CanyonChasers Podcast // The Braking Zone

Mitch Boehm is arguably one of the most influential figures in motorcycling that you’ve never heard of. In this episode of The Braking Zone, we sit down with the man who led the development of the iconic Honda CBR600 F2 and later risked a $200,000 advertising fallout to publish the truth about motorcycle helmet safety standards.Mitch takes us behind the curtain of Honda R&D during the golden era of the 1990s , explaining how a 750cc prototype secretly evolved into the game-changing CBR900RR. We also dive into his legendary career in motorcycle journalism, from the "adrenaline crazed punks" era at Motorcyclist magazine to the high-stakes "Blowing the Lid Off" helmet exposé that forever changed global safety certifications.Malcolm! The Autobiography: https://amzn.to/4tZnaZM00:00 - Meeting the Last Magazine Editor 01:10 - Why the AMA Still Matters Today 03:55 - The Golden Era of Motorcycle Magazines 08:15 - The $200k Helmet Safety Scandal 10:35 - How One Article Changed Global Standards 14:20 - Integrity vs. Advertisers: The Buell Incident 18:15 - Inside Honda R&D: Developing the CBR600 21:20 - The Secret Origin of the Honda CBR900RR 23:30 - Testing Early ABS at 80mph in the Water 25:50 - The Rise and Fall of Magazine Empires 29:05 - Best Racetracks in the World: Laguna Seca & Suzuka 33:25 - Racing "Venture Royale" Tourers for Fun 35:30 - Close Calls at 125mph on Public Roads 38:45 - The Famous "Drunk Tank" Riding Experiment 47:25 - Capturing the Legend of Malcolm Smith #MotorcycleHistory #HondaCBR #MotorcycleSafety

Is the $30,000 flagship motorcycle a lie? In this episode of the CanyonChasers podcast, Dave and Brian discuss why middleweight motorcycles are taking over the market and why the industry focus on halo bikes is failing the next generation of riders. They break down the terrifying statistics regarding the aging rider demographic and the financial barriers preventing younger people from entering the sport.The conversation shifts to the alarming trend of public racetracks like COTA and Willow Springs going private or being sold for real estate. They explain why participating in local track days is the only way to save these facilities from becoming billionaire playthings. They also introduce the Steamroller Theory for choosing your next bike and provide a detailed breakdown of 2027 MotoGP rider market predictions.Whether you are deciding between a base model and an S version or wondering about the future of 850cc racing, this episode provides the honest, critical feedback you need to understand where motorcycling is headed in 2026.00:00 The Middleweight Revolution 05:35 Is a $30,000 flagship twice as fun? 14:12 The Steamroller Supposition21:12 The curse of the "irreplaceable" motorcycle 26:12 The Racetrack Ownership Crisis: COTA goes private 33:12 How to save your local track from the Billionaires 39:43 MotoGP 2027 Rider Market Predictions 01:06:44 Should World Superbike switch to naked bikes? 

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

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

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.

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

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

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/

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.

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.

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 You1:12:20 – Viewer Appreciation & Closing Thoughts

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 chaos08:00 Ducati and Aprilia rise, Yamaha and Honda struggle, concessions talk24:50 Yamaha V4 plans and what testing times really mean35:06 Viewer Question56:18 EICMA New Bike HighlightsSpecial edition MM93 Camera: https://store.insta360.com/product/x5?c=6369?utm_term=INR5D9M

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 Impressions03:20 – Pirelli vs Michelin: Bulaga’s Transition09:00 – How Tire Design Changes Braking and Feel14:00 – The Single Tire Rule and MotoGP Politics20:00 – Understanding Front Tire Pressure and Heat Cycles33:00 – Street Tire Myths and Modern Technology45:00 – How to Feel Grip: Developing Tire Feedback55:00 – Riding Technique, Bar Setup, and Front-End Confidence

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

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 TakeoverDiscussion 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 StageBobby 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 ResurrectionPreview 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 MysteryDeep 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 InnovationWide-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 MachinesClosing 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.