CanyonChasers Podcast // The Braking Zone

Dave and Brian
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Automotive
  • Updated Weekly

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. 8h ago

    "Brake to the Apex" Is Bad Advice (And MotoGP Proves It)

    Motegi wasn't an exciting weekend, but it was a fascinating one. A brand new track surface, a Michelin rear tire that came apart in the sprint, and a hard-carcass "safety tire" that not one rider mounted until Sunday warm up, which turned out to be the tire they should have been on all weekend. Dave and Brian dig into why that happened, how Marc Marquez played cat and mouse with Jorge Martin in the Grand Prix, and what the on-screen rider data shows about how the fastest riders in the world really enter a corner. That leads into a full riding breakdown: what "brake to the apex" really means, how trail braking trades brake pressure for lean angle, why you want the fork to stay loaded at tip-in, when to pick the throttle back up, and where your eyes should be the whole time. It all applies on the street as much as the track. We wrap up with MotoGP's plan to add a Friday sprint qualifying session next year, why we think it's about selling Friday tickets and will cost riders, and Brian's idea for a better way to set the grid. CHAPTERS 0:00 Welcome back 2:07 Motegi preview and the championship fight 4:28 New surface and Michelin's tire gamble 6:05 Sprint: first-lap crash and Martin's shredded tire 12:51 The hard tire nobody tried 18:28 Grand Prix: Marquez's cat and mouse with Martin 24:17 Why MotoGP gets better the more you know 29:39 Riding tip: do you really brake to the apex? 38:03 Anatomy of a corner: braking, tip-in, throttle 43:37 Vision, and using track skills on the street 50:10 MotoGP's new Friday sprint qualifying 59:32 Brian's fix for the sprint grid 1:00:54 Dave's Moto Guzzi video Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/CanyonChasers

    "Brake to the Apex" Is Bad Advice (And MotoGP Proves It)

  2. Sep 29

    Old vs New Ducati Panigale V2 Back to Back: Did Ducati Ruin It?

    There's a new bike in the garage: a 2021 Ducati Panigale V2, bought to replace an Aprilia RSV4 Factory as a club race bike. We talk about the first track days on a completely bone stock V2 (slicks only), what the Showa Big Piston Fork does well on the brakes and where it falls apart mid-corner, and why racers ditch BPF internals for cartridges. Then the good part: riding the old 955 V2 and the new 890 V2 back to back on the same track, same day. The new bike has less power, a double-sided swingarm, and a very different personality. On paper it looks like a step backward. On track and on the street, it might be the better bike for most riders. We also get into why club racing is worth it, whether 155 hp belongs in a middleweight class, Honda's electric-supercharged V3, the unforgivable sin of Honda never building a production V5, a Discovery Channel show that led to an Air Force career in metalworking, and an update on Frunk the cat. 0:00 The new bike: 2021 Ducati Panigale V2 1:09 Why leave the Aprilia RSV4 Factory? 3:31 First track days, bone stock 6:25 Big Piston Forks: great braking, vague mid-corner 17:28 Engine, frame, and the single-sided swingarm 28:00 Old V2 vs new V2 back to back 38:48 The new V2 should have been called a SuperSport 40:53 Will he race it? A love letter to club racing 51:26 Honda's V3 and shifting a twin 59:27 Paint plans and a Discovery Channel origin story 1:04:21 Honda's missing V5, EICMA, and a Triple R wish 1:09:51 Frunk the cat #PanigaleV2 #Ducati #CanyonChasers

    Old vs New Ducati Panigale V2 Back to Back: Did Ducati Ruin It?

  3. Sep 23

    Royal Enfield Is What Harley Buyers Think They're Buying

    Royal Enfield might be the heritage motorcycle Harley buyers think they're getting, and after 800 miles of Route 66 on a Classic 650, Dave has thoughts. The CanyonChasers Podcast is back. In this episode: riding Route 66 from Tulsa to Albuquerque on the Royal Enfield Classic 650 125th anniversary special edition, why Route 66 towns are fading, and why Royal Enfield is built in India. Then a trip to Mandello del Lario for Moto Guzzi's 105th anniversary: the parade, the new factory, running into Max Biaggi, and riding a Stelvio and V85 TT around Lake Como. Along the way: why motorcycle dealerships have to become community hubs to survive, why forums built better motorcycle culture than social media, a flat track racer driving the chase van, the one-bike quiver debate, and a Jimmy Wood story about secret weighted flat track wheels. 00:00 We're back 01:07 Track day and the one-bike quiver 03:35 Route 66 on a Royal Enfield 07:18 Royal Enfield vs Harley: real heritage 08:35 Why Royal Enfield is built in India 13:35 The future of motorcycle dealerships 18:09 Why Royal Enfield has a cult following 20:28 Flat trackers and the Jimmy Wood story 25:57 Moto Guzzi's 105th and meeting Max Biaggi 31:57 Lake Como: Stelvio or V85 TT? 35:30 Brand tribes and the motorcycle wave Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/CanyonChasers

    Royal Enfield Is What Harley Buyers Think They're Buying

  4. Aug 25

    We Tested the KTM 990 RC R Track vs Street: Is One of These Our Next Track Bike?

