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.
If you’re asking for a good touring motorcycle, a common answer is ‘Honda Gold Wing.’ New or used, it’s a reliable, comfortable bike that can hang with the best cruisers Harley-Davidson has to offer. And as with models like the Harley-Davidson Sportster, the Gold Wing has served as the base for many customization projects. For …
Previously, if you wanted a Hellcat engine in an SUV, your only option was the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. But for 2021, Dodge is spreading the joy from the Charger and Challenger into the Durango SRT Hellcat. The high-power SUV jumps into a market that’s spoiled for choice when it comes to fast and powerful …
‘Ambitious’ is perhaps the best way to describe Nikola’s initial plans. Yet up until recently, the EV startup seemed ready to take them on. It had already delivered several hydrogen-powered electric semi-trucks for deliveries. It was also gearing up to release the Nikola Badger, a pickup truck that offered both hydrogen fuel cells and conventional …
While cruisers and standard motorcycles are fairly different, they’re both commonly-chosen riding options. And they’re both available in ‘stripped-down’ forms: cruisers have bobbers, and standards have naked bikes. I own one of the latter: a 2012 Triumph Street Triple R. But after my recent time with a 2021 Indian Scout Bobber, I’ve grown to appreciate …
Even if a luxury brand holds no value to you, cars are often sold by the badge on their hoods. However, car brands aren’t monoliths. Automakers collaborate more often than some may realize. For example, GM and Honda are developing EV technology together. Toyota and BMW partnered to make the Supra and Z4; the former …
Up until recently, if I had to choose between a cruiser and a standard motorcycle, I’d typically pick the latter. That’s why I bought one, a Triumph Street Triple R. However, after spending some time with a 2021 Indian Scout Bobber, I’m not so sure which kind I’d pick. Because while it isn’t perfect, it …
As winter approaches, more and more cars are going to start encountering snow- and ice-covered roads. Some drivers may think that having an all-wheel-drive vehicle makes them immune to winter driving hazards. Inevitably, though, someone who hasn’t done the necessary prep-work will find their car spinning out in a spray of snow. As nerve-wracking as …
The original 101 Scout still looms large in Indian’s history even after almost a century. Its modern namesake, though, seems hell-bent on living up to that legacy. And in the Indian Scout Bobber’s case, it not only has a vintage name but vintage-inspired looks. However, the design is only part of what makes this bike …
The rise of the retro motorcycle segment doesn’t just mean more scramblers and café racers. It also touches on cruisers in the form of factory bobbers. For example, the latest version of the Indian Scout Bobber. I recently spent a few weeks with the 2021 model riding in and around Chicagoland. And during that time, …
When it comes to the comforts of home, cars usually fall behind RVs and dedicated campers. After all, you can’t really put a bathroom in a normal car. And at first glance, if you need to do some cooking, an RV seems like the better choice. However, with a bit of work, it’s possible to …
Before the Civic Type R landed in the US, Honda’s sportiest hatchback was the Civic Si. It actually pre-dates the first US-market Type R, the Acura Integra. And like many 80s and 90s cars, early Civic Si values have been on the rise. If you want to understand, one of the best examples is the …
Typically, the drag strip is where you’ll find the Challenger SRT Super Stock and Dodge’s other high-horsepower offerings. But some of the brand’s muscle cars, especially the Widebody models, can handle a corner or two. Such is the case with the 2021 Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye. While the big news is the sedan’s big speed, …
In the early 2000s, 469 hp was enough to make the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG the fastest sedan in the world. Today Dodge lays claim to that crown with the 2021 Charger Hellcat Redeye. Like its Challenger platform-mate, it has even more horsepower than the ‘standard’ Hellcat model. But to give the Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye …
The ‘GT’ nameplate means a lot to Porsche fans. Whether it’s on a 911 or a 718 Cayman, a GT model focuses on extra speed and sharper handling above on-road comfort. This is why it’s part of the name of the German automaker’s iconic supercar: the Porsche Carrera GT. And it shouldn’t be surprising that …
While today the Mazda3 is arguably more focused on luxury, Mazda’s compact car hasn’t completely forgotten its sporting past. And for 2021, it’s getting a new turbocharged powertrain option with all-wheel drive. But traditionally, if US buyers wanted an AWD turbocharged sporty commuter, they turned to the Subaru WRX. And back in the day when …
While a Mazdaspeed version isn’t happening, Mazda is still giving the 2021 Mazda3 a bit of zoom-zoom. Specifically, in the form of a new turbocharged powertrain. However, the Mazda3 Turbo’s luxury aspirations put it in competition with another turbocharged fast hatchback: the Volkswagen Golf R. But which one is really faster? That’s what YouTube team …
For every successful brand like Harley-Davidson, there are dozens of motorcycle companies that didn’t make it. Just in the US, there was Crocker, Henderson, and Pierce-Arrow; even Indian went dormant for a time. However, just like Indian, some famous names are making a comeback. Including one well-known British marque that’s been reborn as an electric …
On the outside, Morgan’s cars may look like classics. But as models like the Aero 8 demonstrate, they’re really a blend of old-school craftsmanship with modern material standards. However, even this British institution eventually has to wave good-bye to some of its models. Such is the case with the Morgan 3-Wheeler, a V-twin-powered vehicle that …
When it comes to reliable luxury, Maserati doesn’t tend to do so well. However, given its cars’ resale values, they make tempting used purchases. But just because a car is ‘exotic’ doesn’t automatically make it unreliable. For example, with proper exercise and maintenance, an Aston Martin is no less daily-drivable than a Porsche. And if …
For those looking to combine off-roading with long on-road rides, the usual motorcycle of choice is an adventure bike. However, while there some fairly affordable models available, these bikes can get pricey quickly. That’s the issue that Triumph is trying to tackle with its new Tiger 850 Sport. The 2021 Triumph Tiger 850 Sport is …