Known affectionately across the UK motorcycle scene as Skid, and celebrated for his appearances on The Motorbike Show, Shed and Buried, and Find It, Fix It, Flog It, Guy Willison has built a reputation as one of Britain’s most respected motorcycle designers, builders, and restorers. His unique blend of technical brilliance, artistic creativity, and authentic personality has made him a favourite among gearheads and television viewers alike.
In this in-depth article, we explore everything about the man behind the legend — from Guy Willison age, his early years, and rise to prominence, to Guy Willison illness, Guy Willison net worth, his partnership with TV star Henry Cole, the story of Guy Willison motorcycles, and the influence of his brands 5Four and collaborations like Guy Willison Norton.
Early Life and Guy Willison Young: Where the Passion Began
Although Guy Willison has shared very little about his childhood publicly, fans who know him from TV often describe him as the same person on and off-screen — humble, passionate, and endlessly curious about machines.
From a young age, Guy Willison young was fascinated with motorcycles. He grew up around tools, engines, and classic British bikes. Many of his earliest memories involve taking things apart simply to figure out how they worked. By his teenage years, his reputation in local circles had grown: he could fix almost anything on two wheels.
His early work included small-scale repairs and custom jobs for local riders. These early experiences built the foundation for a career that would one day influence the entire custom motorcycle industry in the United Kingdom.
Guy Willison Age: How Old Is He?
As of the latest public information, Guy Willison age is estimated to be in his mid-50s. While he has never made a public fuss about his age, fans often consider his decades of experience proof of his long-standing dedication to craftsmanship and engineering.
Career Breakthrough: From Workshop to TV Screens
Before becoming a television personality, Guy Willison was already known in the UK motorcycle world for his immaculate custom builds. His attention to detail and ability to combine retro style with modern performance caught the eye of many enthusiasts and collectors.
His breakout came when TV presenter Henry Cole, host of The Motorbike Show, worked with Guy on several restoration projects. Their chemistry, humour, and mutual respect quickly made them a viewer favourite. Their partnership eventually extended into Shed and Buried, where they searched rural Britain for vintage and forgotten machines to restore and resell.
Guy’s role in these shows highlighted more than just mechanical skill. Viewers admired his calm demeanour, his generous teaching style, and his genuine passion for motorcycles.
Guy Willison Illness: What Happened?
Fans were concerned when Guy Willison briefly stepped back from television appearances. Rumours circulated about Guy Willison illness, but he later confirmed publicly that he faced health issues that required rest and recovery.
While he hasn’t disclosed all personal details — out of privacy and respect for his family — he has shared enough for fans to understand that the experience changed him deeply. He has discussed how the health scare encouraged him to slow down, focus on well-being, and appreciate life more.
Thankfully, he recovered well and returned to work, continuing to design and build extraordinary motorcycles. His resilience has made him even more admired by fans worldwide.
Guy Willison Motorcycles: A Legacy Built in Steel and Speed
When discussing Guy Willison motorcycles, enthusiasts often refer to:
- His meticulous craftsmanship
- His ability to merge art with engineering
- His dedication to British motorcycle heritage
Guy’s builds often draw inspiration from café racer traditions, but with modern touches such as updated suspension, performance tuning, custom frames, and premium materials. His signature style includes a clean, minimalist design paired with exceptional performance.
Collectors praise his motorcycles for being both visually striking and mechanically superior. Every bike he touches carries his unmistakable identity — bold, fast, and unmistakably British.
Guy Willison 5Four: The Birth of a Custom Brand
One of the most important developments in Guy’s career was the founding of 5Four Motorcycles. This brand represents his personal philosophy: to create motorcycles that are not just machines but pieces of art.
What is 5Four?
5Four is Guy Willison’s boutique motorcycle brand focused on producing limited-edition custom builds. The name refers to his riding number — 54 — which has become a symbol of his personal style and legacy.
5Four bikes are known for:
- Handcrafted details
- Limited production runs
- Premium parts
- Classic-meets-modern British styling
Collectors consider 5Four motorcycles highly desirable, not just for their performance but for the fact that each model is designed by Guy himself.
Guy Willison Norton: A Legendary Collaboration
One of the highlights of Guy’s career was his collaboration with Norton Motorcycles, one of the UK’s most iconic brands. The Guy Willison Norton project allowed him to design limited-edition models that reflected his trademark styling while celebrating Norton’s legendary racing heritage.
These custom Nortons are prized by enthusiasts for:
- Their aggressive yet elegant café racer aesthetics
- High-end finishes
- Precision performance tuning
- The unmistakable Willison touch
The partnership showcased how Guy could elevate even a world-class motorcycle brand with his design instincts.
Net Worth: How Much Is Guy Willison Worth?
Estimating the exact Guy Willison net worth is challenging because he keeps financial details private. However, industry experts estimate his net worth to be in the £600,000 to £1 million range, based on:
- His television work
- His motorcycle business ventures
- Profits from custom builds
- Brand collaborations
- The success of 5Four Motorcycles
His true wealth, however, lies in his influence and the respect he commands in the global motorcycle community.
Personality and Work Ethic: Why Fans Love Him
People who meet Guy describe him as:
- Down-to-earth
- Funny
- Humble
- Incredibly skilled
- Passionate about teaching
- Dedicated to craftsmanship
His genuine love for motorcycles shines through everything he does — whether he’s on camera, in the workshop, or interacting with fans.
Guy Willison Today: Continuing the Legacy
Despite health challenges and decades of physically demanding work, Guy shows no signs of slowing down. He remains deeply involved in:
- Custom motorcycle design
- TV restoration shows
- His brand 5Four
- Collaborations with top manufacturers
- Appearances at motorcycle events
He continues to inspire younger generations of builders and riders who admire his craftsmanship and authenticity.
FAQs
1. What does Guy Willison do for a living?
Guy Willison is a professional motorcycle designer, builder, restorer, and television personality. He creates custom motorcycles, runs 5Four Motorcycles, collaborates with major brands, and appears on shows like The Motorbike Show and Shed and Buried.
2. Who is Skid in Shed and Buried in real life?
“Skid” is the nickname of Guy Willison, the co-host of Shed and Buried. It’s a name fans have adopted with affection because of his fun personality and love for bikes.
3. Who owns Gladstone Motorcycles?
Gladstone Motorcycles is owned by Henry Cole, Guy’s long-time friend, TV co-host, and fellow motorcycle enthusiast. Guy has collaborated with Henry on several motorcycle projects.
4. What illness did Guy Willison have?
While Guy Willison has publicly confirmed experiencing health issues, he has chosen not to reveal specific medical details. He has since recovered and returned to work.
5. What bikes is Guy Willison best known for?
Guy Willison is best known for his custom café racers, his 5Four Motorcycles limited editions, and his collaborations including the Guy Willison Norton builds.