    Enter to win the Ducati Monster Plus at https://fanathem.com/canyonchasers Are parallel twins taking over on the track, or is there still no replacement for open-class power? In this episode, we compare the street and track-only versions of the rare KTM 990 RC R. We test how its unique 1,481 mm wheelbase and aggressive rake alter cornering stability, contrast the street bike's wide TFT dash with the streamlined track layout, and break down why the race-prepped version feels so radically different out of the crate. Plus, as Brian looks to transition away from our Aprilia RSV4 track bike, we evaluate our top contenders—including the BMW S1000RR, Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, and Ducati Panigale V2. To wrap up, we share real-world feedback on the Bridgestone S23 tires after pushing them through the canyons. What you'll learn in this episode:KTM 990 RC R Street vs. Track: How suspension travel, mapping, direct brake lines, and clip-on ergonomics completely transform the track model. Chassis Dynamics: Why a long wheelbase paired with steep rake geometry creates high-speed stability without losing sharp turn-in. Choosing the Next Track Bike: The pros, cons, and costs of open-class power versus lightweight middleweight agility. Real-World Tire Performance: Breakdown of the Bridgestone S23 vs. Pirelli Rosso IV on high-torque street bikes. Chapters 00:00 - Intro & Childhood Motorcycle Memories 03:40 - Re-Introductions & YouTube Backstory 05:25 - Ducati Monster Giveaway Update 07:44 - Replacing the Aprilia RSV4 Race Bike 11:20 - Litre Bike Contenders: BMW S1000RR & Honda Fireblade 15:00 - The Case for Middleweights & Ducati Panigale V2 20:55 - Introduction to the KTM 990 RC R 24:35 - KTM 990 RC R Street Ride Impressions 36:39 - KTM 990 RC R Track Model Test Ride 44:00 - Exhaust Tuning, Suspension & Ergonomics 48:44 - Chassis Physics: Long Wheelbase Handling Explained 56:15 - Clip-Ons vs. High Bars on Track Days 01:00:00 - Canyon Rides & Bridgestone S23 Tire Review Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/CanyonChasers

  5. Aug 18

    The ULTIMATE Motorcycle Tire Guide (Pirelli vs Dunlop vs Bridgestone vs Michelin)

    Enter to win this incredible Ducati Monster: https://fanathem.com/canyonchasers In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about motorcycle tires, comparing Pirelli, Dunlop, Bridgestone, and Michelin. We dive into why Pirelli uses soft carcass construction while Dunlop and Bridgestone rely on stiffer carcasses, how altitude changes affect your tire gauge pressure, and how to properly manage heat cycles on track day slicks. We also explore why designing a single motorcycle headlight costs $1 million to pass NHTSA approval, discuss the significance of the last Desmodromic Ducati Monster, and analyze the MotoGP round at Silverstone. Video Chapters00:00 - Moto YouTuber Schedules & EICMA Prep 02:33 - The Last Desmo Ducati Monster 05:10 - Why Motorcycle Headlights Cost $1 Million to Approve 09:52 - MotoGP Silverstone Recap & Tire Pressure Drama 15:09 - Maverick Vinales & Moto2 Race Breakdown 20:36 - Major Tire Brands Comparison Overview 23:23 - Michelin: Wet Performance & V-Profile Characteristics 27:23 - Bridgestone: Stiff Carcass & Front-End Grip 34:42 - Pirelli: Soft Carcasses & Forgiving Pressure Windows 48:42 - Dunlop: Pointy Front Profiles & High-Pressure Setup 01:01:58 - Can You Mismatch Front and Rear Tire Brands? 01:05:42 - Heat Cycling, Tire Warmers, & Slicks Longevity 01:09:11 - Tire Pressure Masterclass: Elevation Effects & The 10% Rule Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/CanyonChasers

    The ULTIMATE Motorcycle Tire Guide (Pirelli vs Dunlop vs Bridgestone vs Michelin)

  6. Aug 4

    Did Marc Marquez Really Ruin Honda (and Now Ducati)? Engineering vs. Rider Talent

    Enter for a chance to win our 2024 Ducati Monster Plus: https://fanathem.com/canyonchasers We’re back to talk all things motorcycle racing, tech, and riding culture! We kick off with Dave finally taking his dialed-in bike out for a real ride. Then, we dive into the latest MotoGP silly season rumors surrounding Jack Miller’s potential move to World Superbike. From there, we take a deep dive into the state of motorcycle racing: How to fix World Superbike and MotoAmerica Why British Superbike (BSB) electronics-free rules create superior racing How modern tire technology allows Moto2 bikes to beat 2006 MotoGP lap times What to expect with the 2027 850cc MotoGP regulations reset Debunking the myth that Marc Marquez "ruined" Honda How would YOU fix World Superbike or MotoAmerica? Let us know in the comments below! Don't forget to like and subscribe for more motorcycle chatter every week! YouTube Chapters 00:00 - Catching Up & Dave’s Bike Setup 06:48 - MotoGP News: Jack Miller’s World Superbike Rumors 11:27 - How to Fix World Superbike & MotoAmerica 28:36 - Why British Superbike (BSB) Rules Get It Right 34:18 - Are Tires the Secret to Modern Lap Times? (Moto2 vs 2006 MotoGP) 53:18 - Comparing Tire Brands, Heat Cycles & Grip 01:03:40 - The 2027 MotoGP Regulation Reset & Engineering vs. Riders 01:12:08 - Did Marc Marquez Really Ruin Honda? 01:19:54 - Outro & What’s Next Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/CanyonChasers

