Hi Michele,
PLEASE accept this post in the way it is meant. I was an advanced motor cycle instructor, and loved doing this as a hobby. There is nothing more rewarding than riding a bike properly and with a bunch of like minded riders, have you taken any sort of advanced riding course?
As my old sergeant used to say, "Man and machine as one."

Mega rewarding when riding with a group of like minded riders.
It is not the size of the bike that will allow you to make safe progress, but the 'size' of your ability. If you, Sp!ke, me or anyone else thinks they know everything and they are god's gift to bike riding, then they are idiots.


Planning a ride and reading the road is something that will NOT come with hours behind the handlebars, it needs to be taught and you
should become a better rider for doing this type of course. Riding a bike is extremely dangerous, especially on today's busy roads. It is dangerous not because of either your ability or lack of it, it is dangerous because of all the other road users and a good instructor will teach you how to read not only the road but most potential hazards.
I hope I have wasted my breath and you have already commenced a course, or completed it. Motor bikes are great vehicles for enjoying the thrill of the wind roaring by and I wish you luck with whatever decision you make.
These remarks will also apply to car driving
Regards
John