Guy “Skid” Willison is one of the most respected names in British custom motorcycling. Known for his incredible craftsmanship, design sensibility, and dynamic on-screen presence alongside Henry Cole, Willison has spent decades shaping the modern custom scene.
In 2025, his name remains synonymous with bespoke builds, authentic British engineering, and the creative energy behind 5Four Motorcycles — his own boutique brand.
This article provides a complete, verified biography of Guy Willison: his background, career highlights, collaborations, health updates, and what makes his work so unique.
Early Life and Background
Guy Willison was born and raised in the United Kingdom, where his fascination with motorcycles began at an early age. Like many British bike enthusiasts, his early influences were shaped by classic motorcycling culture — BSA, Norton, Triumph, and Honda machines that defined post-war British craftsmanship.
Though much of his personal life remains private, Willison has occasionally spoken about his lifelong passion for restoring and customizing bikes, describing it as “not just a trade, but a calling.”
His nickname “Skid” comes from his early days as a rider and mechanic — a nod to both his adventurous riding style and his reputation for precision even in chaos.
Rise to Fame: The Motorbike Show & Henry Cole
Guy Willison first entered the public eye through his work with Henry Cole, the charismatic presenter and fellow motorcycle enthusiast. Together, they appeared on several popular TV shows that celebrate motorcycling culture and mechanical creativity:
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The Motorbike Show (ITV4) – Willison became a recurring face, helping Cole restore, rebuild, and test classic motorcycles.
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Shed and Buried (Quest) – The duo traveled around the UK uncovering old mechanical treasures and bringing them back to life.
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Find It, Fix It, Flog It (Channel 4) – Willison lent his mechanical expertise to refurbish and sell unique finds.
Through these appearances, Willison gained a loyal following. Fans appreciated his authenticity, humility, and hands-on skill, qualities that contrasted with the overly stylized image of some custom bike builders.
His on-screen chemistry with Henry Cole was a major factor in the shows’ success — a genuine friendship built on mutual respect and a shared love of the open road.
The Creation of 5Four Motorcycles
After decades of working with and for other brands, Willison founded 5Four Motorcycles — a bespoke motorcycle design house dedicated to limited-run, handcrafted machines built for passionate riders and collectors.
The name “5Four” holds personal significance — it references Willison’s long-standing connection to the number 54, which has appeared on many of his motorcycles and projects.
5Four’s Mission
Willison described his brand’s goal as building “motorcycles for the few, not the many.” Each bike that leaves the 5Four workshop is built by hand, numbered, and crafted using premium components and traditional techniques.
Signature Builds
Over the years, 5Four Motorcycles has collaborated with some of the most respected names in the industry. Notable projects include:
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Honda CB1100RS 5Four (2019)
A limited-edition Honda CB1100RS redesigned by Willison with classic café racer styling. Each unit was hand-finished and individually numbered. -
Honda CB1000R 5Four (2021)
A modern reinterpretation of the naked superbike, combining cutting-edge performance with vintage-inspired design cues. -
Norton Commando 961 Street (2019)
A collaboration between Henry Cole and Guy Willison that reimagined the iconic British motorcycle with premium materials and classic aesthetics. -
Honda CB1000 Hornet SP 5Four (2025)
In partnership with Doble Motorcycles, this special edition represents Willison’s most recent work — a limited run of custom-built Hornet SPs, each personally assembled and signed by him.
These projects not only highlight Willison’s design genius but also his deep respect for British and Japanese engineering traditions.
Design Philosophy
Guy Willison’s motorcycles are instantly recognizable. His work blends modern precision with retro styling, focusing on:
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Hand-crafted metalwork
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Polished aluminum finishes
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Minimalist detailing
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Leather and brass accents
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A balance between performance and beauty
He often states that every build should have a “soul”, reflecting the individuality of both the creator and the rider.
His philosophy aligns with a movement toward authentic craftsmanship in an era of mass production — making each 5Four motorcycle a functional piece of art.
Collaborations and Industry Influence
Beyond 5Four, Willison has collaborated with major brands and institutions, including:
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Honda UK – Factory-supported special editions.