    Did Marc Marquez Really Ruin Honda (and Now Ducati)? Engineering vs. Rider Talent

  7. Jul 28

    STOP Buying Gore-Tex! (Iceland Test) + 2027 MotoGP Grid Chaos

    We're back from our summer break with a packed show! We start off with a deep dive into an epic riding trip through Iceland aboard the Norton Atlas. Why should you skip expensive Gore-Tex for gear like Alpinestars Drystar? We put waterproof ratings to the ultimate test in soggy North Atlantic weather. Plus, we discuss the brutal reality of dealership floor-space requirements keeping boutique bikes like Norton off showroom floors, and how CFMoto exploited a genius World Superbike homologation loophole. Then, we shift gears into complete 2027 MotoGP "Silly Season" chaos! We break down every major team move and rumor on the grid: Marc Marquez & Pedro Acosta joining forces at Ducati Lenovo Fabio Quartararo’s shock jump to Honda The stark contrast in riding styles between Jorge Martin and Ai Ogura at Yamaha Why Moto2 leader Manu Gonzalez might be robbed of a MotoGP seat due to passport politics What's next for Jack Miller, Maverick Viñales, and Brad Binder Video Chapters00:00 - We’re Back! (And Yellowstone Remote Fail) 01:10 - Riding the Norton Atlas in Iceland 02:50 - STOP Buying Gore-Tex! (Alpinestars Drystar Iceland Test) 05:14 - Norton Atlas Engine & Styling Breakdown 12:15 - The Real Reason You Can't Buy a Norton in America (Dealership Floor Space) 19:25 - Modern Sportbike Aesthetics vs. Classic Design 24:20 - CFMoto’s Genius WorldSBK Exhaust Loophole 29:20 - 2027 MotoGP Silly Season Grid Breakdown Begins 31:18 - Ducati Lenovo & Aprilia: Marquez, Acosta, Bagnaia & Bezzecchi 34:40 - Factory KTM: Alex Marquez & Di Giannantonio Jump Ship 38:00 - Factory Honda: Quartararo, David Alonso & Diogo Moreira 41:35 - Factory Yamaha: Jorge Martin vs. Ai Ogura (Aggressive vs. Smooth) 45:10 - VR46, Gresini & Trackhouse: Aldeguer, Bulega, Mir & Bastianini 51:10 - Tech3, LCR & Pramac Yamaha Updates 54:40 - Who’s OUT? Miller, Viñales & The Manu Gonzalez Injustice 59:00 - Why Japanese & American Brands Struggle to Adapt Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/CanyonChasers📨 Join our email list: https://www.canyonchasers.net/email/☕️ Buy me a Coffee; https://ko-fi.com/canyonchasers💬 Join our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/MrFMKFVBAH

    STOP Buying Gore-Tex! (Iceland Test) + 2027 MotoGP Grid Chaos

  8. Jul 14

    Is MotoGP About to Get Boring? + Why I’m Done With Gore-Tex Gear

    We dive headfirst into the chaotic waters of the MotoGP rider market and question whether upcoming technical rule changes—specifically the banning of front ride-height devices—are going to completely ruin the opening-lap action we all love. But first, Dave is packing his bags for a brutal weather forecast in Iceland, where he’ll be riding the highly anticipated Norton Atlas across black sand beaches. This trip serves as the ultimate real-world test for his latest gear configuration, sparking a deep dive into why he’s officially over Gore-Tex waterproofing membranes and what he’s using instead. We also break down the fallout from the Sachsenring, look at why Trackhouse is out-performing the factory squads, dissect Fabio Di Giannantonio’s Saturday night aero disaster, and look back at the historical design DNA of the original Ducati Multistrada. Chapters 00:00 – Trident Winner Announced & The Dirtiest Giveaway Bike Ever 01:55 – Heading to Iceland: The Brutal Reality of Video Embargos 08:13 – What is the Norton Atlas? (OG Ducati Multistrada DNA) 11:28 – Why I’m Done With Gore-Tex Gear (Testing Waterproof Membranes) 13:44 – MotoGP Silly Season: The Shocking 2027 Rider Market Chaos 15:27 – Sachsenring Breakdown: Losing the Front & The Tight Title Race 18:38 – Trackhouse Culture vs. Factory Teams 20:05 – VR46’s Saturday Night Aero Disaster: The Diggia Crash Analysis 22:06 – Morbidelli’s Penalty Streak & Alex Marquez to Factory KTM? 25:02 – Gresini’s Epic Retro Movistar Throwback Livery 27:20 – The Moto2 Pirelli Advantage Entering MotoGP 30:18 – Are MotoGP Starts About to Get Boring? (Ride-Height Device Ban)

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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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