Ok, I know this sounds like an idiot question but I've always been bugged by it, why is it the handguards in the customization menu in good detail but are just low rez triangles attached to the bars on the bike in-game????
Because there are different models and textures for just displaying in the menus. Once you get on track everything is lower res.
Ahh I see, that explains it. Thanks JamieT!