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 Impressions

03:20 – Pirelli vs Michelin: Bulaga’s Transition

09:00 – How Tire Design Changes Braking and Feel

14:00 – The Single Tire Rule and MotoGP Politics

20:00 – Understanding Front Tire Pressure and Heat Cycles

33:00 – Street Tire Myths and Modern Technology

45:00 – How to Feel Grip: Developing Tire Feedback

55:00 – Riding Technique, Bar Setup, and Front-End Confidence