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. 

MotoGP 2025 is halfway through, and it’s not just Marc Marquez making headlines. In this episode of The Braking Zone, we break down the underdogs who are surprising everyone. Riders like Zarco, Quartararo, and even Pecco are rewriting the narrative. From satellite bikes outperforming factories, to champions showing cracks, we dive into who’s really overachieving, who’s quietly falling off, and why it’s all way more complicated than the podium shows. Whether you’re a hardcore MotoGP fan or just catching up, this mid-season breakdown will give you a fresh perspective on who’s actually crushing it.

• 00:00 – Welcome and intro
• 01:02 – Who’s impressed you the most this season?
• 03:30 – Bezzecchi’s breakout performance
• 05:01 – Pecco’s quiet pressure and mental game
• 10:02 – Is Luca Marini a better test rider than racer?
• 15:04 – Quartararo’s raw talent vs. team feedback
• 20:05 – Riders who may be out of their depth
• 25:05 – The path to development success
• 30:05 – Thoughts on Bruno and missed rider potential
• 35:06 – Hitting apexes under pressure
• 40:09 – Toprak, teams, and next-gen potential
• 45:16 – What personality matters in the paddock
• 50:16 – Engine braking vs. rider input
• 55:18 – Confidence, and past performances
• 60:19 – DCT quirks and wrap-up thoughts
• 63:32 – Who we are and thanks for watching

In this episode, Dave and Brian dive deep into the current MotoGP season and ask the big question: Can anyone stop Marc Marquez? With five perfect weekends and a massive points lead, the championship may already be decided. We also unpack Jorge Martin’s rocky return, Quartararo’s future, and whether Aprilia is quietly catching Ducati. Plus, we talk dream bikes, the new F1 movie, and which motorcycle events are still worth traveling the world for.

• 00:00 – Introductions & MotoGP Catch-Up
01:49 – Marquez’s Insane Dominance
• 04:20 – Ducati vs Aprilia: Who’s Really Winning?
• 08:27 – Jorge Martin & The Mental Game
• 11:12 – Who’s Next? Quartararo, Martin, Acosta
• 14:01 – The Future of MotoGP
• 19:09 – Broken Ladders: Moto2’s Flaws
• 25:34 – The F1 Movie & Real Racing Emotion
• 28:41 – Dream Bikes & Garage Fantasies
• 44:07 – Lost Motorcycle Culture & Bucket List Races

We didn’t expect to bring this podcast back. But after so many of you reached out asking for more, and with everything happening in MotoGP and the riding world right now, it was time.

In this episode, Dave and Brian talk about why the podcast went away, what finally pushed them to bring it back, and what’s changed both on track and off. From real-world crashes to MotoGP drama, sprint races, and riding psychology, this is the reset episode that lays the groundwork for what’s next.

Topics we cover:

• Why we stepped away and what changed

• Marc Marquez signs with Gresini and the paddock scramble that followed

• Liberty Media buying MotoGP

• The sprint race format and whether it’s broken

• What fear actually is and how to use it

• Why good riders still crash

• What’s coming next for the show

We’re keeping the format loose, honest, and focused on the kind of conversations riders are already having in the paddock, at the track, and over a beer. Thanks for sticking with us.

Let us know what you want to hear next. Your questions and feedback shape this show.

Three exciting topics. Confused about trail braking? Throttle on or off? This video breaks down the common misconceptions and reveals the proper technique for smooth, confident cornering. Next: Survive winter rider's rage! Tips and tricks to keep your sanity (and your bike) healthy until spring. And finally: Is avoiding bad weather holding back your riding skills?

MotoGP is entering a new era as Yamaha finally joins the V4 revolution. In this episode, we break down the latest MotoGP race, explore why everyone is using the V4 engine, and reveal the real reason behind the change. From performance myths to engineering truths, this discussion uncovers what makes the V4 the future of MotoGP. Perfect for fans who want the story behind the speed.

We dive into MotoGP’s biggest changes, Yamaha’s risky new V4, KTM’s RC990 reveal, and what happened when Dave rode the Aprilia Tuareg Rally with Dakar legends. Engineering, adventure, and plenty of bad ideas on two wheels.

Are motorcycles stuck in the past?

In this episode of The Braking Zone, Dave and Brian trace how brilliant ideas—from Buell’s mass-centralized frames to Motoczysz’s revolutionary forks—vanished under the weight of tradition. They dive into Toprak’s dominance in World Superbike, the return of Americans on the world stage, and how MotoGP technology keeps rewriting the rulebook.

