hear your voice telling me when to slow down and when to accelerate in the curvy roads, so I could learn how to enjoy them in safety.

Tony you are a great instructor! I'll try to bring you my husband one day (still not in the mood to be a rider!)...but I'm sure that you will be able to make him passionate and confident to enjoy riding too!

I promise I'll be very careful and I'll always watch for "the idiots" out there, as you taught me! Thank you Tony! See you on the road for now and soon for the Enhanced rider scheme!

Miriam Candian (very happy girl!)

Please feel free to post this on your website.

Tony

I wanted to express my deepest thanks for the excellent tuition I received through Smart Rider.

I have read your testimonial page and like most cynics my age thought that if only half of it was true I would be well looked after. I can honestly say you exceeded my expectations and lived up to the statements from your previous students.

Firstly, the bikes. I noticed that your bikes were always cleaned and well maintained (I was shocked to see some of the other training schools offerings during the tests - with dirty, noisy and some mechanically unfit - your bikes always inspired confidence from the start)

Secondly, I never felt rushed to do something that I didn't have the confidence to do, but equally, your encouragement to extend my limits as part of the training experience was something that i enjoyed the most and I have to admit that my car driving has improved considerably now that I am even more alert to the road environment.

Finally, (but by no means least!) your attention to detail, the fact that you take the time to explain the significance of good road craft and not just to pass a test and you do that with good grace, humour and great enthusiasm make for a great training experience. I thoroughly enjoyed my tuition and would highly recommend you to any prospective student.

I will be coming back for more

David Gibson May 2010

Tony

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to you Tony for getting me through my Direct Access. Completely thrilled. For everyone that will read this, i was a complete beginner when i signed up for my lessons. Never having ridden a bike in my life and being pillion only a handful of times, i threw myself in at the deep end. I couldn't have asked for better tuition. After doing my CBT, i went straight on for 10 hours worth of lessons towards my mod 1 test which i completed with 0 minors. Finally on to my next 10 hours and then my mod 2 which i also passed first time with 2 minors. I have now purchased my very first bike, a Fazer 600 and love every minute I'm out on it. For anyone with any doubts weather they could get through these tests, go see Tony. He makes everything very easy to understand and is a top bloke to get on with. He got me through it!

So thanks again Tony, i’m a very happy girl.

Please feel free to post this on your website.

Samantha Allum April 2010

Tony

I would just like to say thank you for all your hard work getting me through the CBT, module 1 and module 2 tests. It is quite obvious from your whole approach and your teaching methods that bikes and riding are a passion. I can still hear your voice in my ear, telling me to cancel the indicators( how many time you must have said that to me) or mirrors and shoulder checks etc etc. I think you deserve a medal for your persistence and determination,with what must have been your most exasperating student and without once losing your cool. The manner in which you teach makes the whole experience both rewarding and enjoyable and I would have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone considering learning to ride, once again many thanks.

Please feel free to use this testimonial on your web page.

David Rayment

Dear Tony,

I just wanted to write to say thank you so much for the excellent module 2 training you gave me in Bury last week, which I’ve no doubt helped me pass my practical test today with only one minor fault.
Your extremely high standards of teaching and professionalism combined with first-class customer care is something quite refreshing and rare. As a female motorcyclist returning to bikes after a very long time I really appreciated your warm, friendly attitude, encouragement and praise. Perhaps nicest of all was the feeling of being ‘looked-after’ with unlimited bottles of chilled water on very hot days, coffees and simply being given your complete attention. Other training schools should take note!
I am very happy for you to use this testimonial on your web site and I really look forward to the next stage of my training.

Kind regards

Leanda

Tony

Wanted to write and say MASSIVE THANKS for all your patience and wonderful training. I have almost stopped grinning, one of the best days of my life yesterday!!

U Turns, hey easy really!! Who needs a leaf as a marker? One day I'll remember to always cancel my indicators too.

If anyone reading this is in any doubt about using Tony and Smart Rider, don't think twice, Tony is just fantastic. His manner and way of training are exemplary, the time he takes to explain why you are doing something just makes it all seem so relevant.

For the next few weeks I know that I'll have your voice still in my ear reminding me of all the silly things that are so easy to forget but are so important.

I'll be back - would love to take my training further and do your advanced course.

Thanks again.

Vanessa

Please feel free to use this on your website

Hi Tony,

Just wanted to thank you for all your hard work getting me through my cbt and my test today (18/06/08), your a fantastic trainer, your very patient even when i really could not do U turns. im looking forward to getting on a bike and enjoying the freedom, thanks so much again your a real hero,

Maxine Clements

please feel free to put this on your web site.

Tony,

Before I start...........you have my permission to use this email for any advertising on your website etc.
I would just like to say a massive thank you to you for all your hard work to get me through my test first time!
It really is nothing to be nervous about, it is all very relaxed!
I am out and about on the road now, I miss hearing the 'mirrors, shoulder checks, signal, and move across' in my ear whilst riding around Bury!!!!!!
The DAS course layout is excellent, 3 hours a day is just enough, and the 2 days off come at the right time for you to relax a bit before your test! Or sulk for 2 days if you cant complete the 'U' turn on the Saturday, and drop the bike!(like I did!) But even if you do fall off or drop the bike don't worry, Tony will be to concerned on how the bike is to notice what strange position you land in!!!! Only joking its not as bad as it seems!
Over all I really enjoyed the course and the coffee from the vending machine in Max Moto!
I'm still smiling now, just bite the bullet and do it, and most of all enjoy it!

Thanks again Tony!

