MotoGP just introduced a new “stability control” rule, but is it about rider safety or manufacturer politics? In this episode, we break down what it really means, who benefits, and whether it changes the sport forever.

We’ll also cover:

• Marquez’s insane control at Spielberg
• Why Bagnaia still can’t get it together
• KTM’s resurgence on home soil
• Explosive Ducati drama
• Classic rivalries: Rossi, Stoner, and Marquez
• The new Stability Control Rule
• Nuances of ABS and Traction Control
• Bagger Racing in MotoGP

Whether you’re a MotoGP die-hard or just trying to make sense of the headlines, this is your breakdown of what’s REALLY happening behind the scenes.

Quiet silly season? Kinda. Dave and Brian dig into the few real MotoGP seat moves (Miller, Oliveira, Zarco, Morbidelli), the sponsor politics, and why 2026–27 will flip the table. Then we veer delightfully off-script into design/aero (bounding-box rules, dirty air), BMW/KTM rumors, and finish with a mini masterclass on front-tire grip, trail braking, fork depth, and why you cover the lever with two fingers. Grab a coffee and ride with us.

Chapters:

0:00 – Intros: Dave & Brian set the table. 

0:41 – Why this year’s silly season is quiet (contract sync). 

11:55 – 2027 changes: Pirelli tires, no ride-height/launch devices, 850cc. 

12:24 – Bounding-box aero limits & Yamaha’s V4 packaging angle. 

14:13 – Dirty air & safety concerns from aero wakes. 

15:04 – “What would you change today?” → kill ride-height, reduce aero. 

23:16 – Prettiest MotoGP bike? Yamaha/Honda tail-discussion. 

42:18 – Contact patch 101: why braking grows it (and how). 

43:34 – Hard braking → maintaining fork depth into lean. 

44:54 – Why trail braking prevents underloaded-front crashes. 

55:21 – Wrap-up + calls to comment/subscribe. 

MotoGP 2025 is halfway through, and it’s not just Marc Marquez making headlines. In this episode of The Braking Zone, we break down the underdogs who are surprising everyone. Riders like Zarco, Quartararo, and even Pecco are rewriting the narrative. From satellite bikes outperforming factories, to champions showing cracks, we dive into who’s really overachieving, who’s quietly falling off, and why it’s all way more complicated than the podium shows. Whether you’re a hardcore MotoGP fan or just catching up, this mid-season breakdown will give you a fresh perspective on who’s actually crushing it.

• 00:00 – Welcome and intro
• 01:02 – Who’s impressed you the most this season?
• 03:30 – Bezzecchi’s breakout performance
• 05:01 – Pecco’s quiet pressure and mental game
• 10:02 – Is Luca Marini a better test rider than racer?
• 15:04 – Quartararo’s raw talent vs. team feedback
• 20:05 – Riders who may be out of their depth
• 25:05 – The path to development success
• 30:05 – Thoughts on Bruno and missed rider potential
• 35:06 – Hitting apexes under pressure
• 40:09 – Toprak, teams, and next-gen potential
• 45:16 – What personality matters in the paddock
• 50:16 – Engine braking vs. rider input
• 55:18 – Confidence, and past performances
• 60:19 – DCT quirks and wrap-up thoughts
• 63:32 – Who we are and thanks for watching

In this episode, Dave and Brian dive deep into the current MotoGP season and ask the big question: Can anyone stop Marc Marquez? With five perfect weekends and a massive points lead, the championship may already be decided. We also unpack Jorge Martin’s rocky return, Quartararo’s future, and whether Aprilia is quietly catching Ducati. Plus, we talk dream bikes, the new F1 movie, and which motorcycle events are still worth traveling the world for.

• 00:00 – Introductions & MotoGP Catch-Up
01:49 – Marquez’s Insane Dominance
• 04:20 – Ducati vs Aprilia: Who’s Really Winning?
• 08:27 – Jorge Martin & The Mental Game
• 11:12 – Who’s Next? Quartararo, Martin, Acosta
• 14:01 – The Future of MotoGP
• 19:09 – Broken Ladders: Moto2’s Flaws
• 25:34 – The F1 Movie & Real Racing Emotion
• 28:41 – Dream Bikes & Garage Fantasies
• 44:07 – Lost Motorcycle Culture & Bucket List Races

We didn’t expect to bring this podcast back. But after so many of you reached out asking for more, and with everything happening in MotoGP and the riding world right now, it was time.

In this episode, Dave and Brian talk about why the podcast went away, what finally pushed them to bring it back, and what’s changed both on track and off. From real-world crashes to MotoGP drama, sprint races, and riding psychology, this is the reset episode that lays the groundwork for what’s next.

Topics we cover:

• Why we stepped away and what changed

• Marc Marquez signs with Gresini and the paddock scramble that followed

• Liberty Media buying MotoGP

• The sprint race format and whether it’s broken

• What fear actually is and how to use it

• Why good riders still crash

• What’s coming next for the show

We’re keeping the format loose, honest, and focused on the kind of conversations riders are already having in the paddock, at the track, and over a beer. Thanks for sticking with us.

Let us know what you want to hear next. Your questions and feedback shape this show.

Three exciting topics. Confused about trail braking? Throttle on or off? This video breaks down the common misconceptions and reveals the proper technique for smooth, confident cornering. Next: Survive winter rider's rage! Tips and tricks to keep your sanity (and your bike) healthy until spring. And finally: Is avoiding bad weather holding back your riding skills?

With over 15 years of experience in industrial design, Greg Tada is a passionate and enthusiastic designer who has worked with some of the biggest names in the motorcycle world, including Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Kawasaki, Indian, and Suzuki. Greg's expertise in design, technical thinking, and in-depth industry knowledge, combined with his diverse global background working with cross-cultural teams, have made him a sought-after designer in the motorcycle industry. He has led the design on several groundbreaking models, including the Aprilia Tuono 660, the Ninja 650 and the Indian Challenger, and has contributed to the development of numerous other models across multiple segments, including motorcycles, side-by-sides, snowmobiles, EVs, and 3-wheelers. With his ability to turn his creative ideas into reality, Greg has earned a reputation as an innovator and trendsetter in the industry. His work has helped shape the future of some of the most iconic motorcycle brands, and his passion for mentoring younger designers and running internship programs shows his dedication to the next generation of designers. So, whether you're a motorcycle enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates good design, you won't want to miss the chance to learn from one of the best in the business. Join us as we take a ride with Greg Tada and explore the thrilling world of motorcycle design!