Being "safe" on a motorcycle is an art, but one useful rule of thumb is, try to see bad situations early, then don't be there when they happen. That means looking ahead of traffic as far as possible, not just a couple car lengths. It also means getting away from clusters of cars near interchanges, which means accelerating quickly from 80 to 100 mph, if you see an opening. The best way to use the speed of a motorcycle is to stay away from cars. When I was riding a Yamaha FZ6 (top speed 138), the ability to dust a cluster of cars and find an open area was an important safety factor. The bike I have today (selling it) is a Honda NC700x, more suited to long trips than dodging traffic. It's an okay bike, but frankly I'd feel a lot safer with a bike that has more zip. The Honda cruises nicely at 80, but its acceleration from 80 to 100 is not good, and it tops out at only 113 or so. The higher top end isn't for showing off. It's so that going from 80 to 100 happens quickly when you need it, with speed to spare. If 100 mph is 90 percent of your top end, your torque curve is tapering off as you reach 100. My next bike will probably be another adventure bike, but hopefully I'll be able to get something a little more conventional, like a Kawasaki Versys. Higher rev curve, top speed about 130, good gas mileage. Wish I'd bought that instead of the Honda. Oh, well...