CanyonChasers Podcast // The Braking Zone

Dave and Brian
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Join over a quarter-million subscribers as we bridge the gap between high-level engineering and real-world riding. Brian is a seasoned racer and engineer who dives deep into the technical "why" of motorcycle physics. Dave is a professional rider coach with 25 years of experience, and a moto-journalist, who specializes in simplifying those complex ideas into actionable street and track techniques. From MotoGP analysis to crash recovery, get the honest, expert advice you need to become a better, safer, and faster rider.

  1. Why Everyone Crashes in This Specific Type of "Easy" Corner

    19 hrs ago

    Why Everyone Crashes in This Specific Type of "Easy" Corner

    The Triumph Trident 660 giveaway ends on June 26, 2026. Watch now to secure your entry before the clock runs out at midnight. https://fanathem.com/canyonchasers Ever wonder why a seemingly "easy" corner causes the most dramatic lowsides? In this episode, we break down the exact riding mistake that causes riders to run out of road, why "lazy" corner entries might be ruining your corner entrance, and the quick fix to keep you on two wheels. We’re also breaking down the massive MotoGP drama at Brno, including the controversial marshal-slapping incident that got a rider banned from the grid, the mind-boggling cornering physics of Pecco Bagnaia vs. Marc Marquez, and an exclusive update on our upcoming adventure bike test in Iceland! TIMESTAMP CHAPTERS 00:00 - Last Chance to Win the Triumph Trident 660 02:45 - MotoGP Brno: The Bezzecchi Marshal Incident & Grid Penalty 04:00 - Smooth vs. Fistfight: Ai Ogura vs. Jorge Martin Riding Styles 08:20 - Tactical Genius: How Marc Marquez Tracks Pecco Bagnaia 28:00 - The Physics of "Backing It In" & Center of Gravity 31:40 - The Counter-Leaning vs. Visibility Trap on the Street 35:30 - Body Position Fixes: Scooting Back & The "Belly Button Flashlight" 42:45 - Why Everyone Crashes at "Blackrock" Corner 54:02 - Recapping Our Mind-Blowing Interview with Norton CTO Brian Gillam 57:40 - Planning an Epic (and Very Rainy) Adventure Ride in Iceland WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE The "Blackrock" Mistake: Why tight, increasing-radius, banked corners trick riders into turning in too early, eating up their exit space, and causing unnecessary crashes. The "Belly Button" Trick: A hilarious but highly effective mental cue to instantly fix your body alignment and face your upper torso into the apex. Stop Being a Passenger: Why track-day riders get lazy with their braking zones and how to actively take charge of the bike to drop your lap times safely. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/CanyonChasers

    1h 3m
  2. How to Build a World-Class Motorcycle From Scratch: Frame, Engine, and Physics

    Jun 16

    How to Build a World-Class Motorcycle From Scratch: Frame, Engine, and Physics

    Mastering motorcycle design requires prioritizing the human element. Learn why integrating ergonomics and vehicle dynamics early changes everything. Building a world-class motorcycle from a blank sheet of paper is an audacious goal, mostly because nobody has successfully attempted to do it from scratch in a very long time. Why? Because the engineering isn't just difficult; it’s a high-stakes game of endless compromise where changing one single variable forces you to redesign the entire machine. In this episode, we sit down with Brian Gillen, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Norton Motorcycles, to unpack the mind-bending reality of modern superbike development. Bringing decades of elite industry R&D experience, Brian pulls back the curtain on everything from vehicle dynamics that closely mimic a fighter jet to the industrial chess match required to resurrect a legendary legacy brand. If you’ve ever wondered why motorcycle design is secretly lightyears ahead of the automotive world, this masterclass with one of the industry's top engineering minds is for you. The "Airplane" Physics of Two Wheels: Brian breaks down why motorcycles are dynamically far more complex than cars, dealing with shifting contact patches, telescoping forks, pitch, roll, and yaw all at the exact same time. The Anatomy of Frame Flex: Why traditional Japanese aluminum frames dominate the status quo, and how Norton is experimenting with slender, tube-like spars to change how a bike handles at the limit. A deep dive into the brutal compromises of engine packaging, throttle body angles, and split-bank technology to optimize torque delivery. How the historic revival of Norton Motorcycles is being fueled by TVS’s massive industrial might, giving Brian's engineering team the leverage to compete with OEMs that have a 50-year head start. Timestamps: 00:00 - The Overlooked Element in Motorcycle Design 14:40 - The Problem with Modern Hyperbikes on the Street 21:00 - Why Norton Chose a 72-Degree V4 Engine Architecture 29:35 - Smart Manufacturing: Milling Down Pre-Assembled Castings 40:15 - Weight Distribution, Fork Profiles, and Braking Forces 50:25 - Split-Bank Throttle Bodies & Frame Flex Secrets 54:10 - Resurrecting Norton: The Power of 15,000 Bikes a Day #MotorcycleDesign #SuperbikeEngineering #NortonMotorcycles #BrianGillen #V4Engine #MotoTech #VehicleDynamics Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/CanyonChasers