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Henry Cole TV Productions – Engineering and on-screen consulting.
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Doble Motorcycles – High-end dealership partnerships for limited-run projects.
His work is widely praised by British motorcycling media, including Visordown, MCN (Motorcycle News), and RideApart, for its artistry and mechanical integrity.
In addition, Willison’s approach has inspired a generation of builders who value craftsmanship over commercialization, making him one of the most influential figures in the UK’s custom scene.
Personal Life
Guy Willison is known to be a private individual. Despite his television fame, he rarely shares details about his family or personal relationships.
What is well-documented, however, is his love for vintage motorcycles, fine craftsmanship, and British design heritage.
He continues to live and work in the UK, dedicating most of his time to 5Four Motorcycles, design consulting, and select TV projects.
Guy Willison’s Illness: The Truth Behind the Rumors
Over the past few years, online rumors have circulated about a supposed “Guy Willison illness.” However, as of 2025, there is no verified public statement or evidence confirming that Willison is suffering from any serious medical condition.
What Started the Rumors?
The speculation likely began when Willison made fewer television appearances in 2023–2024. Some fans assumed his reduced visibility meant health problems. However, this coincided with a period when he was focusing on private builds and 5Four’s growing collaborations — not necessarily an illness.
Verified Facts
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Willison remains professionally active, as seen through his involvement in the 2025 Honda CB1000 Hornet SP 5Four project.
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He continues to lead 5Four Motorcycles as Managing Director.
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There has been no official announcement regarding any illness or medical diagnosis.
In short, while fans may have genuine concern for his well-being, all illness claims remain unverified and should be treated as speculation unless confirmed directly by Willison or his representatives.
Legacy and Impact on the Custom Motorcycle World
Guy Willison’s contribution to motorcycle culture is immense. Over his career, he has:
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Elevated the art of customization through authenticity and craftsmanship.
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Helped popularize British café racer culture through television.
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Brought traditional design into collaboration with major manufacturers.
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Inspired countless young builders to pursue originality over imitation.
In an industry often driven by hype, Willison’s commitment to honesty, skill, and artistry sets him apart.
He stands among other British legends like Allen Millyard and Henry Cole — a testament to the enduring spirit of British motorcycling.
Media Appearances (Selected)
| Year | TV Show / Media | Role | Channel / Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011–Present | The Motorbike Show | Co-presenter / Builder | ITV4 |
| 2014–2022 | Shed and Buried | Co-host | Quest |
| 2016–2021 | Find It, Fix It, Flog It | Mechanic / Expert | Channel 4 |
| 2018–Present | 5Four Motorcycles | Founder / Designer | — |
| 2025 | Honda CB1000 Hornet SP 5Four Launch | Designer / Builder | Doble Motorcycles |
Fun Facts About Guy “Skid” Willison
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He often uses hand-tooled leather for seat designs, personally embossed with 5Four branding.
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Willison prefers minimal paintwork, often showcasing the natural finish of metal.
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His favorite builds often include nostalgic design cues from 1960s British racers.
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The number 54 has appeared on almost every major project — a personal lucky number.
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Despite his fame, he still performs much of the hands-on work himself.
Where Is Guy Willison Now (2025)?
As of late 2025, Guy Willison remains active in the UK custom motorcycle scene. He continues to:
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Operate 5Four Motorcycles, producing exclusive builds.
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Collaborate with Doble Motorcycles and Honda UK on new limited editions.
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Occasionally appear at events and interviews related to motorcycling culture.
Fans can expect more 5Four creations in the coming years — and possibly new collaborations in the works, though details remain private.
Conclusion
Guy “Skid” Willison represents everything that makes the motorcycle world great: craftsmanship, creativity, and authenticity.
From his TV appearances with Henry Cole to his custom masterpieces under 5Four Motorcycles, Willison’s legacy continues to inspire builders and riders alike.
While rumors about his health have circulated online, there is no verified evidence of any illness. Instead, Willison remains a vibrant force in the industry — a master craftsman whose passion for two wheels continues to shine through every machine he builds.
