CanyonChasers Podcast // The Braking Zone

Enter to win the 2027 MotoGuzzi V85 TT at https://fanathem.com/canyonchasers We start by admitting they’re both Africa Twin nerds, and then the conversation wanders everywhere. A Ducati dealer tells us the Streetfighter V2 outsells the Panigale V2 about 3 to 1, and insurance quotes are a big reason why. We follow up on the Showa big piston fork that feels bottomless under hard braking, and dig into the air gap theory a viewer sent in. We also cover:

- Why triples confuse Dave, and how firing order changes an engine’s character

- Chinese ownership of Italian heritage brands, and the “pick two” problem with price, heritage and where a bike is built

- The MotoGP 850cc test and why those lap times need a big grain of salt

- Kalex ground effects in Moto2

- An energy-limited MotoGP thought experiment

- What’s wrong with bagger racing in MotoAmerica, and how a claiming rule could fix it

We close with Brian’s $8,000 a year insurance bill on a CBR600F4i at 17.

Tell us in the comments: what was your first bike, and what did it cost to insure?

0:00 We're both Africa Twin nerds

7:55 Honda's V3 and why triples confuse Dave

13:40 Chinese owners and Italian heritage brands

20:30 Big piston fork follow-up: the air gap theory

28:57 Nissin, Brembo and budget brakes

32:55 Why onboard footage is boring

41:40 MotoGP 2027: the 850cc test and Pirelli

48:23 Ground effects, aero rules and the V5 loophole

55:17 Thought experiment: energy-limited MotoGP

58:36 MotoE, Harley and fixing bagger racing

1:10:32 Streetfighter outsells Panigale 3 to 1

1:12:17 $8K a year to insure a CBR600F4i at 17

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/CanyonChasers

Enter to win the 2027 Moto Guzzi V85TT at https://fanathem.com/canyonchasers - MotoGP’s last weekend at Phillip Island ended without the race everyone wanted, so Dave and Brian go over what we did get: the Marquez vs Martin sprint fight, a wet qualifying lap from Marquez that looked like a different sport, Jack Miller’s sendoff, and Martin’s crash heading into Sepang.

After that, the conversation moves into bikes. Dave explains why tall-rounder adventure bikes like the Moto Guzzi V85 and the Africa Twin keep up with sport bikes in a technical canyon. That includes how modern rake, trail, offset and swingarm length get around the old tradeoffs, and how much work modern tires and IMU electronics are quietly doing. Then the insurance check game: if the Multistrada Pikes Peak got written off, what replaces it?

Next comes the naked superbike debate. If you had a blank check, which one goes in the garage: the KTM Super Duke, Aprilia Tuono, BMW S1000R, Speed Triple or the Streetfighter? That leads into engine configurations, Honda’s V3 rumors, and whether electric drivetrains turn gas engines into the new recreational horse.

We close with a talk about how riding schools teach. Why does the same lesson click when one instructor explains it and fall flat when another does? How do you spot snake oil riding advice? And why does the sport depend on everyone riding better?

Tell us in the comments: what naked bike would you buy, and what’s your favorite engine configuration?

Chapters

0:00 The last race at Phillip Island

1:54 Why MotoGP is leaving and the Adelaide street circuit

4:14 Sprint highlight: Marquez vs Martin

7:42 Next year: Acosta, Pirelli tires and the 850s

10:27 Marquez’s wet qualifying masterclass

11:56 Helmets, liveries and Jack Miller’s farewell

16:06 Martin’s injury and Sepang

18:21 The V85 giveaway bike and the case for tall-rounders

21:29 Modern geometry: rake, trail, offset and long swingarms

25:34 Electronics and tires doing the hidden work

28:06 If the Pikes Peak got written off, what replaces it?

33:13 Naked superbike shopping: Super Duke, Tuono, S1000R

45:43 The Speed Triple and the triple debate

49:25 Honda’s V3 and engine configurations

52:36 Electric vs gas: does the engine become the horse?

59:14 Riding schools and coaching language

1:04:58 Listen to the question: the motor officer example

1:10:37 Spotting snake oil riding advice

1:13:03 V85 giveaway details and wrap up

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/CanyonChasers

Enter to win the Moto Guzzi V85TT: https://fanathem.com/canyonchasers - Ducati’s factory team just ran away with the most dominant World Superbike season ever, and we think it exposes a bigger problem. When the Panigale V4 R is basically a GP bike you can buy for $50k, why would Yamaha, Kawasaki, or Honda spend millions to show up and lose? We dig into the tech that makes the Ducati so good (twin pulse firing order, counter-rotating crank, electronics that add rear brake mid-corner), why fuel flow limits haven’t slowed it down, and what we’d do with the series if it were up to us. Spoiler: more power, fewer rider aids, worse tires.

We also follow up on last week’s counter steering debate and the idea of putting a potentiometer on the steering head to see what the bars are actually doing. Then we get into single function forks, and I share a frustrating track day at Utah Motorsports Campus West where no setting I tried gave me any front end feel from the big piston fork.

And yes, there’s a brand new Moto Guzzi V85 in the studio. More on that below.

What should happen to World Superbike? Let us know in the comments.

0:00 Intro

0:17 First impressions of the new Moto Guzzi V85

9:22 Counter steering follow-up: your comments

17:04 Ducati's perfect WSBK season

22:30 Inside the Panigale V4 R

30:44 Is this the death of World Superbike?

