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.
There’s no shortage of tuners ready and willing to install off-the-wall modifications into some equally odd-ball vehicles. Brabus, for example, tunes electric Smart cars and makes 6-wheeled G-Wagon pickups. And fellow German tuner Mansory is just as unhinged. The company recently released a 199-mph Audi RS Q8. And now, it’s partnered with a sportswear firm …
When it comes to lightning-quick practical cars, it’s tough to top the Tesla Model 3 Performance. Especially since, like the Model S, it’s gotten a few upgrades for the 2021 model year. However, if you want to move cargo or people at speed, the Audi RS 6 Avant has a lot to offer. And as …
The simple designs of classic cars are part of their appeal. But all too often these cars are priced out of reach for people who don’t have the resources of someone like, well, Jay Leno. However, there are still bargains out there, and enthusiasts always find a way. The star of Jay Leno’s latest video, …
While the IMS bearing looms over every 996-gen Porsche 911, two models escape it. One is the 996 Turbo, and the other is the non-US 996 GT3 RS. That’s because both of these cars’ powerplants have elements derived from Hans Mezger’s legendary Porsche racing engines. Sadly, he passed away in June 2020, having retired from …
911 fans tend to split themselves into two camps regarding Porsche’s iconic sports car. Some prefer the modern water-cooled 911’s performance and luxury touches. Others, though, crave the simpler vintage air-cooled experience—which explains these cars’ high prices. It also explains the 2016 Porsche 911 R. On the surface, it seems like a parts-bin special, something …
Adventure bikes form one of the most popular motorcycle segments for a good reason. Models like the Honda Africa Twin strike a balance between off-road capability and on-road civility, able to commute and venture into the dirt. However, they’re not the only bikes that can do that; scramblers can, too. While some scramblers are more …
With the 1500 TRX, Ram has neatly overthrown the Ford Raptor for the position of ‘crazy-fast truck.’ At least until the Blue Oval releases an even more powerful model. However, the Raptor isn’t the only speedy Ford pickup. Last year, Shelby announced it was putting the F-150 Super Snake concept into production. But does it …
While the 2020 Civic Type R is already a terrific hot hatch, Honda gave it one last tweak before the 2022 redesign. It’s the 2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition, and it’s already sold out in Canada. Naturally, given the Type R’s tunability, some may want to make a homebrewed version of the LE. …
A good-fitting helmet is the bare minimum when it comes to motorcycle gear, especially safety-related gear. Naturally, not every rider needs every kind of gear. For example, if you only ride in moderate climates, you probably won’t need heated gear. However, wearing motorcycle armor is definitely a necessity. And it needs to be found elsewhere …
Although mopeds are arguably even easier to own, for much of the world, motorcycles are some of the most affordable motor vehicles. And one of the cheapest is the Honda Super Cub C125, the modern version of the best-selling motor vehicle ever. But thanks to electric motor assistance, e-bikes are able to keep pace with …
The Jaguar E-Type still looms large in the classic car world, especially for fans of British convertible sports cars. True, there are noticeably more affordable options, such as the MG MGB. But they don’t quite have the E-Type’s performance or style. However, there’s at least one car that comes close: the Austin-Healey 3000. The 1959-1967 …
Whether you’re working on a car or motorcycle, some things stay the same. There are fluids to change, tires to replace, and brakes to bleed. But one of the biggest differences is that motorcycles have chains, and cars don’t. Except, not every bike has a chain. Many BMW models, for example, are shaft-driven. And cruisers …
With the loss of Ford’s ST and RS models, the hot hatch selection in the US has gotten fairly thin. Fortunately, in addition to relative newcomers like the Hyundai Veloster N, the archetypal hot hatch, the Volkswagen GTI, is still sticking around. And as we await the next-gen 2022 model, older examples will start getting …
Motorcycles are what usually come to mind when the name ‘Triumph’ is mentioned. But along with bicycles, the British brand also made cars, many of which competed with MG’s sporty roadsters. And if you’re looking for a classic convertible sports car, many of its products are still fairly affordable. This week’s Bring a Trailer bargain …
The 996 generation of the Porsche 911 doesn’t get a lot of love from the fanbase in general. That’s mostly due to the infamous IMS bearing issue, which is somewhat overblown. However, not only is it fixable, but it also doesn’t affect every 996-gen 911. The 996 Turbo, for example, doesn’t have that flaw. And …
If you want a sports car that can seamlessly double as a luxury car, arguably the best answer is a Porsche 911. However, what happens if your rear-engine car isn’t extreme enough? If you’re into off-roading, you go Safari. But if your goal is carving corners, that’s where Porsche has the 911 GT3 and GT2 …
While the global internal-combustion vehicle fleet is slowly pivoting to EVs, it won’t be a simple or quick process. And most of the barriers are based on what separates ICE vehicles from EVs: battery packs. However, in addition to updates in design and material choices, there may be more good news for potential EV owners …
Armored SUVs and trucks are a common-enough sight among VIPs and apocalypse dream garage builders. But they’re not the only kinds of vehicles that can be beefed up like that. With the right modifications, you can theoretically make any car bulletproof. For example, Mercedes Sprinter and Ford Transit vans. Or, as AddArmor has done, a …
While convertibles aren’t inherently less safe than conventional cars, cutting the roof off a hypercar usually comes with some drawbacks. Recently, though, some manufacturers have released limited-production cars that aren’t just convertibles but lack a roof entirely. There’s the Aston Martin V12 Speedster, for example, as well as the Ferrari Mona and McLaren Elva. And …
Whether you’re searching for bargains or rarities, auctions open up interesting opportunities. You can even find something as unique as an Alfa Romeo BAT concept. And for those chasing boutique supercars, something new has just popped up. It’s called the Isdera Commendatore 112i, it’s a 1-of-1 car, and it has a Pagani Zonda engine. Isdera …