It’s part history lesson, part engineering rant, and a full-throttle argument for innovation over nostalgia.

00:00 – 08:15 | The Toprak Takeover

Discussion about World Superbike, Toprak Razgatlioglu’s dominance, and his potential move to MotoGP. Includes analysis of BMW’s performance, Ducati’s advantage, and MotoGP seat politics.

08:15 – 13:00 | Americans Back on the World Stage

Bobby Fong’s wildcard ride in World Superbike and the difficulty of transitioning from MotoAmerica. Reflections on tire differences (Dunlop vs. Pirelli) and the excitement of seeing Americans compete internationally.

13:00 – 21:30 | MotoGP Predictions and the Honda Resurrection

Preview of the upcoming Phillip Island round, rider absences (Marquez, Martin, Maverick), and analysis of Honda’s surprising technical improvements through smarter testing and part integration.

21:30 – 27:00 | The Mass Damper Mystery

Deep dive into MotoGP’s tuned mass dampers and bike evolution—from mass centralization to tail-section engineering. Dave and Brian dissect mechanical purpose and recall historical examples like Buell’s innovations.

27:00 – 45:00 | The Death of Innovation

Wide-ranging talk about Buell, Motoczysz, and Pier Terblanche’s radical designs. Dave recounts meeting Terblanche, discussing the Meredith Effect, the Ducati 999, and how tradition suffocates innovation in motorcycle design.

45:00 – End | The Beauty of Purpose-Built Machines

Closing discussion connecting motorcycles to aircraft engineering (A-10 Warthog analogy), the appeal of functional design, and reflections on how purpose defines aesthetic value in racing and beyond.

#Motorcycles #MotoGP #Innovation #CanyonChasers #TheBrakingZone #MotorcyclePodcast #Engineering #Racing #Superbike #Tradition

The Mandalika MotoGP delivered wild racing, brutal heat, and some seriously cooked tires. In this episode, we break down what really happened in Indonesia, why tire temps went through the roof, and how tire warm-up plays a bigger role than most riders realize. From MotoGP tech to everyday riding tips, we’ll dig into what hot tracks and cold tires teach us about grip, confidence, and control on two wheels.

Marc Marquez seals the MotoGP championship at Motegi in what many are calling the greatest sports comeback of all time. In this episode, we dive deep into Marquez’s career arc, the Rossi feud, his injury and redemption, and what this win means for the sport. We also break down Bagnaia’s stunning turnaround, Mir’s surprise podium, KTM’s braking struggles, Yamaha’s ongoing woes, and Martin’s costly crash. Plus, we look at MotoAmerica’s big changes and the state of American racing. If you love racing, this episode is packed with drama, insight, and a whole lot of passion.

00:00 – Why this is the greatest sports comeback ever

21:07 – Bagnaia shocks the paddock with a dominant weekend

28:56 – Acosta’s aggression, brake failure, and KTM chassis struggles

33:47 – Yamaha’s ongoing issues and Jack Miller’s insights

37:56 – Dramatic sprint race crash: Martin, Bez, and a broken collarbone

43:55 – Bagnaia’s turnaround: old swingarm, Casey Stoner’s input

56:21 – MotoAmerica news: Beaubier’s 6th championship

01:03:45 – Wrap-up, listener feedback, and outro

Choosing the right motorcycle isn’t just about horsepower or style. In this episode, we break down the key things every rider should consider before buying a bike; comfort, fit, purpose, budget, and long-term enjoyment. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or adding to your garage, this conversation will help you avoid common mistakes and make a smarter, safer choice.

Motorcycles are supposed to be about innovation — but somewhere along the way, we got stuck. From anti-dive forks and carbon frames to the brilliant (and doomed) Motoczysz, the motorcycle industry has a habit of abandoning genius ideas. In this episode, we dig into why progress stalls, why helmet tech still feels decades old, and how electric bikes might be the future we keep resisting. Spoiler: the kids get it right.

