We have a lot of new members, and apparently beginner riders- this is a good image to show.

True, but in my humble opinion, we have to be realistic. How many of you seasoned riders have done "triple digits" even though you know the risks? Yeah, me too. I've been riding for over 20 years and have seen it all, in pictures and in person. We're talking bodies and pieces of bodies. But, that didn't keep me from breaking 130mph yesterday. And I'm 47 years old, not 27. The point is this: If, and only if, you have a "need for speed" you can make some reasonable choices before you twist the throttle, hunker down and watch the needle go to the right. At the risk of being flamed, rather than just saying "don't do it" I'd rather give a little practical advice.
For example: you better damn well have fresh, speed-rated tires. Your machine must be in tip-top shape. You should be in a known, deserted area with NO SIDE STREET access where someone else could be hurt. You should be able to see down the section of road you're planning on using for "testing". I'm talking, wide open spaces--and in the daylight! You should pre-ride the road and check the surface, turn around go back and then do your stuff. Better yet, save it for a track day.
However, there are areas I ride a loooong way to get to just for the purpose of "seeing how fast she'll go". That's me. But, I don't just crack the throttle any time I feel like it. I'm not advocating using public roads for speeding. But, if you're going to do it anyway, as most of us have, new riders need to know a few pointers. Having said that, if your motor blows, a dog shows up, a tire goes down, etc., you'll could very well wind up dead as a doornail. That's the risk and each person has to make the choice for him or her self.