Introduction
When people search for guy willison age, they are often curious about the man behind some of the most beautiful custom motorcycles in the UK. Guy Willison, affectionately known as “Skid,” is a British motorcycle designer, mechanic, and television personality. As of 2025, he is 62 years old, having been born in October 1962.
Guy’s career is a fascinating mix of mechanical skill, artistic vision, and on-screen charisma. From tinkering with engines as a boy to building bespoke motorcycles for major brands, his story is as inspiring as the bikes he creates.
Early Life and First Encounters with Motorcycles
Discovering a Lifelong Passion
Guy’s interest in motorcycles sparked early. By the age of 11, he was already dismantling and studying engines, driven by pure curiosity. In his teenage years, he began building basic field bikes using salvaged parts, learning through trial, error, and relentless experimentation.
Formal Training
Keen to develop his natural abilities, Guy studied motorcycle engineering at a local technical college. This gave him a solid grounding in the mechanics and design principles that would later define his career.
From the Road to the Workshop
Before launching into the custom motorcycle scene, Guy spent years as a London dispatch rider, covering well over a million miles. His call sign during this time, “5Four,” would later become the name of his motorcycle brand.
From Mechanic to Custom Builder
Workshop Beginnings
After his dispatch riding days, Guy set up his workshop in London, where he serviced and customized bikes for other riders. His reputation grew steadily as a skilled and detail-oriented mechanic.
Diversions and Returns
Guy briefly worked in the music industry before returning to the motorcycle world full-time. This period introduced him to creative collaborations and sharpened his sense for aesthetic and design skills that would serve him well in building bespoke machines.
Collaborations and Television Career
Gladstone Motorcycles
Guy co-founded Gladstone Motorcycles with his longtime friend Henry Cole. Together, they created unique, handcrafted bikes that blended traditional British style with modern performance.
TV Appearances
Guy’s work with Henry also brought him to television. He appeared in popular programs such as:
- The Motorbike Show
- Shed and Buried
- Find It, Fix It, Flog It
On-screen, Guy became known for his approachable personality, deep technical knowledge, and ability to tell the story behind every motorcycle.
Founding 5Four Motorcycles
The 5Four Identity
In 2018, Guy founded 5Four Motorcycles, named after his old dispatch rider call sign. The brand focuses on bespoke, handcrafted builds, each created with meticulous attention to detail.
Notable Creations
Some of his standout projects include:
- Norton Commando 961 Street – A limited-edition bike that sold out quickly.
- Honda CB1100RS 5Four – A retro-modern machine with a classic feel.
- Honda CB1000R 5Four – A bold collaboration with a contemporary twist.
Each bike reflects Guy’s philosophy: motorcycles should be both functional machines and works of art.
Guy Willison Age and Continued Relevance
As of 2025, Guy Willison is 62 years old. Far from slowing down, he continues to design, build, and ride with the same enthusiasm he had as a teenager. His energy and creativity prove that age is no barrier when passion fuels the work.
Net Worth and Professional Impact
While exact figures are private, Guy’s income comes from multiple sources:
- Sales of bespoke motorcycles through 5Four Motorcycles
- Collaborations with brands such as Honda and Norton
- Television appearances and related projects
- Consulting and design work within the motorcycle industry
His influence extends beyond financial success—he has become a respected figure in both the custom motorcycle community and mainstream audiences.
Design Philosophy and Legacy
A Builder’s Vision
Guy’s work is defined by:
- Performance – Every bike is meant to be ridden, not just admired.
- Aesthetics – Visual design is as essential as mechanical perfection.
- Craftsmanship – Every component, from the frame to the smallest bolt, receives attention.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Guy has influenced a new wave of motorcycle enthusiasts who value craftsmanship over mass production. His career is a testament to the enduring appeal of bespoke design.
Personal Life
Guy tends to keep his personal life private, rarely sharing details outside of his professional work. This focus on his craft helps maintain a genuine connection with fans, who know him primarily through his bikes and television appearances.
Future Plans
Guy shows no signs of stepping away from the workshop or the camera. Enthusiasts eagerly anticipate new 5Four builds and possible future TV projects. Given his track record, the next chapter will likely bring even more unique machines and memorable collaborations.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for guy willison age, you’ll find that he is currently 62 years old—but that number barely scratches the surface of his story. Guy Willison’s life has been defined by motorcycles, from his earliest days experimenting with engines to his current role as a celebrated designer and TV personality.
His work blends mechanical expertise with artistic flair, creating motorcycles that are both beautiful and functional. At 62, he continues to inspire riders, builders, and fans worldwide—proving that passion, skill, and creativity never go out of style.