    58 min
  3. Tantrums, Heroics, & Ranking Your Most Critical Safety Gear

    Jun 9

    Tantrums, Heroics, & Ranking Your Most Critical Safety Gear

    Is MotoGP rider behavior costing the team? We start with 2026 Balaton Park MotoGP race, dissecting Jorge Martín's explosive Turn 1 "bowling ball" crash and the track design flaws that caused it. We celebrate Marc Marquez’s historic 100th Grand Prix win and marvel at Pedro Acosta's heroic flat-tracking style on the KTM. Ultimately, this analysis focuses on the reality of professional racing conduct and the expectations placed on top-tier athletes. Seeing how these outbursts affect long-term brand reputation provides a clearer picture of what it takes to succeed at the highest level of MotoGP controversy. Then, we transition to an ultimate motorcycle safety gear masterclass, answering a burning community question: Do you really need top-shelf, ultra-expensive track gear for everyday street riding? We rank the most critical gear pieces based on real injury data, expose dangerous online counterfeits, and debate the physical and psychological reality of riding with electronic motorcycle airbag vests. Finally, we reveal an exciting insider update about our unexpected [possible] cameo in the upcoming Brad Pitt and Channing Tatum Isle of Man movie, alongside the bizarre Formula 1 aerodynamic glitch that canceled the sidecar races this year. 00:00 - MotoGP Balaton Park: Jorge Martín's Turn 1 Crash 03:18 - Ban the Holeshot Device? MotoGP Regulation Changes 03:56 - Track Design Flaws: Why Chicanes Are Causing Major Crashes 08:06 - New MotoGP Starting Grid Rules & Spacing Disadvantages 09:14 - Pedro Acosta vs. Marc Marquez: Corner Dynamics & Mutual Respect 14:03 - Marc Marquez’s 100th GP Win & Old Man Celebrations 16:42 - Motorcycle Gear Masterclass: Track Kit vs. Cheap Alternatives 21:00 - Helmet Safety Standards, Comfort, and Carbon Fiber Realities 23:26 - The Permanent Injury Ranking Study: Why Gloves Are Priority #2 29:01 - Foot Injury Data & The Evolution of Protective Riding Boots 32:48 - Alpinestars SM-Series vs. $650 Super Tech Track Boots 39:27 - Choosing the Right Riding Jacket: Climate Control & Microclimates 41:56 - From Catcher Pads to Non-Newtonian Armor: Impact Protection 49:57 - Leather vs. Textile: The Truth About "One-Hit Wonder" Gear 53:48 - Riding Pants & The Carhartt Double-Front Safety Hack 55:56 - Electronic Airbag Vests: Why You Feel "Naked" Without One 01:01:51 - How to Score Gear Deals Safely & Avoid Counterfeit Armor 01:03:15 - Don't Be That Guy: Support Your Local Bike Shop & Fit Helments Right 01:04:58 - Hollywood Exclusive: Our Logo Cameo in the New Isle of Man TT Movie! 01:07:21 - Why F1 Aero Underbody Diffusers Canceled the Sidecar Races 01:11:54 - Triumph Trident 660 Giveaway Progress & Outro

    1h 13m
  4. Did Aprilia Break Ducati? Why Aluminum Frames Die & How It Changes Your Ride

