Guy Willison is widely celebrated as one of the UK’s most talented motorcycle designers and builders. Known for his meticulous craftsmanship and passion for motorcycles, his journey spans from humble beginnings restoring vintage bikes to spearheading cutting-edge custom projects and television collaborations. This article delves deeply into Willison’s life, work, design philosophy, and legacy in the world of custom motorcycling.
Table of Contents
Early Passion and Career Beginnings
From a young age, Guy Willison exhibited a profound fascination with motorcycles. He started his career in small workshops focused on restoring and customizing vintage British motorcycles from the 1960s and 1970s. His reputation grew through word-of-mouth as he transformed “beyond repair” bikes into stunning machines. This foundation established his expertise in classic British models and set him apart for his attention to detail and ability to breathe new life into old motorcycles.
Collaboration with Henry Cole and Television Fame
Guy’s collaboration with Henry Cole, a renowned British TV presenter, significantly elevated his profile. Their dynamic partnership brought motorcycle restoration to mainstream audiences through several successful shows including The Motorbike Show, Shed and Buried, and Find It, Fix It, Flog It. Guy’s technical mastery paired with Henry’s engaging presentation made the duo fan favorites, educating viewers while delivering captivating restorations and barn finds.
Guy Willison’s Own Venture: 5Four Motorcycles
In December 2018, Guy founded 5Four Motorcycles, a bespoke motorcycle brand focused on handcrafted, individually numbered limited-edition machines. The ethos of 5Four centers around building bikes that are not only functional but tell stories of passion, craftsmanship, and heritage. Every detail from the custom paintwork to hand-stitched leather seats reflects Guy’s dedication to quality and artistry.
Signature Builds and Projects
The Norton Commando 961 Street
One of Guy’s standout projects is his work on the iconic Norton Commando 961 Street, a motorcycle revered for its classic British engineering combined with modern performance. His restorations and customizations highlight his ability to preserve historical essence while enhancing ride quality and aesthetics.
The Honda CB1100 RS 5Four
Guy’s collaboration with Honda UK produced a limited-edition café racer-style CB1100 RS 5Four, blending Honda’s renowned reliability with Guy’s retro custom design. The bike features bespoke leather seating, candy red paint, and meticulous detailing like the individually numbered badge and custom exhaust sounds—a modern tribute to classic motorcycling.
The Turbo and NOS-Injected Honda Grom
In partnership with Honda UK and MattB Customs, Guy crafted an extreme drag-racer version of the compact Honda Grom. Nicknamed “HOLD ON,” the bike boasts a turbocharger, nitrous oxide injection, and a custom paint job, representing Guy’s flair for innovation and pushing the boundaries of performance in small-displacement motorcycles.
Philosophy and Craftsmanship
Guy Willison’s approach goes beyond mechanical fixes—he is a designer and storyteller, weaving heritage, emotion, and individuality into every motorcycle. His builds reflect respect for tradition with a contemporary flair. He values authenticity and precision, taking a methodical, passionate approach to each restoration or custom creation.
The Brough Superior Revival
Guy played a pivotal role in the modern revival of Brough Superior, the legendary British brand famed as the “Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles.” His expertise helped resurrect classic designs combined with modern engineering marvels like the Brough Superior Lawrence model, inspired by T.E. Lawrence. This project symbolizes the fusion of history, engineering, and storytelling that defines Guy’s career.
Personal Insights and Recent Activity
Known for his down-to-earth personality and modest demeanor, Guy avoids the spotlight outside his craft. Despite health rumors, Guy remains active in the scene, engaging with motorcycle communities and events such as the London ExCel bike shows. His Instagram reflects a life dedicated to wrench-turning, riding, and championing motorcycle culture.
Impact on Motorcycle Culture
Guy Willison’s influence extends beyond individual builds. Through his television appearances, collaborations, and brand ventures, he has inspired a new generation of enthusiasts and craftsmen. His transparent blend of artistry, technical skill, and narrative creates a comprehensive view of motorcycling as both a passion and a craft.
FAQs About Guy Willison
Who is Guy Willison?
Guy Willison is a British custom motorcycle designer, builder, and television personality, renowned for his meticulous restorations and bespoke motorcycle creations.
What brands has Guy Willison worked with?
He has worked extensively with British motorcycle brands such as Norton and Brough Superior, collaborated with Honda UK on special projects, and founded his own brand, 5Four Motorcycles.
What is 5Four Motorcycles?
5Four Motorcycles is Guy’s bespoke motorcycle brand founded in 2018, focusing on limited-edition, handcrafted custom motorcycles that combine heritage and modern performance.
What are some of Guy Willison’s most famous builds?
Notable builds include the Norton Commando 961 Street, the Honda CB1100 RS 5Four limited edition, and the turbo and NOS-injected Honda Grom drag racer project.
Has Guy Willison appeared on television?
Yes, notably in collaboration with Henry Cole on programs like The Motorbike Show, Shed and Buried, and Find It, Fix It, Flog It, bringing motorcycle restoration to a broad audience.
What is Guy Willison’s design philosophy?
He views motorcycles as storytelling vessels, blending craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation to create machines that are personal, functional, and beautiful.
Is Guy Willison still active in the motorcycle scene?
Yes, despite rumors about his health, Guy remains engaged with the community and continues to work on motorcycles and public events.
Conclusion
Guy Willison’s legacy as a custom motorcycle designer is marked by a unique combination of technical prowess, artistic vision, and cultural respect. From his early days restoring vintage British bikes to leading high-profile collaborations with Honda and reviving British legends like Brough Superior, his story embodies motorcycle craftsmanship at its finest. His brand 5Four continues to set the standard for bespoke motorcycle design, making him a continuing influence in the world of custom bikes.