00:00 Intro | Why Motorcycles Struggle with Innovation

02:20 Tradition vs. Progress | Why Riders Resist Change

09:00 The Front-End Revolution That Wasn’t | BMW, Hossack, and Anti-Dive Systems

17:30 Forgotten Genius | The Story of Motoczysz

24:00 Too Many Big Swings | Why Brilliant Ideas Fail

37:00 Innovation Stalls | Helmets, Safety, and the Money Problem

47:00 Electric Bikes & The Next Generation

55:00 Let the Kids Ride | Gatekeeping, Golf Carts, and the Future of Motorcycling

In this episode of The Braking Zone, Dave and Brian break down everything from the Portimão MotoGP race to the science of motorcycle tires. From Ducati’s front-end struggles to Michelin’s pressure limits and why Pirelli might be the better street tire, we explore how tire tech defines racing—and why even small changes can transform how a bike feels. Grab your helmet; this one grips hard.

00:00 – Portimão Recap and First Impressions

03:20 – Pirelli vs Michelin: Bulaga’s Transition

09:00 – How Tire Design Changes Braking and Feel

14:00 – The Single Tire Rule and MotoGP Politics

20:00 – Understanding Front Tire Pressure and Heat Cycles

33:00 – Street Tire Myths and Modern Technology

45:00 – How to Feel Grip: Developing Tire Feedback

55:00 – Riding Technique, Bar Setup, and Front-End Confidence

MotoGP wrapped up with a wild Valencia finale, and in this episode we break down the biggest stories of the weekend, the season, and what the new concessions mean for Yamaha and Honda. We also dive into Ducati and Aprilia’s continued rise, suspension questions from listeners, and the biggest surprises from EICMA, including the new bikes and aero experiments for next year.

00:00 MotoGP season ends and Valencia chaos

08:00 Ducati and Aprilia rise, Yamaha and Honda struggle, concessions talk

24:50 Yamaha V4 plans and what testing times really mean

35:06 Viewer Question

56:18 EICMA New Bike Highlights

Special edition MM93 Camera: https://store.insta360.com/product/x5?c=6369?utm_term=INR5D9M

This week we dig into the riding questions you’ve been asking: engine braking, trail braking, why riders over-slow, common myths that simply won’t die, and how suspension setup actually works in the real world. We also dive into the Honda CB1000 GT, talk tires across different environments (including those magical Scottish roads), and unpack the real tools riders should be using to stay in control. Smoothness, confidence, and understanding what each input really does. If you’ve ever wondered why something “doesn’t feel right” on the bike, or if you’re unsure which riding advice to trust, this episode brings clarity without the ego or the jargon. Drop your questions for next week — we love answering them.

00:00 – Welcome to The Braking Zone

03:30 – The Honda CB1000 GT Deep Dive

06:00 – Engine Braking vs Trail Braking Explained

14:30 – Why Over-Slowing Happens & How to Fix It

22:30 – Common Riding Advice We Wish Would Disappear

48:40 – Suspension Truths Nobody Tells You

1:12:20 – Viewer Appreciation & Closing Thoughts

MotoGP winter testing delivered more questions than answers, and in this episode we break down everything that actually matters. From Yamaha’s ongoing struggles to Ducati’s quiet course-correction to Aprilia’s wild aero experiments, we dig into what the 2027 rule changes and the move to Pirelli tires might mean for the future of racing. We also look at why silly season could explode once the new regulations arrive.

Then we explore one of the most fascinating storylines in the paddock: Maverick Viñales partnering with Jorge Lorenzo to rebuild consistency and mental resilience. Could this unlock the best version of Maverick we’ve ever seen?

A viewer question takes us into a deeper conversation about riding on the street, dragging knees, lean angle, posture, and real-world risk management. We share coaching insights, stories, and the one technique most riders overlook. Whether you ride track, street, or both, this part of the discussion might change how you think about riding forever.

Most riders think winter is harmless downtime for their motorcycle. It isn’t.

In this Christmas episode of The Braking Zone, Dave and Brian break down the winter maintenance mistakes that quietly ruin suspension, brakes, engines, fuel systems, and batteries.

These are not beginner errors. Many experienced riders make them every year. We cover what actually needs servicing, what can wait, and what you should never do “just to be safe.” From fork oil and valve adjustments to brake fluid myths, ethanol fuel problems, lithium batteries, and why starting your bike in winter is one of the worst things you can do.

This episode is about peace of mind. Do the work once. Ride all season without anxiety. Plus: upcoming suspension deep dives, airbag tech with Alpinestars, and how winter maintenance makes you a better rider when spring arrives. If you care about riding more and worrying less, this episode matters.

