As a racer myself (I ride a 2007 R6 on the track) I have to say that they have achieved that almost impossible task of making you feel like you're actually riding a motorbike. You have to be patient and also prepare to be annoyed a few hundred times, but stick with and it and it will pay you back.
It feels quick and if you use the second of the onboard camera views to ride from, it is as close as you can get to the real thing - believe me
I like to ride the Triumph 675 and it sounds and handles great.
I only bought the game a few days ago and so far I've only raced around the track on my own in "time attack" mode.
I have sbk 2009, which I think looks a bit better graphically, but who cares if the trees look a bit pixelated if the ride feels so realistic in the latest version.
The onboard views in 2009, although looking great were hard to see where you were going on corners so you end up with the behind the bike view, which is just too unrealistic.
Its not just for the purists, my 7 year old son has been playing on it for hours with all the helps turned on.
For me, I just wanted to feel the realism, I struggle with the buttons and getting a balance right isn't easy. I hate having auto gears but my brain just can't handle changing gear with buttons.
I can never normally be bothered to write reviews for games but I was so impressed that I thought I would share my views.
If you're after a realistic motorbike simulator with great sound - buy this game.