So is it really true size isn’t everything?

If it’s the fastest bike on an outright lap you want, buy the RSV. All but one rider found it the quickest lapper on test. It also set the fastest outright lap and was ultimately quickest in three out of Bruntingthorpe’s four main turns. It looks the business and loads of extra power is easily liberated with the addition of a race-only aftermarket factory can and chip. With those onboard, the RSV is nearly unstoppable.

If surprising others is important, or you’re hampered by insurance, choose the GSX-R600. A bike of such small capacity has no right to lap almost as quickly as the Mille or R1, or record the highest speeds, on average, through two of Bruntingthorpe’s main four bends.

The R1 is also at the forefront, but is smarting a bit from just getting beaten over the line. The only thing is, people expect R1s to go well so, when you do, it’s no great surprise.

The RS250 is the tool for tiny tracks and won’t take prisoners in such circumstances. It provides a headache for much bigger tackle and holds good corner speeds. Wave goodbye to it wherever there’s a decent straight, though.

In last place comes the ZX-7R. It has the capacity and power but it’s dated and doesn’t handle like the current crop. Fine if you’ve got one, but don’t rush to buy one if being numero uno is important to you.

Overall (by rider average)

Fastest lap: Aprilia RS250 1:24.6. Suzuki GSX-R600 1:17.2. Kawasaki ZX-7R 1:19.8. Aprilia RSV-R 1:16.4. Yamaha R1 1:17.0.

Max Speed: Aprilia RS250 1:16.2mph. Suzuki GSX-R600 144.7mph. Kawasaki ZX-7R 140.2mph. Aprilia RSV-R 148.8mph. Yamaha R1 152.0mph.

Mid T1: Aprilia RS250 69.46mph. Suzuki GSX-R600 70.04mph. Kawasaki ZX-7R 70.3mph. Aprilia RSV-R 70.3mph. Yamaha R1 69.44mph.

Mid T2: Aprilia RS250 44.34mph. Suzuki GSX-R600 46.18mph. Kawasaki ZX-7R 44.33mph. Aprilia RSV-R 46.06mph. Yamaha R1 45.94mph.

Mid T3: Aprilia RS250 100.1mph. Suzuki GSX-R600 101.4mph. Kawasaki ZX-7R 100.3mph. Aprilia RSV-R 100.4mph. Yamaha R1 100.3mph.

Mid T4: Aprilia RS250 64.7mph. Suzuki GSX-R600 66.06mph. Kawasaki ZX-7R 64.36mph. Aprilia RSV-R 66.27mph. Yamaha R1 62.08mph.

Chicane: Aprilia RS250 11.4sec. Suzuki GSX-R600 12.27sec. Kawasaki ZX-7R 13.4sec. Aprilia RSV-R 11.7sec. Yamaha R1 13.54sec.

Fastest (by rider average)

Lap: Aprilia RSV (1:16.4)

Max Speed: Yamaha R1 (152mph)

Mid T1: Kawasaki ZX-7R, Aprilia RSV (70.3mph)

Mid T2: Suzuki GSX-R600 (46.18mph)

Mid T3: Suzuki GSX-R600 (101.4mph)

Mid T4: Aprilia RSV (66.27mph)

Chicane: Aprilia RS250 (11.4 sec)

Fastest (outright)

Lap: Aprilia RSV (1:12.0, Smith)

Max Speed: Yamaha R1 (158.3mph, Smith)

Mid T1: Kawasaki ZX-7R (80.3mph, Smith)

Mid T2: Aprilia RSV, R1 (49.6mph, Smith)

Mid T3: Aprilia RSV (111.2mph, Smith)

Mid T4: Aprilia RSV (71.6mph, Smith)

Chicane: Aprilia RS250 (9.6 sec, Smith)