Perry Sands

Perry Sands: The Visionary Behind Performance Machine

In the world of custom motorcycles, there are a few names that stand out for redefining what is possible with two wheels. Perry Sands, founder of Performance Machine (PM), is one of those rare figures whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry. Starting out with nothing more than a handful of simple tools and a burning passion to build better bikes, Sands transformed himself into the go-to guy for Southern California’s custom-hungry motorcycle market. From sissy bars to radical one-off front ends, anything you could dream up came out of his tiny shop in Paramount, California. But it wasn’t just about looking cool—Perry was driven by a quest for performance.

Back in the early days of custom building, motorcycle wheels and brakes were notorious weak spots. To enthusiasts and racers alike, they were a liability, an Achilles’ heel in an otherwise powerful machine. But to Perry Sands, this deficiency was an opportunity. If the standard equipment wasn’t up to the task, he would create something that was. And that’s exactly what he did, revolutionizing the world of motorcycle brakes with the founding of Performance Machine.

It didn’t happen overnight. Perry began by experimenting with every available aftermarket disc brake he could find. Nothing met his high standards. The options were too heavy, not powerful enough, or poorly built. If Perry wanted the performance he craved, he realized he would have to build it himself. His first prototypes were rough, but they showed potential. Before long, PM disc brake systems had become the gold standard for custom builds. Anyone serious about building a bike that looked great and could perform at high speed turned to Performance Machine for parts.

But Perry wasn’t satisfied just being the king of custom brakes. He was obsessed with speed, pushing himself and his creations to the absolute limit. Whether it was drag racing, dirt track, or road racing, Perry’s focus was always on squeezing the most out of every component. His experiences on the track fueled constant innovation, and soon his products were finding their way onto the bikes of top racers.

One of the defining moments in PM’s history was the development of their custom wheel line. Motorcycle wheels of the 1970s were another pain point—heavy, dull, and uninspired. Perry, always a forward thinker, saw a chance to elevate both the aesthetics and the functionality of wheels. He began producing cast magnesium wheels for legendary racers like Kenny Roberts and exquisitely machined billet wheels for high-end custom builds. His wheels were lighter, stronger, and more visually striking than anything else on the market, setting a new benchmark in design and engineering.

Perry was also one of the first to embrace cutting-edge technology to improve his products. When Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery began appearing in manufacturing, he instantly recognized its potential. CNC mills and lathes could produce parts with a level of precision and consistency that had been unimaginable before. Perry’s adoption of CNC technology put Performance Machine at the forefront of the industry. From then on, PM was synonymous with top-quality wheels and brakes, whether for racing or custom builds.

Fast forward to today, and Performance Machine operates out of a sprawling 90,000 square foot facility, a far cry from the small shop where Perry started. But despite the growth, Perry’s original vision and commitment to quality remain the bedrock of the company. The modern PM compound is wired with state-of-the-art manufacturing systems, sound and video capabilities, and even features the first-ever in-house testing facility dedicated to the U.S. aftermarket wheel and brake industry. With these resources, PM continues to push the limits of what’s possible in both custom and race motorcycle parts.

Perry Sands’ legacy isn’t just about the products he built, but also about the way he transformed the industry. He didn’t just identify problems—he created solutions that elevated the entire motorcycle market. His impact can be seen at the highest levels of competition and on the streets, where riders trust his products to keep them safe and performing at their best. PM’s sponsorship of top racers across various disciplines is a testament to their ongoing commitment to the art of speed.

From the custom shops of Southern California to international racing circuits, Perry Sands and Performance Machine have forever changed the landscape of motorcycling. His story is one of passion, innovation, and relentless pursuit of perfection. Starting with a handful of tools and a dream, Perry didn’t just build a business—he built a legacy that will continue to shape the future of motorcycling for generations to come.