Here's a way to put a positive spin on it: "In their very first practice session in WSBK ever, EBR was less than 2 seconds off the top BMW and dead even with the 2nd BMW." If I had suggested such a thing a couple years ago, heck, a couple weeks ago how many of us would have thought that was great?

Most motorcycle companies (*cough* Harley *cough*) wouldn't have the balls to get out there and would fail miserably if they tried. If they can make it through this weekend even close to some of the much more experienced bikes and riders, that will be a solid starting point.