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.
Although a quality helmet is a definite requirement for riding a motorcycle safely, it’s just one piece of gear. Riders don all sorts of apparel to protect themselves, such as gloves and armored jackets. And that often includes putting on motorcycle boots or shoes. But what’s so special about this kind of footwear, and is …
2021 hasn’t exactly been kind to Camaro sales so far. First, the Chevrolet muscle car’s brakes stopped sales in Washington and California. Then, as is the case with many vehicles this year, Chevy halted Camaro production due to chip shortages. And this is all following the Mustang and Challenger overtaking the Camaro in the market. …
Putting a hybrid powertrain into the F-150 is a significant move for Ford. And considering how important the F-Series is to Ford, the Blue Oval couldn’t afford to half-bake it. To see if it did, YouTube team Throttle House recently spent some time with a 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat PowerBoost Hybrid. And at the end, …
The covers are finally off of the 2022 Toyota GR 86. Despite some initial delays, Toyota finally revealed what its most affordable sports car looks like and what it offers. However, as before, the Toyota GR 86 shares a lot with the Subaru BRZ. But just how different—or rather, how similar—are they? The last-gen Subaru …
Considering the ‘entry-level’ 2021 Roma starts at $220k, buying a Ferrari is understandably a pipe dream for many people. However, even brand-new Ferraris eventually become depreciated used cars. And sometimes, they become underappreciated affordably-priced used cars. The 308 GT4 is this for the Italian brand’s classic models, for example. And if you’re after a more …
While the next-gen 2022 SL lineup is fully under AMG control, Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance division is slimming down. Specifically, by cutting down on how many ICE cars it makes. However, all those cars are being replaced. Only instead of relying solely on internal combustion, AMG is fully embracing hybrids and electric vehicles. AMG made electric Mercedes …
Today, sportbikes are just one of several kinds of motorcycles available to buyers. But, like with any other kind of bike, they didn’t just spring up out of nowhere. For example, the modern standard motorcycle evolved from the UJMs of the ‘70s. And while several sporty motorcycles came before it, the Honda CB400F Super Sport …
When it comes to reliability, Mini Coopers don’t necessarily have the best reputation. Which, if you’re thinking of buying a used Mini, is understandably an important concern. However, with some careful digging, finding a reliable used Mini Cooper is possible. A guide to used Mini Cooper models Although classic Minis are still plentiful, this guide …
After the temporary shift to virtual racing, NASCAR returned to a full IRL event schedule for 2021. And it’s a season that’s in some ways contradictory. On the one hand, it’s the last season before the introduction of the ‘Next-Gen’ racer. But it’s also a season that saw a NASCAR race at a dedicated dirt …
Offering luxury on a budget is one thing, but Genesis also pairs it with serious style. Enough style for a fair few publications to compare the Korean marque’s designs to Bentleys. But, like any automaker, Genesis has to evolve and update its vehicles from time to time. And thanks to the new Genesis X Concept, …
We’re currently counting down the days until the R1T and R1S officially hit Rivian dealerships. But before they do, the American EV company continues to trickle out more information about the potential ownership experience. For example, how it plans to offer charging stations outside of urban environments. And now, Rivian has revealed another bit of …
Whether used Suzuki or brand-new Ducati, sportbikes are the motorcycles of choice for dedicated track-day racers and handling aficionados. And like any other kind of bike, sportbike performance ranges from mild to extreme. However, there’s a distinct gap between a street-legal bike and a true racing machine. The 2020 Triumph Daytona 765 Moto2 Limited Edition, …
Sportbikes make for excellent fun, but these motorcycles are sometimes too extreme for every-day riding. More to the point, some aren’t approachable enough for newer riders. However, some bike companies are solving this by turning their sportbikes into less-hardcore naked bikes. The Ducati Streetfighter V4, for example, is a naked, slightly toned-down version of the …
Besides supercross and motocross, motorcycle racing doesn’t always get a lot of attention in the US. True, flat-track racing is experiencing a resurgence. But overall, compared to something like the Daytona 500, bikes often play second fiddle here. However, thanks to the Internet, it’s easier than ever to access international motorsports, including bike racing. And …
Few cars have been immortalized in kit car and replica form as the Shelby Cobra, especially the 427 version. The sports car’s legend looms so large that it inspired a modern successor, the original Dodge Viper. But even icons can be eclipsed. And with the help of Ford’s ‘Godzilla’ engine, the Superformance MKIII-R might do …
Naturally, compared to their modern counterparts, classic muscle cars aren’t quite as fast. But the appeal of vintage cars is about more than just outright speed. It’s why Jay Leno enjoys driving both his ’02 Pontiac Firebird and his 1979 Trans Am. And it’s why he enjoyed being behind the wheel of a museum-loaned 1966 …
While you can theoretically ride a classic motorcycle regularly, it requires living and fiddling with older technology. Instead of fuel injection, for example, you have carburetors. And many motorcycles feature drum brakes rather than discs. However, is that something you can upgrade—and should you? How do drum brakes work on a motorcycle? Today, essentially all …
Today in the US, if you mention British bikes, Triumph is the first name that comes to mind. But it’s just one of several motorcycle brands that’ve sprung from the UK. While many have fallen into history’s pages, some, like BSA, have returned. It’s a similar story with another British marque, Clews Competition Motorcycles, aka …
Sometimes, it seems there are almost as many myths about motorcycle safety as there is genuine advice. And one that persists is the notion that ‘loud pipes save lives.’ I.e., the louder your motorcycle’s exhaust is, the safer you’ll be. But a new study has thoroughly debunked that. A Romanian study spells it out: ‘loud …
It’s understandably difficult for most people to see any six-figure car as ‘entry-level,’ let alone something like a Rolls-Royce. And yet, that’s exactly what the 2021 Ghost is for the British brand: a more affordable entry point. So, what do you get when, instead of spending $500,000 on a Cullinan, you pay about 65-70% of …