CanyonChasers Podcast // The Braking Zone – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of The Braking Zone, we break down the MotoGP weekend in Spain — from Marc Marquez’s cautious dominance to Fabio Quartararo’s fight on the Yamaha, KTM’s strong showing, and Bastianini’s return to form. We also dive into Yamaha’s V4 test bike debut, Acosta’s puzzling tire gamble, and the ongoing struggles of Morbidelli. Plus, we go deep on helmet technology, safety standards, and why gear fit matters more than brand names.

Bonneville isn’t what most riders imagine. At the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials, the salt is rough, grip is scarce, and riders face challenges MotoGP racers never experience. From salt-slip to thin air at 4,500 feet, every run tests both machine and rider. In this video we explore the history of Bonneville, what makes it unique, and why it may not survive another generation. Come behind the scenes and see why this place is unlike anywhere else in the motorcycle world.

• 0:00 MotoGP Hungary Recap
• 13:50 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials
• 35:16 Utah Highway Patrol Motor Officers and Utah Motorcycle Road Racing
• 47:02 Front Suspension: TeleLever, Hossack and Cartridge Forks

With over 15 years of experience in industrial design, Greg Tada is a passionate and enthusiastic designer who has worked with some of the biggest names in the motorcycle world, including Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Kawasaki, Indian, and Suzuki. Greg's expertise in design, technical thinking, and in-depth industry knowledge, combined with his diverse global background working with cross-cultural teams, have made him a sought-after designer in the motorcycle industry. He has led the design on several groundbreaking models, including the Aprilia Tuono 660, the Ninja 650 and the Indian Challenger, and has contributed to the development of numerous other models across multiple segments, including motorcycles, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, EVs, and 3-wheelers. With his ability to turn his creative ideas into reality, Greg has earned a reputation as an innovator and trendsetter in the industry. His work has helped shape the future of some of the most iconic motorcycle brands, and his passion for mentoring younger designers and running internship programs shows his dedication to the next generation of designers. So, whether you're a motorcycle enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates good design, you won't want to miss the chance to learn from one of the best in the business. Join us as we take a ride with Greg Tada and explore the thrilling world of motorcycle design!

Three time, World Champion Freddie Spencer and famed Moto Journalist Nick Ienatsch are going to be dropping knowledge bombs left and right In this epic 88-minute podcast episode. You'll walk away with a whole new perspective on how to ride like a world champion.

Freddie Spencer is one of the most accomplished motorcycle racers in history, and his insights into the sport are invaluable. Nick Ienatsch, on the other hand, has been writing and teaching about motorcycles for over 30 years and is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable voices in the industry.

Freddie and Nick are going to be sharing their world-class riding advice that's sure to take your skills to the next level. From mastering your cornering technique to improving your braking skills, these two experts have got you covered.

Photo Credit: Martin Cox from Benicasim, España

Winter can be a tough time for motorcyclists, who have to put their bikes in storage and find alternative ways to enjoy the colder months. But just because you can't ride your motorcycle doesn't mean you can't have fun and make the most of winter. In this podcast episode, we'll explore some tips and activities that will help you survive the winter months without sacrificing your love for motorcycles.

We'll also touch on the importance of staying physically fit during the winter months, which is crucial for maintaining your riding skills and overall health. This can involve winter sports, indoor fitness activities, or simply staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Finally, we'll discuss the importance of mental wellness during the winter months, and provide tips and advice on how to stay positive and motivated despite the lack of riding opportunities.

We'll explore different ways to survive the winter months without being able to ride a motorcycle. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, there are plenty of fun and engaging activities to help you make the most of the colder months.

Join Alex, Mae and Dave as they talk about ways to keep our riding skills sharp and how to be prepared for when spring finally arrives.

Every rider will benefit from track time, but there is a lot of confusion about what is required to participate in one, ranging from what kind of bike you need and bike prep. Alex, Mae and Dave discuss the joys of track riding and dispel many of the myths surrounding track days with the hope that every rider finds a way to get onto a track.

Dave at CanyonChasers alongside Alex with the Yamaha Champions Riding School, and his wife Mae kickoff the first episode at the very beginning by discussing challenges new, beginner riders face as they enter the sport.

Each discusses their own beginnings into riding, then use their experience as motorcycle coaches to share insights into learning to ride, learning how to identify quality sources, tips and techniques to speed up the learning process, the value of rider education from the correct source.

The episode wraps up as they discuss their favorite motorcycles for new riders.

MotoGP just introduced a new “stability control” rule, but is it about rider safety or manufacturer politics? In this episode, we break down what it really means, who benefits, and whether it changes the sport forever.

We’ll also cover:

• Marquez’s insane control at Spielberg
• Why Bagnaia still can’t get it together
• KTM’s resurgence on home soil
• Explosive Ducati drama
• Classic rivalries: Rossi, Stoner, and Marquez
• The new Stability Control Rule
• Nuances of ABS and Traction Control
• Bagger Racing in MotoGP

Whether you’re a MotoGP die-hard or just trying to make sense of the headlines, this is your breakdown of what’s REALLY happening behind the scenes.

Quiet silly season? Kinda. Dave and Brian dig into the few real MotoGP seat moves (Miller, Oliveira, Zarco, Morbidelli), the sponsor politics, and why 2026–27 will flip the table. Then we veer delightfully off-script into design/aero (bounding-box rules, dirty air), BMW/KTM rumors, and finish with a mini masterclass on front-tire grip, trail braking, fork depth, and why you cover the lever with two fingers. Grab a coffee and ride with us.

Chapters:

0:00 – Intros: Dave & Brian set the table. 

0:41 – Why this year’s silly season is quiet (contract sync). 

11:55 – 2027 changes: Pirelli tires, no ride-height/launch devices, 850cc. 

12:24 – Bounding-box aero limits & Yamaha’s V4 packaging angle. 

14:13 – Dirty air & safety concerns from aero wakes. 

15:04 – “What would you change today?” → kill ride-height, reduce aero. 

23:16 – Prettiest MotoGP bike? Yamaha/Honda tail-discussion. 

42:18 – Contact patch 101: why braking grows it (and how). 

43:34 – Hard braking → maintaining fork depth into lean. 

44:54 – Why trail braking prevents underloaded-front crashes. 

55:21 – Wrap-up + calls to comment/subscribe.