I've owned a couple of street bikes and kinda want to get another one soon, just still in the debating stage.
Im not going to slam you in any way since I've only rode maybe a good 2 years but only have laid down once. I always tried to stray away from my friends while riding b/c of things they would do and me not being able to react in time. And yes I would ride at my own pace at all times to get the feel of my own bike. Especially the times I would not wear body gear (Always always wore my lid of course that was mandatory), I would try to give good distance between me and the other rider for my safety and the safety of the other rider.
Well hope you get your shit fixed...Ebay is heaven for parts.