MEET THE COACHES - DAVE BURTON

From a Lambretta to police motorcyclist in just eight years, and all before the age of 25, David Burton’s claim to fame is that while chaperoning Princess Diana she burned her leg on his hot exhaust while greeting schoolchildren. He now has 20 years of coaching experience and loves a European tour.

I started riding when I was 16-years-old on a Lambretta GP200, but quickly moved onto motorbikes [Nothing wrong with scooters - Ed]. I had numerous scary moments as a 17-year-old, riding with no fear and thinking I was immune to danger. I got lucky, and then joined the police force, giving me a bit more responsibility.

I was quickly fortunate enough to become a police motorcyclist by the age of 24, and a few years later became a car and bike instructor, a role I continued with in a full and part-time capacity until the end of my police career.

In my role as a police motorcyclist I was involved in numerous VIP escorts, including one when Princess Diana walked around the rear of my bike to talk to some schoolchildren. This had not been planned, and unfortunately she was unlucky enough to catch her leg on the hot exhaust as she squeezed between the rear of my bike and the royal car. I was also lucky enough to ride high performance, unmarked police motorcycles for a number of years as part of a surveillance team.

After retiring in 2005 I stayed on with the police as a civilian, managing the driver training department of Humberside Police, meaning I was lucky enough to still ride police bikes when testing students at the end of their advanced course.

Pro Coach Dave Burton, in his element on one of his legendary Rapid adventure tours.

Around 20 years ago I became involved with Rapid Training and have over the years met some fantastic people when coaching or on Rapid tours. I get great satisfaction from passing on the skills and experiences I have gained as a police motorcyclist to enthusiastic people who want to develop their own riding, with a lot coming back on a regular basis to ensure that their riding remains at the high level they set themselves. Rapid continues to give me the satisfaction and fulfilment for riding my own bike but more importantly helping others reach their own personal goals, whether they are experienced or inexperienced riders.

Rapid tours have also given me a lot of pleasure, allowing me to lead people, who are now good friends, around Germany, Spain, and Scotland. When I do get some free time I like nothing more than touring Europe with my wife, who has her own BMW GS Rallye, and friends, and I have been to some brilliant places with fantastic roads such as Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, France, and Spain.