CanyonChasers Podcast // The Braking Zone

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)