    Jun 3

    Did Aprilia Break Ducati? Why Aluminum Frames Die & How It Changes Your Ride

    Why is Pecco Bagnaia completely destroying his rear tire grip while the Aprilia RS-GP handles corners like a dream? In this episode, we break down the engineering war tearing up the MotoGP championship, from the ruthless Marc Marquez vs Pedro Acosta track battle to the hidden physics of motorcycle chassis design. Topics Covered: Ducati Rear Tire Wear: Why Bagnaia's point-and-shoot riding style puts maximum stress on the rear tire, and how Aprilia found a more balanced, nimble cornering flow. MotoGP Aerodynamics & Aero Wars: The controversy surrounding Aprilia's seat wings, the "scream" logo designed to mock Ducati, and how downforce affects top speed records. Motorcycle Chassis Engineering: A deep dive into frame flex, aluminum frame fatigue (the SN Curve), and why production bikes are moving toward carbon fiber chassis and 3D printed motorcycle frames. Ride Height Devices Ban: The safety risks of holeshot systems and why the paddock must eliminate mechanical launch devices. Liberty Media & Street Circuits: Our unfiltered take on the push for street courses in 2027 and whether it kills the soul of traditional road courses. Triumph Trident 660 Giveaway: How to get bonus entries on Patreon for our custom build featuring active blind spot monitoring and 77GHz radar tech. 00:00 - Focus Issues & Pecco Bagnaia’s Rear Tire Crisis 04:42 - Aprilia’s Petty "Scream" Aero Wing Controversy 06:40 - Paddock Politics: Aprilia Family vs Gigi’s Ducati Dictatorship 1 4:34 - Marc Marquez’s Defensive Mind Games Against Pedro Acosta 23:13 - Real-World Track Test: Ducati 848 vs Aprilia V4 31:45 - The Material Science of Aluminum Frame Fatigue (The SN Curve) 35:46 - Why Motorcycles Heavily Resist Carbon Fiber Frames 46:21 - 3D-Printed Chassis & Aerospace Laser Powder Technology 54:45 - How 100°F Desert Track Heat Mutates Your Bike's Frame 01:00:38 - Toprak’s Massive Fork Lock Crash & Banning Launch Devices 01:08:43 - Liberty Media & The Foolish Push for Street Circuits 01:16:25 - Triumph Trident 660 Custom Radar Build Giveaway

    1h 21m
  5. Norton's New V4: A Gentleman's Superbike in a Cyberpunk Package

    May 27

    Norton's New V4: A Gentleman's Superbike in a Cyberpunk Package

    Enter to win the Triumph Triton 660! https://www.fanathem.com/canyonchasers/ Norton Motorcycles V4 Deep Dive: Built for the Road, Imagined at the Isle of Man TT! Looking for the ultimate Norton V4 review? In this episode of the CanyonChasers Podcast, we sit down for an exclusive technical deep dive into the stunning new Norton V4 superbike. Fresh off the exclusive press launch in Spain, we break down everything you need to know about the legendary British brand’s newest 1200cc V4 engine platform and its striking, stripped-back "cyberpunk" aesthetic. Forget the hyper-aggressive track weapons built for racing—Norton has built the ultimate gentleman’s superbike. We analyze the engineering brilliance behind their 72-degree liquid-cooled V4 motor, the integration of premium Marzocchi adaptive suspension, and the incredible real-world street handling that sets this boutique British bike apart from the competition. From the custom top triple clamp design to the unique Knight Rider-inspired LED headlight startup sequence, discover why this hand-built premium motorcycle feels completely different in the flesh. Finally, we transition into a philosophical conversation on motorcycle track safety and risk management. Prompted by the start of the Isle of Man TT practice week , a recent club racing crash , and watching a 13-year-old nephew excel on the big track, we tackle the psychological side of riding. We discuss the dangers of adult riders constantly pressuring youth racers to chase lap times , the shift into a "flow state" or limbic system decision-making under stress , and why the most important goal for any rider should always be precision, safety, and having fun. 00:00 - Triumph Trident 660 & Entering the Motorcycle Giveaway 05:58 - Debunking Track Drama: Radial vs. Axial Mounted Brakes 08:24 - Inside a Global Press Launch: Spain, Embargos, and Airplanes 09:45 - The Heritage of Norton Motorcycles & TVS Financial Backing 13:47 - Aston Martin on Two Wheels: Testing the "Gentleman’s Superbike" 19:58 - Norton's Proprietary 72-Degree V4 Engine & Adaptive Suspension 24:48 - Reductive Cyberpunk Design & US Dealer Network Expansion 34:00 - Club Racing Crash Analysis: Risk vs. Consequence 35:20 - The Isle of Man TT & Decision Making in the "Flow State" 45:26 - Stop Chasing Lap Times: Protecting Youth Racers & New Riders 56:24 - Ride for Yourself: These Are the Good Old Days

    1h 14m
  6. High Character vs. Childish Fits: Emotional Toll in Catalunya, MotoGP