42:40 What we'd do: more power, fewer aids, worse tires

49:56 BSB's 200hp cap and the 500cc two-stroke era

56:20 Single function forks explained

58:52 Track day: no feel from the big piston fork

1:07:00 Our techniques aren't tattooed on us

Enter to win the Moto Guzzi V85 TT at https://fanathem.com/canyonchasers - Dave spent the week at Barber Vintage Motorcycle Days riding Honda's new CB1000F alongside Freddie Spencer, the only rider to win the 250 and 500 world championships in the same season. We get into how Honda deliberately tuned character into this engine (mismatched velocity stacks for a two-tone intake note, offset cam timing, carburetor-style fueling), why Dave came away liking it more than expected after his long-term time on the Hornet SP, and what it actually takes to keep pace at a press launch on a bike and road you've never seen.

Then Freddie drops a bomb: he told Dave to try cornering without countersteering at all. We break down what countersteering really does, what "counter-countersteering" means on corner exit, and why universities are still trying to figure out how two-wheelers stay upright.

We also talk about the collapse of the big motorcycle magazines, what that means for how brands launch bikes now, and why YouTube's comment section is the best feedback loop a creator can ask for.

Plus a full Mandalika MotoGP recap: the smartest version of Marc Marquez we've ever seen, Aprilia's costly tire pressure mistake in the sprint, the turn one incident where a knee knocked a shifter into first gear, the "nobody wants to lead" standoff, and Marquez stalking Martin through Q2.

00:00 Intro

01:28 Riding Honda's CB1000F with Freddie Spencer

05:04 The retro styling: a Honda restomod

08:11 How Honda engineered character into the engine

15:02 Deep dive: intake and exhaust tuning

21:13 Ergonomics and the small press launch

24:27 Magazines are dying, creators step in

33:10 Riding with Freddie at Barber

39:11 Freddie's advice: stop countersteering

44:41 Countersteering and counter-countersteering explained

50:35 The science of bike stability

54:45 MotoGP Mandalika recap

1:06:16 The tire pressure rule problem

1:12:31 Marquez stalks Martin in Q2

1:14:55 Giveaway bike and outro

#freddiespencer #CB1000F #countersteering

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

We are completely all over the map in today’s episode, balancing heavy dose ADHD energy with some deep-dive motorcycle nerdery! First, we unpack the absolute chaos shaking up the MotoGP paddock. From Ai Ogura’s historic, emotional victory as the first Japanese rider to win in the dry in over 20 years , to the mind-boggling news that Pecco Bagnaia turned down a massive $10 million contract with Yamaha to sign a 4-year factory deal with Aprilia. We also look at Jorge Martín's genuine shock over how completely different the Aprilia chassis handles compared to his previous rides , and we debate a wild fan conspiracy theory: Has Yamaha secretly been running an 850cc bike all season?

Beyond the track, we dive deep into the garage. We discuss a hidden factory maintenance rule that mandates replacing your rubber brake lines every four years , and why unique firing orders mean a Ducati Panigale full exhaust system costs up to $8,000 compared to a $4,000 Aprilia setup. Finally, we share exclusive details on the ultra-rare KTM 990 Track bike landing in the US and look to the community to help us pick our next giveaway bike under $10,000!

Timestamps & Chapters

00:00 - Ripping defeat from the jaws of victory & Ai Ogura's emotional, historic win.

01:55 - Deconstructing Bezzecchi’s Assen crash & Aprilia's aerodynamic downforce threshold.

04:49 - A historically tight championship standings & Pedro Acosta’s battle with carpal tunnel.

06:46 - Trackhouse racing's phenomenal 1-2 sprint weekend & Raul Fernandez's contract leverage.

08:59 - Pecco Bagnaia leaves Ducati: Turning down $10M from Yamaha for a 4-year Aprilia seat.

13:16 - Marc Marquez's retirement timeline & Jorge Martín’s mind-blowing first impressions of the Aprilia.

16:32 - Eurosport demo days: Why the upright Aprilia RS660 is outselling the V4 by a massive 5-to-1 ratio.

22:32 - The modern reality of motorcycle reliability vs. the "Big Four" Japanese bias.

26:10 - The 4-year rubber brake line rule & navigating boiled fluid past catalytic converters.

32:43 - The toothbrush trick for cleaning brake calipers & the rebuildable Brembo Mark II master cylinder.

38:43 - Exhaust dyno shootouts: Why full race systems barely change a BMW but unleash a Panigale V4.

44:14 - Firing orders, 70-degree pin offsets, and the manic "machine gun" feel of a KTM V-twin.

51:12 - Factory weapons: The 25 ultra-rare KTM 990 Track bikes coming to the US & Norton's Atlas GT.

54:35 - The BMW GS "SUV of motorcycles" & the conspiracy behind Toprak's 850cc Yamaha test times.

01:01:33 - Help us pick our next under-$10K giveaway bike: RC51, R nineT, or Honda 1000?

Help Us Pick the Next Giveaway Bike!

Our Triumph giveaway didn't lose money, which means we get to do it all over again! We are looking closely at a budget under $10,000. Should we hunt down a tidy BMW R nineT GS , a square-bike classic Honda 1000 with a single-sided swingarm , an Aprilia 660 , or a legendary, clean Honda RC51? Let us know what you want to see in the garage next!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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