Wrench Against the Machine

Wrench Against the Machine is an adrenaline-pumping competition reality show that takes you deep into the heart of the motorcycle industry. This is not a show just for motorbike enthusiasts but also for anyone who loves high-pressure competitions, engineering, design, and the simple joy of witnessing passion in its raw and relentless form. First released in 2016 on the Esquire Network, the show stands as a tribute to the creativity, mechanical ingenuity, and competitive spirit found in the world of custom motorcycle building.

At the core of Wrench Against the Machine are teams of two skilled mechanics, design mavens, and aesthetics aficionados, all chosen for their unrivaled passion and talent for transforming standard motorbikes into stunning, custom-riding machines. These teams are given a standard, plain motorcycle and are challenged to remodel it according to a specific brief within a strict time limit. Each episode takes you on a whirlwind journey as teams scramble against the clock and each other, putting their mechanical prowess to the test and showing you the magic that goes into making a dream machine.

Adding more heat to the fiery competition, the teams are also put in a tight spot with a limited budget. With only three days and a budget of $3000, they need to stretch their creative and technical abilities and maybe risk a few wild gambles, as they work on every aspect of their given motorcycle - engine, chassis, aesthetics, and more.

But the battle lines in Wrench Against the Machine are not only drawn in the workshop. The final work of art is taken for a rigorous test ride, where functionality is as crucial as the design itself. Only the best bike that stands the test of practicality, aesthetics, and performance gets the nod from the seasoned judges.

At the show's helm are a panel of expert judges steering the excitement in each episode. These judges comprise of industry legends and mavericks, including Roland Sands, founder of Roland Sands Design; Michael Woolaway, U.S. Director of Motorcycle Design for Deus Ex Machina; and Alan Stulberg, co-founder and chief designer of Revival Cycles and the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show.

Roland Sands is recognized globally as a pioneer in the field of custom motorcycle design and racing. His insights and knowledge about motorbike manufacturing, riding designs, and overall motorbike culture add gravitas to the judgment process. Michael Woolaway is known for his soulful take on custom motorcycle creation, bringing an artistic touch to the technical side of things. Alan Stulberg adds to the deep technical and artistic expertise of the panel with his love for hand-built machines and his principle of 'reviving' bikes to their classic glory.

Wrench Against the Machine challenges the stereotype that working with metal and grease is just brutish labor. It showcases the intricate craftsmanship, the ingenuity of science, and the complexity of design that goes into creating a custom-made motorcycle. It is a show that celebrates creativity, hustle, teamwork and the magnificent culture of motorcycle customization.

Fans of shows like American Chopper and Orange County Choppers will find a lot to love about Wrench Against the Machine, and the series is a must-see for any gear-head or design enthusiast. But even for casual viewers, the show presents a captivating peek into a niche world, blending high-octane competition with a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes action in custom motorcycle workshops.

By putting the spotlight on the grit and graces of custom motorcycle building, it’s clear that Wrench Against the Machine is more than just a competition. It’s a show about dreamers and doers, head-to-head competition and camaraderie, about engineering and imagination. Put it all together, and you get a show that is both entertaining and educational, offering a heavy dose of motorcycle mayhem that will keep you glued to the screen from start to finish.

Ultimately, Wrench Against the Machine is a celebration of the spirit of creativity and competitiveness translating into unique, moving pieces of art. Each episode represents a thrilling ride, full of ups and downs of the competition, dazzling with mechanical genius, and echoing with roaring engines of the motorcycles, leaving its viewers in absolute awe of the craftsmanship on display.