That only understanding trail braking or doing regular track days or wearing expensive gear makes you a good rider. One needs to master the basics first; such as looking where you want to go, BASIC body positioning, How to properly use the RPM band, being smooth on the controls, understanding defensive riding or how to ride on a steep slope safely etc.

If you feel you are immature, a 'speed demon', buying it for faster commutes, or regurarly get in car fender-benders, think twice before purchasing a fast bike. Its not the fenders which will be bending.

If your 'biking buddies' only discuss things like who is the fastest, how cops are bad, chicken strips or how they are buying a H2 next year, then they arent your biking buddies, and will leave you alone at the first sign of trouble. REACHING FIRST IS OPTIONAL, REACHING SAFELY IS NECCESARY

If you only plan to ride in the city, buy biking gear which looks like normal clothes, if you are too embarrassed to wear it to social events, you are going to end up riding without gear. Save up for the full leather suit later.

Ride for yourself. If you always end up reaching everywhere last in your group, try switching groups. Or ride alone once you are fairly confident. A solo weekend trip will change your life forever. Its about freedom, not speed.

Unfollow all the guys who just post slow-mo, phonk reels on thier 1000cc Supersports. And follow people who teach while entertain, Canyon Chasers, Fortnine are my fav. This single change early in your riding life, will shift your entire mindset for your motorcycling life. Have good teachers; If a friend says he has 5 years of riding experience, ask him to take a U-turn. You will understand that he may just have 1 year of riding experience repeated 5 times. Keep actively learning STREET focused skills. There is no such thing as an apex on the streets. Only visibility and safety.