Guy Willison is more than a motorcycle designer; he is a symbol of British engineering brilliance, passion, and craftsmanship. With an unmistakable charm and mechanical genius, Willison has earned his place among the top motorcycle customizers in the United Kingdom. Best known for his television appearances alongside Henry Cole, as well as his custom builds under the 5Four Motorcycles brand, Guy Willison’s story is one of grit, ingenuity, and love for two-wheeled machines.
Early Life and First Steps into Motorcycling
Born in October 1962 in London, Guy Willison was naturally drawn to machines from a young age. By the age of 11, he was already dismantling engines, intrigued by how things worked. This early curiosity laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong journey into the world of motorbikes.
While most kids were riding bicycles, Guy was busy learning the fundamentals of engineering. His youth was filled with trial and error, experimenting with parts and building his understanding of motorcycles from the inside out. Eventually, he became a despatch rider in London, spending years zipping through traffic and understanding bikes not just as machines but as essential tools for survival and performance.
From Road to Workshop: The Creation of 5Four Motorcycles
The name 5Four is not just branding; it’s part of Guy’s identity. As a despatch rider, he was known by the call sign “5Four.” This nod to his roots eventually became the foundation of his custom bike company. Guy Willison launched 5Four Motorcycles to fulfill a singular vision: to build bespoke motorcycles for passionate riders who seek individuality, style, and flawless craftsmanship.
Every build from 5Four Motorcycles carries Guy’s signature touch. These are not mass-produced machines; they are hand-built, one-of-a-kind creations designed for people who see their motorcycles as an extension of themselves. Whether it’s the carefully selected materials or the attention to performance, 5Four bikes are the epitome of high-end, purpose-driven design.
Television Stardom: A Different Kind of Platform
Though always a craftsman, Guy Willison’s skills found a new audience when he teamed up with presenter Henry Cole on a series of motorcycle-related TV shows. His natural on-screen presence and easy rapport with Cole made him a favorite among viewers.
Some of the most notable programs featuring Guy include:
- The Motorbike Show: A popular series exploring motorcycle culture, restorations, and road trips.
- Shed and Buried: A fun and insightful show about uncovering vintage machinery in forgotten sheds across the UK.
- Find It, Fix It, Flog It: A restoration-based program that gave Guy the opportunity to show off his mechanical expertise.
These shows helped introduce Guy to a broader audience. His genuine love for engineering and clear joy in breathing life back into forgotten machines endeared him to fans around the world.
The Honda Collaborations: Merging Heritage with Innovation
One of Guy Willison’s most celebrated ventures is his collaboration with Honda UK. These projects combined the heritage of a well-established brand with Guy’s creative input and design philosophy.
- Honda CB1100RS 5Four: Limited-edition, race-inspired road bikes that paid tribute to the golden era of motorcycling. Hand-built, these motorcycles featured bespoke touches such as Alcantara seats, stainless steel detailing, and a unique paint finish.
- Honda CB1000R 5Four: A modern masterpiece, this build married contemporary performance with retro flair. Guy added details that elevated the motorcycle beyond its factory version, making it a collector’s dream.
These collaborations were more than just business. They were passion projects—opportunities for Guy to bring his artistry to the global stage, showcasing what British craftsmanship could achieve when fused with corporate engineering excellence.
Redefining the Norton Commando
Another standout achievement in Guy Willison’s career was his involvement in reimagining the legendary Norton Commando 961. With his vision, this classic British bike was reborn for a modern audience while retaining its iconic silhouette and spirit.
The 5Four Norton Commando 961 Street was a limited-run project that immediately sold out. It was a stunning combination of old-school elegance and contemporary upgrades—featuring unique detailing, upgraded components, and custom finishes that paid homage to Norton’s racing history.
Guy’s reinterpretation of the Norton Commando demonstrated his ability to honor tradition while pushing design boundaries. It remains one of the most celebrated releases in the modern British motorcycling scene.
The Philosophy Behind the Machines
At the heart of every project Guy undertakes is a philosophy built on passion, precision, and purpose. He doesn’t build motorcycles for the mass market. Instead, he creates riding experiences tailored to individual needs.
Each design emphasizes:
- Ergonomics: Balancing comfort with control.
- Aesthetics: Every line, color, and curve is deliberate.
- Functionality: Performance is never sacrificed for looks.
Guy believes a motorcycle should stir your soul. For him, riding is not just a method of transportation—it’s a way of life, a feeling, and a form of expression.
Impact on the British Motorcycle Scene
Guy Willison has become a household name among motorcyclists not only because of his design skills but also due to his contributions to British motorcycling culture. Through his TV appearances and custom creations, he has helped revive interest in bespoke motorcycle building.
His work champions small-scale craftsmanship over mass production and celebrates the legacy of British engineering. He has mentored young builders and continues to push the envelope in terms of what custom motorcycles can be.
In many ways, Guy represents a bridge between the golden age of British motorcycling and its modern resurgence. His bikes capture the nostalgia of the past while offering the performance demanded by today’s riders.
Personal Life and Values
Despite his television fame, Guy Willison remains a deeply grounded individual. He shuns unnecessary publicity and focuses on what truly matters to him—his craft, his clients, and the ride itself.
Known for his humility, Guy often credits his team and collaborators for their contributions to his success. He prefers to let his work speak for itself. For Guy, the most satisfying reward is seeing a bike he built light up the eyes of its new owner.
Legacy and Future Outlook
As of now, Guy Willison continues to design and build motorcycles, staying true to his principles of quality and authenticity. He doesn’t chase trends; instead, he shapes them in his quiet, confident way.
His legacy is already visible in the machines that bear his name and in the many aspiring custom builders he’s inspired. In an industry that often favors speed over substance, Guy Willison stands as a beacon of integrity, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Looking forward, it’s likely that we will continue to see exciting creations from 5Four Motorcycles and more media projects where Guy shares his wealth of knowledge. But no matter where his journey leads next, his commitment to excellence will remain his trademark.
Conclusion
Guy Willison is not just a motorcycle designer—he is an artist, an innovator, and a storyteller. Every bike he builds tells a tale of precision, passion, and purpose. Through 5Four Motorcycles, television programs, and high-profile collaborations, he has carved out a unique space in the motorcycling world.
As long as there are riders who value soul over speed and character over conformity, Guy Willison’s legacy will continue to grow, one handcrafted motorcycle at a time.
