Guy Willison, affectionately known as “Skid,” is a renowned British motorcycle designer, builder, and television personality. He is best known as the Managing Director of 5Four Motorcycles and for his long-standing on-screen partnership with presenter Henry Cole on popular ITV programs such as The Motorbike Show, Shed and Buried, and Find It, Fix It, Flog It. With a background that spans from London dispatch riding to professional sound engineering, Willison has established himself as a premier builder of limited-edition motorcycles. His signature design philosophy emphasizes “stripped-down” street machines that prioritize performance and elegance, famously rejecting plastic components in favor of hand-fabricated aluminum. He has successfully collaborated with major manufacturers like Honda and Norton to produce exclusive, sell-out runs of custom motorcycles, including the Honda CB1100 RS 5Fourand the Norton Commando 961 Street
Guy Willison is one of the UK’s most respected motorcycle designers, celebrated for his ability to blend classic British engineering with modern performance. A former dispatch rider turned master builder, he is the creative force behind 5Four Motorcycles and a beloved fixture on British television.
This comprehensive guide explores the life and career of the man known as “Skid.” From his adrenaline-fueled days tearing through London traffic as a courier to his current status as a designer of exclusive machines for Honda and Norton, this article covers his biography, his design philosophy, his famous builds, and his enduring partnership with Henry Cole.
Early Life and The “Skid” Origin Story
The Dispatch Rider Years
Guy Willison’s deep understanding of motorcycles was not forged in a design studio but on the chaotic streets of London. In his youth, Willison worked as a dispatch rider (motorcycle courier), a high-pressure job that required riding in all weather conditions, navigating heavy traffic, and keeping machines running with minimal resources.
It was during this time that he earned the call sign “5Four”, a moniker that would later become the name of his own motorcycle company. The life of a dispatch rider in the 1980s and 90s was a subculture of its own—gritty, dangerous, and demanding absolute mechanical reliability. Willison clocked up over a million miles on two wheels, an experience that shaped his “function over form” aesthetic. He learned that if a part didn’t make the bike faster or handle better, it was dead weight.
Engineering Education
While his practical skills were honed on the road, Willison also possesses formal training. He studied motorcycle engineering at Merton Technical College, gaining the theoretical knowledge to back up his mechanical intuition. This combination of “street smarts” and academic grounding allowed him to eventually move from fixing bikes in railway arches to designing production models for global manufacturers.
The TV Partnership: Guy Willison and Henry Cole
A Lifelong Friendship
Guy Willison is perhaps most widely recognized for his work alongside Henry Cole. The two have been friends since they were 15 years old. Their relationship is the heartbeat of their television projects, characterized by genuine banter, mutual respect, and a shared obsession with vintage machinery.
Willison often plays the role of the grounded expert—the “man who can”—balancing Cole’s enthusiastic (and often ambitious) project ideas. Their chemistry is authentic, stemming from decades of riding together and working in various industries, including a stint where they both worked in the music business (Willison as a sound recordist).
Key Television Appearances
- The Motorbike Show (ITV): Willison is a regular expert, often seen leading restoration projects or designing special builds documented throughout a series.
- Shed and Buried: In this series, Willison accompanies Cole to explore the sheds and outbuildings of Britain, hunting for automotive treasure. His keen eye is crucial in spotting the difference between “junk” and a valuable restoration candidate.
- Find It, Fix It, Flog It: Willison brings his mechanical expertise to restore items found in barns and sheds, turning rust into profit.
- The “Junk & Disorderly” Era: Willison’s ability to fix almost anything with an engine has made him indispensable to the “junk” restoration genre of TV.
5Four Motorcycles: The Brand
Philosophy: “For the Few, Not the Many”
In December 2018, Guy Willison founded 5Four Motorcycles with business partner Adrian Giles. The company’s motto, “For the few, not the many,” reflects its commitment to exclusivity. 5Four is not a typical custom shop that builds one-off show ponies; instead, it bridges the gap between mass production and custom building.
Willison collaborates directly with major manufacturers to create limited-edition runs of production bikes. These machines are sold through main dealer networks and come with full factory warranties—a rarity in the custom world.
The “No Plastic” Rule
A defining characteristic of a Willison build is his disdain for plastic. He believes that a premium motorcycle should feel substantial. On 5Four bikes, plastic fairings and covers are ruthlessly removed and replaced with hand-fabricated aluminum. This not only improves the tactile quality of the machine but also serves as a nod to the golden era of hand-built British racing bikes.
The Design Process
Remarkably, Willison does not use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. He designs “in his head” and mocks up parts using cardboard and foam. Once the lines are perfect on the physical bike, the templates are used to cut and shape the metal. This tactile, old-school approach ensures that the proportions look right to the human eye, rather than just on a computer screen.
Iconic Builds and Collaborations
1. The Norton Commando 961 Street
This project put Guy Willison on the map as a serious designer. Collaborating with Norton (under its previous ownership) and Henry Cole, Willison set out to redesign the iconic Commando 961.
- The Concept: To turn the classic Commando into a 1970s-style “muscle bike” or street tracker.
- Key Features: A polished aluminum tank, high-end Öhlins suspension, Brembo brakes, and a completely new seat and tail unit.
- Exclusivity: The run was limited to just 50 units.
- Reception: The bike was a massive commercial success, reportedly selling out within a week of its announcement, proving Willison’s design instincts were perfectly aligned with market desires.
2. Honda CB1100 RS 5Four
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Honda CB750, Honda UK commissioned Willison to create a limited edition of their air-cooled retro machine, the CB1100 RS.