    May 19

    High Character vs. Childish Fits: Emotional Toll in Catalunya, MotoGP

    Was the 2026 Catalunya MotoGP the most chaotic, stressful, and controversial race of the season? In this episode, we break down the insane emotional toll of the Catalan GP, a race overshadowed by two massive red flags, horror crashes, and high-stakes garage drama. We dive straight into the terrifying Alex Marquez crash after Pedro Acosta's KTM suffered a sudden power loss, and the disturbing Turn 1 multi-bike collision that left Johann Zarco tangled in Pecco Bagnaia’s Ducati wheel. Plus, we analyze the post-race fallout: from Jorge Martin’s furious garage blow-up and sarcastic clapping after his collision with Raul Fernandez, to Pedro Acosta showing elite high character in his post-race interviews despite a brutal final-corner take-out by Ai Ogura. Beyond the trackside drama and Fabio Di Giannantonio’s hard-fought victory, we shift gears into the human brain. How do these young MotoGP riders manage extreme limbic system emotional triggers under pressure? We also dive deep into motorcycle engineering, explaining how a seamless transmission actually works, why track days demand a predictable mindset, and the logistical nightmare of flying internationally with Alpinestars Tech-Air airbag suits and TSA regulations. 00:00 - The Most Violent MotoGP Crash in Years? 01:03 - Alex Marquez & Johann Zarco Injury Updates 03:15 - Pedro Acosta's Defensive Masterclass & Last-Corner Heartbreak 04:21 - The Emotional Toll of MotoGP: High Character vs. Pitlane Tantrums 07:43 - Deconstructing Jorge Martin's Garage Blow-Up 09:21 - The Psychology of Riding: Limbic Brain vs. The Cortex 13:36 - Street Riding Strategy: Why You Should Aim to Be Invisible 17:33 - The Track Day Paradox: Why Being "Easy to Pass" is High Praise 19:28 - Tech Deep Dive: How Seamless Transmissions Actually Work 35:49 - Pneumatic Valves & Desmo Trickle-Down Tech 41:14 - Driving 15 Minutes Out of Seville: Racing in Spain 44:12 - First Look: The Reductive Design of the Secret New Norton 52:23 - The TSA Nightmare: A Complete Guide to Flying with Airbag Suits 01:02:42 - Wrapping Up & What’s Coming Next Week #MotoGP2026 #CatalunyaGP #MotorcycleTech Thumbnail photo credit; © Gold and Goose

    1h 6m
  7. Is Marc Marquez Finished? The TRUTH About His Injuries

    May 12

    Is Marc Marquez Finished? The TRUTH About His Injuries

    Marc Marquez retirement rumors, MotoGP injury updates, and the return of the legendary Norton V4 headline this episode. We dive deep into Marc Marquez’s latest crash, his struggle with radial nerve damage, and whether the "King of COTA" is finally finished. Plus, Dave reveals his "dream gig" traveling to Spain to test the ultra-exclusive Norton Manx. We also discuss motorcycle riding tips for tingling hands, our Triumph Trident 660 giveaway, and why even motor police are attending our advanced rider training. Chapters 00:00 When is it time to hang up the helmet? 03:19 The "fuzzy" front brake: Radial nerve damage explained 06:49 Rider Advice: How to fix numb hands and "shrimp" posture 09:32 The 7 Horsemen of Aging and staying strong for life 12:31 Building stability: Overcoming back pain and sciatica 16:11 GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT: Win our Triumph Trident 660! 19:45 Trident 660 vs. Honda CB650: A 60-year rivalry 24:35 Track School Recap: From cruisers to Ninja 500s 35:12 Teaching the Police: Why motor officers need track training 42:53 Could we see a "Sport Touring" specific training program? 47:21 Dream Gig: Heading to Spain to test the new Norton V4 51:57 Why exclusive "poster bikes" still matter for innovation 59:13 Special guests and what's coming next

    1h 2m
  8. Why Most Riders Fail When the "Edge of Grip" Finds Them

    May 9 ·  Bonus

    Why Most Riders Fail When the "Edge of Grip" Finds Them

    Master trail braking, understand motorcycle physics, and learn advanced riding techniques to stay safe when the "edge of grip" finds you. In this episode of The Braking Zone, Dave sits down with Chip, CEO of Yamaha Champions Riding School (YCRS), to challenge the dangerous "just slow down" safety myth. We break down the motorcycle control secrets of World Championship racers, including chassis geometry, tire load sensitivity, and cornering physics, and explain why these pro-level skills are even more critical for street riders facing unpredictable road conditions. Whether you want to improve your track day lap times or survive a Sunday canyon ride, this deep dive into motorcycle braking, body position, and traction management will change how you approach every corner. 00:00 – Meet the CEO of Yamaha Champions Riding School 01:57 – The Problem with Pedantic Training 03:47 – Psychological Cues: Braking when Nervous 06:14 – Overcoming the Fear of Corner Entry 15:20 – Why Rain is the Ultimate Teacher 19:57 – The Danger of "Just Slow Down" Advice 23:03 – Trail Braking: Not Just for the Racetrack 28:00 – The "Slowest Point" vs. The Apex 49:07 – The Truth About ABS and Cornering 56:48 – Priority One: Front Brake Control 01:04:31 – Analyzing Moto2 and MotoGP Telemetry

    1h 15m
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Join over a quarter-million subscribers as we bridge the gap between high-level engineering and real-world riding. Brian is a seasoned racer and engineer who dives deep into the technical "why" of motorcycle physics. Dave is a professional rider coach with 25 years of experience, and a moto-journalist, who specializes in simplifying those complex ideas into actionable street and track techniques. From MotoGP analysis to crash recovery, get the honest, expert advice you need to become a better, safer, and faster rider.

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