CanyonChasers Podcast // The Braking Zone

Dave and Brian
  • 5.0 (7)
  • 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. The 20 MPH Brain: MotoGP Aero Evolution and the Science of Recovery

    21H AGO

    The 20 MPH Brain: MotoGP Aero Evolution and the Science of Recovery

    In this episode, Dave and Brian analyze the drama of the Sepang tests, covering everything from Ducati's sophisticated aero packages to Yamaha's alarming engine reliability problems. They also explore the psychology of riding, specifically how to rebuild confidence after a crash by understanding our evolutionary limits. 00:00 - Sepang Test Drama & Aero Evolution An overview of a non-boring test session filled with pain, drama, and unexpected outcomes.  04:09 - Why Motorcycle Aero is More Complex Than F1 Comparing motorcycle fluid dynamics to Formula One, highlighting how the rider's dynamic movement makes motorcycle aero vastly more complicated.  07:01 - Aprilia’s "Hedgehog" Tail Section Analyzing the multiple wing surfaces designed to clean up turbulent air behind the rider for better stability and reduced drag.  11:11 - KTM’s Minimalist Fairing Strategy Why KTM is reducing the upper fairing to let the rider's body posture have a more direct impact on aerodynamic performance.  15:47 - Honda’s Progress & Yamaha’s Engine Crisis Honda shows improved turning and top speed, while Yamaha struggles with sensor failures, emergency stops, and detuned maps.  22:44 - Toprak Razgatlıoğlu’s Transition Challenges A look at why the WorldSBK star is struggling to wrap his head around MotoGP tires and the high-downforce Yamaha V4.  28:04 - The 2027 Rider Market & The Marquez Domino Speculation on Peco Bagnaia's future, rider contracts, and how Marc Marquez remains the key domino for the entire grid.  39:11 - Analyzing the GP26 "Frankenstein" How Ducati combined the best parts of the 2024 and 2025 bikes to create the GP26, featuring an extreme new ride height device.  43:37 - Pirelli Tires & the Performance Window The shift toward developing tires that prioritize performance within a safety window without needing minimum pressure limits.  48:07 - Recovery Psychology & The 20 MPH Brain A deep dive into regaining confidence after a crash, acknowledging our biological limit of 20 mph, and the mental discipline required to override survival instincts.  #MotoGP2026 #SepangTest #AeroWars #DucatiCorse #YamahaV4 #GroundEffect

    1h 7m
  2. What is Yamaha Hiding Under This Cover?

    FEB 4

    What is Yamaha Hiding Under This Cover?

    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

    1h 10m
  3. Nothing about the 2026 MotoGP Reveals were Accidental (Probably)

    JAN 28

    Nothing about the 2026 MotoGP Reveals were Accidental (Probably)

    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.

    1h 7m
  4. Airbags Are The Biggest Safety Upgrade Since Helmets. Alpinestars Explains

    JAN 22

    Airbags Are The Biggest Safety Upgrade Since Helmets. Alpinestars Explains

    We sit down with Danielle Crawford 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

    1h 3m
  5. MotoGP 2026 Predictions: The Rider Shuffle, and a Mechanical Grip Rabbit Hole

    JAN 7

    MotoGP 2026 Predictions: The Rider Shuffle, and a Mechanical Grip Rabbit Hole

    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

    1h 10m
  6. Motorcycle Suspension Explained by one of the Best Tuners in the Country

    JAN 1

    Motorcycle Suspension Explained by one of the Best Tuners in the Country

    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/

    53 min
  7. Winter Motorcycle Maintenance Myths That Are Quietly Destroying Your Bike

    12/23/2025

    Winter Motorcycle Maintenance Myths That Are Quietly Destroying Your Bike

    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.

    1h 5m
  8. We Rank the Most Underrated, Overhyped, and Shockingly Brilliant Bikes of 2025

    12/10/2025

    We Rank the Most Underrated, Overhyped, and Shockingly Brilliant Bikes of 2025

    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.

    1h 11m
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About

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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