Kim Ackroyd

Tony

Thanks for all your hard work, advice and knowledge and getting me through my CBT and test first time. You say it's down to us to do it but we couldn't do it without your help and guidance. At times it feels as though you're nagging but you're always right. One week on and I still can't believe that I've passed my test. No I've just to save up for a motorbike!

Thanks once again for all your help and support.

Adrian

PS It's okay if you'd like to put this on your website.

Dear Tony,

Just a little email to say thanks so much for all your hard work getting me through my test. As im sure you will remember, riding a bike with gears was far from natural to me as I found out when I did my CBT.

Feeling a little disheartened I trusted the recommendations I was given from friends and booked 16 hour direct access course with you as soon as the CBT course had finished. The one 2 one tuition was excellent and the constructive criticism gave me a lot to think about between the lessons and day by day I felt my self improving. Test day came and despite appalling weather I managed a pass with just one fault. Not only has your advice and guidance enabled me to pass but it has also made me a much more observant driver.

Thanks again

Andy

Dear Tony,

I am writing to you to thank you for the effort you put in to train me to a standard to pass the test.

As you know I came to you after failing with another school and having left things for nearly ten months. I really appreciated the fact that you steered me to the 125 after I had difficulty with the slow speed control on the 500. I found that the three hour sessions were about right and cannot suggest any particular ways you could improve you tuition. I also appreciated your readiness to adjust the controls on the bike to suit me.

Once again I would like to thank both you and Glen for your work which finally allowed me to pass the test. I really had got to the point where I felt the test was impassable.

Kind regards,

Charles

Hi Tony,

I just wanted to drop you a line to say thanks again for all the training and advice which helped me to pass my bike test. I am still over the moon and grinning like a Cheshire cat, even though it was over a month ago.

I found the training very straight forward, uncomplicated and well paced. I also liked the way you always gave a demonstration of how a manoeuvre should look. My main problem was the lack of self confidence, but you even managed to work on that, building it a bit more with each lesson. I too, have found that the training has helped to brush up my car driving skills, making me more aware of all that is going on around me.

I can not thank you enough for all that you taught me during my training and will be recommending you to everybody who is thinking of taking their bike test.

Thanks again,

See you on the road sometime!

Sarah Ward

P.S. Please feel free to use all or part of this on your website

Tony

I just wanted to send you an email to thank you for the training you provided which enabled me to pass my full license FIRST TIME. I have been thinking on the question you posed me when I had completed my test, "is there anything you think we should have done differently?" And I can definitely say no.

The training was pitched perfectly to allow me to gain confidence at a steady rate without overwhelming me with new information.

The first lessons 3 hour run out of town is a brilliant idea as it introduced me to the motorbike and what it is capable of without me having to deal with the complexities of riding in town traffic. I will probably never forget the time you said " round the roundabout, into 3rd, when it's straight, open it up.", it took a while for the grin to vanish. It allowed me to get the measure of the bikes capabilities and therefore ride confidently.

Your teaching style is excellent, informal but delivered with the solid authority of all your years riding experience. Most of the time I felt like I was out on a ride with a friend rather than being taught.

To close I will be giving you a call towards the end of this month to book a few hours extra tuition once I've had a week to get used to my Breva, unless I see you at MaxMoto when I collect it. if so we'll sort something out then.

Yours

Dave Morris

You can use any or all of this email for promotion if you wish.

Dear Tony

I just wanted to Thank You once again for all the training which you provided to enable me to pass my Bike Test.

As you know I had attended a couple of other Bike Schools before I 'found' Smart Rider. There are a few aspects of the training you provided, of which I wanted to make particular note, as I believe these were what really made the difference for me.

Your patience is boundless; you always seek to gain clear understanding before giving an explanation about a particular skill. Your explanations are always methodical, clear and succinct. You often offered a practical demonstration, of a skill I was focusing on (e.g. road position at roundabouts) for me to follow.

As you will remember I had particular problems with slow speed manoeuvres, your explanations of how to undertake these was exceptional, you made clutch control sound so easy, rear brake use so logical and really took the mystery out of u turns!!! (I no longer have an inbuilt fear of them!).

You were the first instructor to describe 'counting down' the gears, which I have found especially useful with gear selection, when stopping at a junction is not required (i.e. ensuring the correct gear to pull away has been selected).

The principles of planning & forward observation resulting in a smoother ride have really helped me to enjoy my riding (especially now I have passed!). Only riding in 2 hour sessions has also helped me enjoy the lessons & therefore rides more (formerly, I was often exhausted after 4-6 hours on the bike).

Finally, providing modern bikes, with good gears & clutch made the bike so easy to ride (not my experience with previous Training Schools), you always checked what I wanted/needed from the lesson & then ensured we covered this.

So, in summary Tony … THANK YOU!!! You helped me to pass my bike test, but more than that, prepared me for biking in the future!! I look forward to meeting up soon, for advanced training.

Kind regards

Deirdre Malin

PS I am more than happy for you to use any/all of this for your website; I am a very happy client.

Extracts from other letters & cards:

I felt that I learnt more in two hours than in the previous two years riding on my own,---- By concentrating on your instructions, particularly observation, I have sharpened up my car driving skills, so that is an additional bonus. - Adrian

Thanks for the great training and resultant test pass. - Kevin

Thanks a million for being a great instructor and for making my long awaited ambition come true. - Colin

Thank you for all your help, My Riding Skills have improved immensely, I feel that I am a better, more confident rider. - Emma

Thank you for all your help and support - Senga

Thank you for your tremendous patience, persistence & perseverance, the training has been excellent. - Gail

Thanks for getting me through it. See you on the open road (or more likely at MaxMoto). - Emma