The Smoking Tire Podcast Episode Summary Episode: Whose Fault?; EV Moto Opinion Change; Q&A
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Hosts: Zack Klapman & Matt Farah

1. Riding the Can-Am Pulse Electric Motorcycle

Overview:
In this segment, Matt Farah delves into his hands-on experience with the Can-Am Pulse electric motorcycle. He explores its performance metrics, range, charging infrastructure, and overall practicality, juxtaposing it against traditional motorcycles like the Vespa.

Key Points:

• Range and Efficiency:
  Matt discusses the advertised 100-mile range of the Can-Am Pulse, contrasting it with his real-world experience.

  "I ended up at 25% battery with 14 miles remaining. So that means in theory, I could get 66 miles riding like that." ([20:24])

• Impact of Rider Weight:
  The discussion highlights how rider weight affects the motorcycle's range and efficiency, emphasizing aerodynamic factors over mere weight.

  "When you're going at sustained speed, the aerodynamics matter more than the weight." ([20:25])

• Charging Challenges:
  Matt addresses the practical challenges of charging the motorcycle, noting the lack of portable charging options and the reliance on home installations.

  "It takes about 90 minutes to charge from 15 to full, which is not quite as fast as I'd like." ([35:14])

• Comparison with Vespa:
  The Vespa is lauded for its superior practicality in urban settings, especially regarding cargo space and overall cost-effectiveness.

  "Nothing comes close to the Vespa when it comes to running errands around town." ([39:11])

Insights:
While the Can-Am Pulse offers an exciting electric riding experience with features like regenerative braking and a sophisticated display, its high price point and limited range present significant barriers to widespread adoption. Matt emphasizes that for electric motorcycles to become more viable, manufacturers need to enhance battery efficiency and reduce costs.

2. Analysis of the Nurburgring Crash

Overview:
Zach Klapman and Matt Farah examine a recent high-profile crash at the Nurburgring involving a Porsche and an M2. They dissect the incident to determine fault, drawing on personal anecdotes to enrich their analysis.

Key Points:

• Crash Details:
  The episode covers the sequence of events leading to the crash, highlighting the aggressive maneuvering that resulted in a significant fireball.

  "The Porsche thought they had the line, but really the M2 was just taking a late apex and didn't even know he was there." ([48:21])

• Fault Assessment:
  Both hosts lean towards assigning fault to the Porsche driver for not adequately accounting for the overtaking M2, especially given the high speeds involved.

  "I think it's probably the Porsche driver's fault." ([50:35])

• Personal Anecdote:
  Matt shares a similar past incident where he took responsibility for a minor collision, reinforcing his perspective on accountability in high-speed environments.

  "I claimed responsibility for it. I said that was my fault." ([46:18])

• Safety Observations:
  The crash underscores the importance of vehicle safety features, as both cars emerged relatively intact despite the severity of the impact.

  "The passenger compartment in the M2 is incredibly intact." ([50:11])

Insights:
The discussion emphasizes the critical nature of situational awareness and proper overtaking protocols on racing tracks. Both hosts advocate for a culture of responsibility and attentiveness among drivers to prevent such incidents.

3. Upcoming Events and Upgrades

Overview:
Matt shares exciting news about his recent upgrade to a Bentley Bentayga equipped with a tow package, replacing his initial plan to tow the Manx with a Cayenne. This upgrade facilitates their participation in upcoming events.

Key Points:

• Bentley Bentayga Details:
  Matt describes the luxurious features of the Bentayga, including its British racing green satin paint and Mulliner specification interior.

  "Mulliner interior. Do you want to know what other big ticket items they have and not how much they cost?" ([53:02])

• Event Participation:
  The hosts announce their invitation to display their vehicles at Motorlux, highlighting the coordination required to manage their car setups.

  "We've been invited to display the entire rig together at Motorlux on Wednesday night." ([52:15])

• Marketing and Promotions:
  They discuss plans to document their towing experience and feature it in publications like Road and Track.

Insights:
Upgrading to the Bentley Bentayga not only enhances their towing capabilities but also aligns with their brand image, enabling them to participate in high-profile automotive events with greater prestige and functionality.

4. Patreon Q&A Highlights

Overview:
Matt and Zack engage with their Patreon community, addressing various questions ranging from watch preferences to road trip snacking mishaps.

Selected Questions & Responses:

• Watch Preferences:
  Enrico Palazzo asks about preferring a single high-end watch versus multiple affordable ones.

  Matt: "There's no right answer. Both strategies are totally fine." ([84:10])

• Road Trip Snack Mistakes:
  Sly inquires about the worst snack mistake on a road trip.

  Matt: "Drinking seven cups of coffee... caused me to have to stop on the side of the road for like, an hour." ([88:29])

• Vehicle Reliability:
  Charlotte Claire's raises concerns about Nissan's reported $11 billion loss and its implications on the brand's future.

  Zach: "There is life support for everyone... Aston Martin bankrupt seven times." ([75:19])

Insights:
The Q&A segment underscores the diverse interests of their audience, from practical vehicle concerns to lifestyle choices like watch collecting and road trip experiences. The hosts provide thoughtful, experience-based responses that resonate with listeners seeking genuine automotive insights.

5. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows

Overview:
The hosts wrap up the episode by promoting their upcoming live shows in Texas, available merchandise, and exclusive content for Patreon supporters.

Key Points:

• Event Promotion:
  Matt and Zach encourage listeners to attend their live events in Houston and Dallas, highlighting unique merchandise and interactive experiences.

  "Christian's excited. We are all excited." ([60:46])

• Patreon Benefits:
  They reiterate the advantages of supporting the podcast through Patreon, including early access, ad-free episodes, and exclusive content.

  "Patreon is where you get exclusive early access to collabs. It's where you get the show without ads." ([59:52])

Insights:
Engaging directly with their audience, Matt and Zack emphasize community building and exclusive content offerings, fostering a loyal listener base committed to supporting the podcast's growth and longevity.

Notable Quotes:

• "Nothing comes close to the Vespa when it comes to running errands around town." – Matt Farah ([39:11])
• "The passenger compartment in the M2 is incredibly intact." – Matt Farah ([50:11])
• "There's no right answer. Both strategies are totally fine." – Matt Farah ([84:10])

Conclusion:
This episode of The Smoking Tire offers an in-depth exploration of electric motorcycles' current state, a critical analysis of a significant automotive crash, and engaging interactions with their audience. Matt Farah and Zack Klapman provide valuable insights rooted in personal experiences and professional expertise, making complex automotive topics accessible and entertaining for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.