Phantom,
While I did not actually own my own Busa in 99. I had plenty of machines available to develop parts from.
I have had offers from others to "donate" a bike for the serious go-fast development( they supply the machine and $$$ for parts, I do the work in exchange for not having to purchase the machine.)The problem with that is; once the project is complete, they ride off with a killer and I have an empty space in my shop!
I prefer to test on my own machines. Once a part works well for me, I can sell it without worry. I do not like to use the $ from others to develop my parts, it makes me feel bad if something goes wrong.(I am a seriously crappy business man!)
I do have what I call "satellite" shops and people. These competent individuals get my ideas/time in exchange for info. on how things worked out.
I benefit from the knowledge, they go faster!
You would definitely be suprised at some of these folks, many have a large interest in the motorcycle world. They range from drag racing to road to street racers.
I am a one man operation, but this way I receive information as if I were a huge organization.
Brock