- The Inspiration: Honda’s endurance racers of the 1980s.
- Modifications:
- Paint: A stunning works-style livery in Candy Red, Pearl White, and Blue. Crucially, the Honda logos were hand-painted, not decals.
- Bodywork: A hand-formed aluminum headlight cowl and a single-seat tail unit crafted from aluminum.
- Seat: Hand-stitched Alcantara leather in a diamond pattern.
- Exhaust: Titanium Urban Growler end-cans from Racefit, giving the bike a throaty, aggressive growl.
- Handlebars: Renthal ultra-low bars for a more aggressive riding position.
- Production: Strictly limited to 54 units.
3. Honda CB1000R 5Four
Following the success of the CB1100, Honda returned to Willison for a take on their modern “Neo Sports Café” machine, the CB1000R.
- The Challenge: Unlike the retro CB1100, the CB1000R is a modern, angular bike. Willison had to soften the lines while maintaining its aggressive stance.
- Modifications:
- Composite Fairing: A custom-designed composite front fairing that flowed with the bike’s modern lines.
- Tail Tidy: A bespoke rear end that removed the bulky stock number plate holder, raising the plate to show off the rear tire.
- Wheels: Fitted with stunning multi-spoke wheels.
- Exhaust: A Racefit titanium Growler-X exhaust system.
- Quickshifter: Included as standard.
- Price: Launched at approximately £16,954.
4. Gladstone Motorcycles
Before 5Four, Willison was the lead builder for Gladstone Motorcycles, a boutique brand founded by Henry Cole (named after Cole’s great-uncle, Dick “Red Beard” Gladstone).
- The Gladstone No. 1: A metisse-framed, Triumph-engined bobber. Willison hand-built the initial production run of nine bikes in a shed.
- The Red Beard: A land-speed record bike designed in collaboration with Sam Lovegrove.
Practical Information for Enthusiasts
Buying a 5Four Motorcycle
Since 5Four motorcycles are produced in limited runs, they are not always available “off the shelf.”
- Where to Buy: When a new series is launched, they are typically sold exclusively through authorized dealers of the partner brand (e.g., Honda UK dealers).
- Waiting List: Due to the “hand-built” nature of the final assembly (often done by Willison himself), there is usually a lead time of several months after ordering.
- Used Market: 5Four bikes hold their value well. Keep an eye on specialist auction sites like Collecting Cars or high-end motorcycle brokerages.
Events and Appearances
Guy Willison is a regular attendee at major UK motorcycle shows.
- Motorcycle Live (NEC Birmingham): often appears on the main stage or at the Honda stand.
- The MCN London Motorcycle Show: Frequently attends with Henry Cole.
- Kempton Park Autojumble: As seen on TV, he is a genuine enthusiast who visits autojumbles to find parts for personal projects.
Tips for Owners
If you are lucky enough to own a 5Four machine:
- Detailing: The hand-painted logos and Alcantara seats require specialist care. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners on the custom upholstery.
- Authenticity: Ensure you have the signed certificate of authenticity that accompanies these limited builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Guy Willison? Guy Willison, also known as “Skid,” is a British motorcycle designer, TV personality, and Managing Director of 5Four Motorcycles. He is famous for his work on shows like The Motorbike Show and for building limited-edition bikes for Honda and Norton.
Why is his company called 5Four Motorcycles? The name “5Four” comes from Willison’s call sign during his years working as a dispatch rider (motorcycle courier) in London.
What is the relationship between Guy Willison and Henry Cole? They are lifelong friends who met at the age of 15.They have worked together in the music industry and now collaborate on various television shows and motorcycle manufacturing projects like Gladstone Motorcycles.
Does Guy Willison have an engineering degree? He studied motorcycle engineering at Merton Technical College, combining formal education with decades of practical experience.
What bikes has Guy Willison designed? His most famous designs include the Norton Commando 961 Street, the Honda CB1100 RS 5Four, the Honda CB1000R 5Four, and the Gladstone No. 1.
How many Honda CB1100 RS 5Four bikes were made? Only 54 units were produced, making them highly collectible.
What TV shows is Guy Willison on? He appears on The Motorbike Show, Shed and Buried, Find It, Fix It, Flog It, and Junk & Disorderly.
Does Guy Willison use CAD for his designs? No, he famously designs “in his head” and uses cardboard and foam to mock up parts before fabricating them in metal.
Where is 5Four Motorcycles based? The company is based in the UK. Specific builds are often coordinated through major manufacturer dealerships (like Honda UK).
Is Guy Willison a mechanic? Yes, he is a highly skilled mechanic, fabricator, and tuner, capable of everything from engine rebuilds to custom bodywork fabrication.
What is the “Street” concept? Willison’s “Street” concept refers to a stripped-down, aggressive riding style optimized for urban environments—handlebars lower, excess weight removed, and handling sharpened.
How much does a 5Four motorcycle cost? Prices vary by model. The Honda CB1000R 5Four was priced around £16,954 at launch, while the Norton Commando 961 Street was similarly priced in the premium segment.
Can I commission a one-off bike from Guy Willison? While 5Four focuses on limited production runs with manufacturers, the website has previously mentioned bespoke builds. It is best to contact the company directly for availability.
What is Guy Willison’s nickname? His nickname is “Skid” or “The Skiddler.”
Did Guy Willison work in the music industry? Yes, before his TV fame, he worked as a freelance sound recordist for rock bands.
