“When I watch other motorcycle shows that center on competitions between professional builders, I know they will build the bike,” says Gillen. “In our show, you never know if the guy is going to make. In fact, I am sure that most will not.” The show is emotionally driven, and the emotions are often raw as the stress of trying to complete a bike in 30 days starts to build.
Motorcycle enthusiasts who want to take a chance at building a motorcycle apply on the show’s Web site. They answer questions about why they’d be a good choice and what kind of a bike they’d build. Once someone is chosen for the show, the pressure is intense.
“The Wrench doesn’t get the respect of the crew until he earns it,” says Gillen. What they do get is the parts and tools they need as well as a shop in which to work. They also get a certain amount of advice, as well as a lot of abuse, from a master motorcycle builder. Motorcycle enthusiasts will recognize the names of the master builders who are part of the show – Russell Mitchell, Jesse Rooke, leather seat maker Paul Cox, designer Roland Sands and others.
While all of The Wrenches in the show’s first season were men, there will be female Wrenches on the upcoming season of “Build or Bust.” When asked if he has any favorite Wrenches, Gillen says he has an appreciation for anyone who drives hard to win. “Building a custom motorcycle in 30 days is not for the faint of heart,” he says.
Catch all the drama of the new season of “Build or Bust” on Speed Channel. For program information, visit www.speedtv.com or www.buildorbust.com.