In this episode of The Braking Zone, we break down the motorcycles that actually deserve attention in 2025. Dave and Brian dig into real-world categories such as the best long-haul touring bike, the most underrated middleweight, the open-class superbike that delivers at track days, and why some adventure bikes inspire confidence while others inspire fear. From Road Kings to S1000RRs to Honda’s quietly brilliant CB650R E-Clutch, this episode cuts through hype and gets into what riders should buy based on real miles, real testing, and real experience.

Whether you ride track, tour, or twisties, this one has something for every kind of motorcyclist.

Most riders blame the wrong thing when a bike feels vague, harsh, or unstable. The truth is often simpler. Their suspension is wrong.

In this episode of The Braking Zone, we sit down with Mike Castro of FuziMoto, one of the most respected motorcycle suspension tuners in the United States. Mike has spent decades setting up championship winning race bikes, street bikes, track bikes, cruisers and ADV machines, and he’s seen the same mistakes over and over again.

We talk about what suspension actually does, why common setup advice fails riders, how preload, damping, and spring rates really interact, and how to tell the difference between a setup problem and a riding problem. This is real world suspension knowledge from someone who tunes bikes for a living. If your motorcycle doesn’t feel planted, predictable, or confidence inspiring, this conversation will change how you think about setup forever.

https://www.instagram.com/mtfuzzy17/

MotoGP 2026 looks simple until you zoom in. It is the last year of this rule set, the last year on Michelin, and the year before the biggest rider shuffle in a decade. So we are making our 2026 predictions now, fully expecting to be wrong. In this episode, we break down what matters and what is noise. 00:00 Why 2026 matters and why 2027 changes everything 01:59 Ducati’s advantage and what they can still develop 14:03 KTM, Yamaha, Honda, and Aprilia: who is climbing, who is stuck 30:04 Toprak arrives: what it changes, what it does not 48:24 Tech corner: rear grip, understeer, and why more grip can hurt

We sit down with Danielle from Alpinestars to talk real world motorcycle safety gear. We cover Tech Air airbag vests and suits, how the crash detection algorithm works, street versus race versus off road modes, and what ownership is really like, including battery life, firmware updates, and self service canister replacement.

We also break down armor and CE ratings, how abrasion ratings like AA and AAA fit into the bigger picture, and why impact protection is often the part riders underestimate. Danielle explains waterproofing ratings and what 5K, 15K, and 20K actually mean, plus how membranes balance waterproofing and breathability for adventure riding. We finish with helmets, including why standards like ECE and FIM matter, what Alpinestars learned building the SR10, and what riders should prioritize when choosing a helmet. #alpinestars #alpinestarsprotects #airbag

MotoGP teams never reveal anything by accident. In this episode of The Braking Zone, we break down the hidden signals behind the 2026 MotoGP liveries, Ducati’s iconic Marlboro stripe, and how aero, bodywork, and timing are used as strategy. We also cover World Superbike tire changes, the future of Pecco Bagnaia and Fabio Quartararo, and what really happens behind the scenes at a MotoGP press event from a YouTube creator’s perspective.

In this episode of The Braking Zone, Dave and Brian dive into the chaos of the 2026 MotoGP silly season and the controversial "stormtrooper" bike taking over the garage. From secret Yamaha swingarm covers to the €12 million gamble on Fabio Quartararo, we’re breaking down everything happening in the paddock and on the street.

00:00 — The "Stormtrooper" Backdrop

01:14 — NC750X: Real Motorcycle or Super-Scooter?

05:36 — MotoGP Tech for Commuters: How DCT Works

07:22 — Why "Real Riders" Hate the DCT

10:44 — Do Pro Racers Even Use Clutches?

12:13 — The Edge of Control vs. Boring Speed

14:40 — Is a Liter-Bike Actually Holding You Back?

16:11 — The 120HP "Sausage Creature" Sweet Spot

17:27 — 2026 MotoGP Silly Season Explodes

20:43 — Honda’s Livery Disaster: The "Crashed Fairing" Look

26:58 — Quartararo’s €12M Honda Bet

29:38 — Acosta to Ducati: Psychological Warfare

36:20 — Jorge Martin’s "Damaged Brand" Crisis

43:54 — Yamaha's V4 History: The Best Worst Bike

48:53 — Predicting the 2026/2027 Grid Holes

54:08 — Ducati’s "Hammerhead" Aero Leak

1:02:30 — Yamaha's Secret "Tinfoil" Swingarm

1:07:38 — The Toprak vs. Jack Miller Stoppie War

1:09:11 — Suspensions, Alpinestars, and Future Guests