Guy Willison: The Mastermind of British Custom Motorcycles and Television Fame

Guy Willison is a celebrated British motorcycle designer and television personality known for his stunning custom bike builds and charismatic presence on popular TV shows like The Motorbike Show and Shed and Buried. With decades of experience in the motorcycle industry, Willison has carved a unique path through craftsmanship, engineering brilliance, and a deep-rooted passion for bikes. His life story, family background, and professional accomplishments have made him a respected figure in the custom bike community and a favorite among television viewers.

Guy Willison: A Life Fueled by Passion and Precision

Early Life and Background

Guy Willison, often nicknamed “Skid,” was born in October 1962 in London, England. From a young age, Guy demonstrated a keen interest in all things mechanical, particularly motorcycles. He began tinkering with engines by the age of 11 and quickly developed an intimate understanding of how machines work. This curiosity eventually led him down a path that would shape his future and establish him as one of the UK’s most respected custom motorcycle builders.

After completing his early education, Willison attended Merton Technical College, where he formally studied motorcycle engineering. The hands-on experience and academic foundation he received helped him transform his childhood fascination into a full-fledged career. Before stepping into the limelight, Guy worked as a full-time dispatch rider, logging over a million miles on the road—a testament to both his endurance and dedication to the motorcycle lifestyle.

Guy Willison’s Age and Ongoing Relevance

As of 2025, Guy Willison is 62 years old. Despite his age, he remains a prominent and active force in the custom motorcycle world. His energy, passion, and involvement in various projects reflect a man who is far from slowing down. Whether he’s building bikes, collaborating with manufacturers, or filming TV episodes, Guy Willison continues to inspire both the younger and older generations of motorcycle enthusiasts.

Career Highlights: From Workshop to Television Fame

Willison’s early years were marked by hands-on experience in mechanical workshops and riding across the UK. However, it wasn’t until he joined forces with TV presenter Henry Cole that his public profile began to rise. The duo co-created Gladstone Motorcycles, a boutique brand specializing in hand-crafted motorcycles with a vintage British aesthetic.

Their first model, the Gladstone No.1, was a success, combining timeless design with modern performance. Another standout creation was “Red Beard”, a 350cc motorcycle that set a land-speed record. These bikes weren’t just about speed—they were pieces of art on two wheels, drawing attention for their craftsmanship and originality.

Guy’s television appearances brought his charm and expertise to a wider audience. He became a familiar face on shows like:

• The Motorbike Show

• Shed and Buried

• Find It, Fix It, Flog It

Through these programs, Willison showcased not only his building skills but also his deep appreciation for motorcycle history and culture. His approachable, down-to-earth demeanor made him a viewer favorite, and his onscreen chemistry with Henry Cole added a personal touch to their mechanical adventures.

5Four Motorcycles: Crafting Masterpieces for the Few

In December 2018, Guy launched his own company, 5Four Motorcycles—named after his old dispatch rider call sign “5Four.” This bespoke brand was born from his vision of building high-performance motorcycles that were both aesthetically stunning and emotionally engaging.

Under the 5Four banner, Willison collaborated with Honda UK to design two special edition models:

• CB1100RS 5Four

• CB1000R 5Four

These limited-edition motorcycles quickly sold out, highlighting the demand for Guy’s craftsmanship. He even developed a turbocharged and nitrous-boosted Honda Grom, which was showcased at the Wheels & Waves Festival, demonstrating his flair for pushing creative and technical boundaries.

Each 5Four motorcycle is uniquely numbered and built with meticulous care, targeting collectors and riders who want something beyond the mainstream. Willison’s philosophy is simple: if it doesn’t look great and make the bike go faster, it doesn’t belong on the machine.

Guy Willison Wikipedia Status

As of now, Guy Willison does not have a dedicated Wikipedia page, which might come as a surprise given his impact on both the motorcycle industry and television. However, his contributions are well-documented across media interviews, TV segments, and professional websites. A Wikipedia entry could very well be on the horizon, especially as his fanbase grows and his legacy continues to evolve.

Family Life: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

Guy Willison keeps much of his personal life private, especially when it comes to his family. Unlike many celebrities who share their lives on social media, Guy has always been more focused on his work than on publicizing his private affairs. It is believed that he has family ties in the UK, but he rarely speaks about them in interviews or public forums. This discretion only adds to his mystique and maintains a healthy boundary between his professional and personal worlds.

His love and loyalty, however, often shine through in his projects. Those who have worked closely with him describe him as a deeply respectful and grounded individual—someone who values authenticity over publicity.

Net Worth and Financial Standing

While no official figures are publicly available, Guy Willison’s net worth is estimated to be between £1 million and £5 million, which translates to approximately $1–5 million USD. This wealth comes from a combination of his TV contracts, bike-building commissions, custom builds, and brand collaborations.

His company, 5Four Motorcycles, continues to attract niche clients who appreciate quality over quantity. These bespoke builds, often priced in the premium range, contribute significantly to his financial success. Additionally, his long-standing partnership with Honda and public appearances have added to his income streams over the years.

Design Philosophy and Legacy

At the heart of everything Guy Willison does is a deep-rooted respect for motorcycles—not just as machines, but as expressions of identity and freedom. He often says that a motorcycle should tell a story, and his creations do just that. Every weld, paint stroke, and leather detail carries a narrative of craftsmanship, precision, and personality.

Guy is also a strong advocate for preserving the legacy of British motorcycling. He often restores and revives classic models, breathing new life into vintage machines that might otherwise be forgotten. This respect for the past, paired with a vision for the future, is what makes his work so compelling.

Guy Willison Today: Still Burning Bright

Today, Guy Willison is much more than just a custom bike builder—he is a storyteller, an artist, and a bridge between the old-school motorcycle world and modern innovation. Whether he’s appearing on TV, unveiling a new model, or participating in bike festivals, Guy continues to make waves.

He remains a role model for aspiring builders and engineers, proving that success doesn’t come overnight but through years of passion, hard work, and integrity. His hands-on approach, unrelenting creativity, and humility have made him a respected figure both in the garage and on-screen.

Final Thoughts

Guy Willison’s story is a testament to the power of following your passion. From a young London boy obsessed with engines to a household name in the motorcycle world, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. With each custom build, television appearance, and collaboration, he reinforces the value of craftsmanship and authenticity.

As the custom motorcycle scene continues to grow, there’s little doubt that Guy Willison will remain one of its most iconic and influential figures. His bikes are not just machines—they’re moving pieces of art, crafted by a man who truly understands what it means to ride.