Can I keep up

[VermilionX]

So basically its not the size of the motor or the speed of the bike, its the skills but what exactly are the skills to keep up....

most of the time, that is true.

there are cases in which a faster bike will compensate for the riders lack of skill. especially if the skill difference between the riders isn't huge to begin with.

[Nibblet99]

orlando he says... mostly straight roads and sweeping corners.

it's hard to catch a superbike w/ a supersport on huge sweepers as well.

Why? if theres no need to change speed, you can keep up on a 125cc bike, if speedlimits are adhered to

If a 400cc standard can't keep up with a 1000cc on the roads, one of the 2 is a moron. Skills are another matter entirely and will make a difference. Ride how you feel comfortable, not pushing the limits all the time on the road, its an easy way to get yourself killed.

No matter what anyone says, remember 2 things
1) Motorcycling is inherently full of risks
2) You are not invincible

Remember them, and you will most likely have a life long passion riding bikes. Forget them, and its great fun till someones seriously injured or worse

[VermilionX]

Why? if theres no need to change speed, you can keep up on a 125cc bike, if speedlimits are adhered to

like i mentioned earlier... they have to be speeding for it to be an issue.

it's their choice if they don't wanna take it to the tracks. i don't care. im just saying i understand why they want a faster bike.

they wanna reach high speeds and they wanna get to that high speed faster as well.

[DivideOverflow]

So basically its not the size of the motor or the speed of the bike, its the skills but what exactly are the skills to keep up....

Skills to keep up are primarily cornering and braking skills.

Turning at high speeds, turning at low speeds, rate of turn in relation to speed, the "line" in which you take. Also things to consider are the ability to stay in your powerband and utilize the revs you have, how to effectively scrub speed and power out of a corner, or how to keep as much speed as possible through a turn without losing traction.

With all of these skills they main part is: while maintaining safety and control on your motorcycle. Or, "not crashing or hurting anyone else."

It takes a lot of responsibility to safely operate a motorcycle. Nobody wants to end up as a road burger, so I think "keeping up" is really a dumb goal. The road is not the track... the only person you need to keep up with on the street is yourself. Don't worry about how fast other people are going. If you go out with a group and they don't wait for everyone, they are a lame-"O Ring" group to ride with. Everyone should ride their own ride, and stay within their comfort zone. Accidents happen when people try to "keep up", show off, and ride outside of their comfort zone.

Please take the MSF.