[smileyman]

Well yes they are track prepped and factory optimised (balanced, blueprinted) but they main thing is you cannot compare the race times to how teh production model will run, lap, or be lived with on the street.

Testing means alot of different fuel maps, traction control settings, geometry experiments, spring and valving options. Fast time in pre season rarely carries over to race results. It just shows how hard they are working. BMW will have a potent package, Aprilia will too. But what does that me to you and me?

To me the $$ make a bigger difference than the outright performance numbers. Sure I can lap the CBR 2/10th quicker or maybe Spies can take the R1 to 4/10ths over Checa's Honda but will that mean anything to me? No. Styling, availability, how I personally fit and feel on the bike are bigger.