I bought my F3 long ago (only 1 mile on it) and I had no riding experience. I did a few laps in the parking lot to get the feel of the bike handling characteristics and also some stop and go to get a feeling of the brakes. I rode the bike home and eventually got the hang of the bike within a few weeks. I mean that I was able to turn, stop, and go within traffic. I was in Oregon at the time and the traffic wasn't as much of a concern as it would be in larger metropolitan areas. Eventually I began to wonder into Portland and navigate my way around. This can be done without dropping the bike. I didn't go down until having the bike for year and a half (my own fault for screwing around). When you think you’re ready for the freeway, stick with the flow of traffic. Just be smart and don't show off!! You'll crash and look like an idiot or worse... never be able to ride again. One more thing... everything that everyone else has said holds true as well.