Matthew Skwarczek started blogging in 2015 and focuses his writing on motorcycles and engineering science. A graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned his Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Matthew served as an applications engineer for BASF before joining MotorBiscuit in 2019.
In Matthew’s words, the visceral nature of riding requires you to be in the moment. Combined with his fascination in the analytics surrounding the building and designing of cars and bikes, both modern and classic, you’ll find his voice blends functionality and phenomena. He rides motorcycles and bicycles often, photographing them as well.
Matthew has contributed to Oppositelock and is now an alumnus. He plays Dungeons & Dragons and reads sci-fi and fantasy in his spare time, and appreciates the works of Peter Egan, Sam Smith, Brandon Sanderson, and Alex Goy.
SEMA isn’t only about aftermarket companies and crazy modifications. Sometimes, displays at the show turn into vehicles people can buy straight from the factory. A few years ago, Chevrolet teamed up with work-apparel company (and also Michigan-based) Carhartt to create a concept based on the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. Now, at this year’s SEMA, a new …
Being based on the iconic Jeep Wrangler, the Jeep Gladiator pickup has serious off-road capability. But the truck’s Wrangler roots don’t just allow it to rock-crawl. It also makes it easier for Jeep to introduce new options. If the Wrangler can have it, the Gladiator most likely can, too. For example, the Gladiator diesel option …
The Ram 1500 Classic may be based on an older version of the current Ram 1500, but it still enjoys a healthy popularity. Even with a more affordable base cost, trim options like the Warlock Mojave Sand package mean customers shouldn’t feel cheapened out. Ram has actually extended the truck’s production to meet demand. But …
Even though 2020 isn’t even here yet, vehicle production schedules mean 2021 models are already out testing. One of these is the 2021 Ford F-150. Camouflaged test mules have already been spotted, and a proposed design rendered, but few concrete details have emerged. However, Motor1 recently obtained some new spy photos, courtesy of a reader. …
The current Nissan Frontier may be old enough to have played the original Final Fantasy VII, but it’s a surprisingly popular, dependable mid-size pickup. It’s also one of the few trucks that still offer a manual transmission. Nissan recently announced that the next year would bring an updated Frontier. But for this year’s SEMA, Nissan …
Although the Nissan Titan has received a few changes for 2020—both in features and sales strategy—what hasn’t changed is the pickup’s factory support. Nissan has a dedicated Titan fanbase, and like other pickup fans, they like to personalize their trucks. At this year’s SEMA show, Nissan unveiled a range of factory accessories for the updated …
Pickup trucks are usually bought for utility. That’s especially important for farmers or owners working outside the city. But truck ownership is also about personalization. Making it your own because you enjoy it. That’s a mentality truck YouTuber WhistlinDiesel clearly wholeheartedly embraces. Which explains why he turned his GMC Sierra into a stripped-down diesel-powered off-road …
Part of the Jeep Gladiator’s and Wrangler’s appeal is the ability to drop the doors and roof to let the sun and wind in. There’s plenty of both at the Miami Auto Show. To commemorate the city, and its famous ‘305’ area code, Jeep is bringing something special to the show. It’s a special, Miami-themed, …
Nowadays, the idea of making a high-performance pickup is normal. Manufacturers offer trucks like the F-150 Raptor and Ram Rebel TRX with a factory warranty. And if the speed still seems insufficient, tuners like Hennessey Performance step in. But 30 years ago, that wasn’t the case. Trucks offered large and powerful (for the time) engines, …
Many automakers offer their pickup trucks in off-road expedition spec. Chevrolet has the Colorado ZR2 and ZR2 Bison, for instance. And Ram has the light-duty Rebel (and upcoming Rebel TRX) and heavy-duty Power Wagon. But for some owners, the factory offerings don’t go far enough. For instance, the Power Wagon only comes with a gasoline …
Sometimes, no matter how many off-road modifications your truck has, you get stuck. When that happens, a winch comes in handy. These little electric motors have some serious pulling power. But if you want to fit one to your truck, you need to make sure your bumper can take the strain. Otherwise, you risk ripping …
For those who customize their cars or trucks, the annual SEMA show in Las Vegas is their mecca. It’s not just the aftermarket suppliers that show off their goods—manufacturers have their own displays. This year, Ford is planning on bringing over 50 vehicles to the show. The company has already shown off the customized Rangers …
With SEMA just around the corner, ‘tis the season to be modding. Automakers are already getting into the spirit. Ford recently unveiled several Ranger and F-Series Super Duty trucks prepared for the show. Many, unsurprisingly, skew towards off-road capability. Ford’s performance parts division has started expanding into the off-road market more and more. For example, …
Pickup trucks are often kept for years at a time. However, that’s only partially due to reliability. Buying any vehicle, especially a pickup truck is a major investment. Potential buyers with limited monthly budgets often try to get as low a monthly payment as possible. But this makes loan repayment plans stretch for so long, …
For those who haul their motorcycles, pickup trucks have quite a few built-in features and additional accessories to help. But having the gear isn’t the same as using it properly. Luckily, there’s a lot of information and support available to potential transporters. Here a few of the most important to keep in mind when you …
Ram may have split from Dodge a decade ago, but the two share an extended common history. They’re both also often modified by performance teams at Mopar. FCA is bringing a wide range of Mopar-modded Dodge and Ram vehicles to SEMA this year. Some, like the Ram 1500 Rebel OTG, celebrate the pickup’s spirit of …
Pickup trucks are a common vehicle of choice when it comes to hauling motorcycles. Whether you’re transporting sportbikes for a track day or taking a dirt bike to the trails, trucks can handle it. There are quite a few built-in truck features, and aftermarket accessories, that can make it a cinch. Here are a few …
The Jeep Wrangler and Ford F-150 Raptor represent opposite ends of the off-roading spectrum. The Jeep is a rock-crawling explorer as modifiable as a box of Legos. The Raptor takes its cues from high-speed Baja desert racers and Trophy Trucks. When it comes to performance, you’d think the F-150 Raptor could easily take the Wrangler. …
Pickup truck popularity in the overlanding community is no accident. Truck bed campers allow owners to pack their belongings neatly away, and not deal with the hassle of unpacking and setting up a tent. Ford has already announced several camper-equipped trucks the automaker will show off at SEMA. Equipment manufacturers make sure they offer a …
2020 may be the Year of Bronco for Ford, but there’s another important Blue Oval icon coming next year, too. The Ford F-150’s continued strong sales are crucial for the company—and it’s being redesigned for the 2021 model year. Up until now, only a few heavily camouflaged testing mules have been spotted. However, designer TheSketchMonkey …