Guy Willison is a renowned British motorcycle designer and builder, widely celebrated for his expertise in creating custom motorcycles that combine traditional British design with modern engineering. Known for his work with Gladstone Motorcycles and his own venture, 5Four Motorcycles, Willison has become a key figure in the UK motorcycle scene. His creations are not only high-performance machines but also works of art that appeal to collectors and enthusiasts. Over the years, he has also gained visibility through television appearances, sharing his skills with a broader audience. This article explores Guy Willison’s age, career, net worth, personal life, and the rumors surrounding his health, providing an in-depth look at his life and legacy.
Who Is Guy Willison?
Guy Willison, affectionately nicknamed “Skid,” is a master of British motorcycle design. Born in October 1962, he has spent decades perfecting his craft, creating bespoke motorcycles that are both visually striking and mechanically impressive. Willison is best known for co-founding Gladstone Motorcycles, where he helped reimagine classic British motorcycles with contemporary engineering.
His venture, 5Four Motorcycles, focuses on individually numbered, hand-built motorcycles that emphasize both performance and style. Beyond the workshop, Willison has gained recognition on television, appearing on programs like The Motorbike Show, Shed and Buried, and Find It, Fix It, Flog It. His combination of technical expertise, aesthetic sensibility, and media presence has made him a household name among motorcycle enthusiasts.
Guy Willison: Date of Birth and Age
Guy Willison was born in October 1962, which makes him 63 years old as of 2025. While his exact birth date is not publicly disclosed, his age reflects decades of experience in motorcycle design and engineering. Despite being in his sixties, he remains active in creating, building, and customizing motorcycles, demonstrating both vitality and passion. His long-standing career has allowed him to develop a deep understanding of motorcycle mechanics, aesthetics, and performance, which he now combines in every custom build.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Guy Willison’s career is defined by innovation, craftsmanship, and a dedication to preserving British motorcycle heritage while introducing modern engineering techniques. Key achievements include:
Gladstone Motorcycles
In collaboration with TV presenter Henry Cole, Willison co-founded Gladstone Motorcycles. The company reimagined classic British bikes with a modern touch. Notable motorcycles include:
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Gladstone No.1 – A bespoke design blending vintage style with contemporary engineering.
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Gladstone Red Beard – Set a British land speed record for vintage 350cc motorcycles, highlighting Willison’s engineering expertise.
These motorcycles established him as a pioneer in custom British motorcycle design, merging performance and aesthetics.
Norton Commando 961 Street
Willison redesigned the Norton Commando 961 Street as a limited edition of 50 units. These bikes sold out rapidly, demonstrating both his popularity and the high demand for his designs. This model retained the classic Norton look while integrating performance upgrades, illustrating Willison’s ability to modernize vintage motorcycles without losing their iconic charm.
5Four Motorcycles
In December 2018, Willison launched 5Four Motorcycles, a brand dedicated to hand-built, individually numbered motorcycles. Collaborating with Honda UK, the company produced models such as:
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CB1100RS – Combines classic design with modern performance.
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CB1000R – A sleek, performance-focused motorcycle.
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2025 CB1000 Hornet SP – A modern, high-performance model tailored for enthusiasts.
Each motorcycle emphasizes precision, exclusivity, and aesthetic appeal, reflecting Willison’s philosophy that motorcycles should be both functional and artistic.
Addressing Illness Rumors
There have been rumors circulating online regarding Guy Willison’s health. However, as of 2025, there is no verified information confirming any serious illness. He remains actively involved in building motorcycles, attending events, and collaborating on television projects. These activities indicate that he is in good health and fully engaged in his career. Fans are encouraged to rely on reputable sources for updates, as most health-related rumors appear speculative.
Guy Willison Net Worth
Estimating Guy Willison’s net worth is challenging due to his private financial information. However, considering his decades-long career in:
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Custom motorcycle design and builds
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Business ventures with Gladstone Motorcycles and 5Four Motorcycles
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Television appearances and collaborations with major brands
…it is reasonable to infer that his net worth is substantial. His bespoke motorcycles command premium prices, and his reputation as a skilled designer adds significant value to his creations.
Personal Life: Wife and Relationships
Guy Willison maintains a private personal life, and there is little publicly available information regarding his marital status. Some online searches mention “Guy Willison wife” or “Guy Willison Henry Cole wife,” but these likely stem from professional collaborations rather than personal relationships. Henry Cole, his frequent collaborator, has been married for many years, and there is no evidence suggesting a connection between Willison and Cole’s spouse.
Philosophy and Design Approach
Guy Willison’s design philosophy emphasizes art, engineering, and tradition. Key principles include:
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Bespoke Craftsmanship – Each motorcycle is individually numbered and customized.
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Performance Engineering – Designs focus on handling, speed, and ride quality.
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Aesthetic Precision – Every detail, from finishes to mechanical components, is visually appealing.
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Blending Tradition and Innovation – Classic motorcycle heritage meets modern engineering standards.
This philosophy ensures that every motorcycle is not only a functional machine but also a collector’s piece, combining beauty with reliability.
Key Achievements Summary
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Gladstone Red Beard – Set a British land speed record for vintage 350cc motorcycles.
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Norton Commando 961 Street – Limited edition of 50 units sold out immediately.
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5Four Motorcycles – Launched a series of bespoke, hand-built motorcycles.
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Television Appearances – Featured on multiple UK TV shows, increasing public recognition.
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Global Recognition – Acknowledged as a master craftsman in custom motorcycle design.
Also Read:Guy Willison Illness: Health, Career, Net Worth, and Personal Life
(FAQs)
Q: Who is Guy Willison?
A: Guy Willison is a British motorcycle designer and builder, known for his work with Gladstone Motorcycles, 5Four Motorcycles, and TV appearances.
Q: How old is Guy Willison?
A: He was born in October 1962, making him 63 years old as of 2025.
Q: Has Guy Willison been ill?
A: There are rumors, but no verified reports confirm any major illness. He continues to work actively.
Q: What is Guy Willison’s net worth?
A: While not publicly disclosed, his net worth is substantial due to his successful business ventures and media collaborations.
Q: Is Guy Willison married?
A: His marital status is private, and there is no public confirmation of a spouse or partner.
Q: Does Guy Willison have a Wikipedia page?
A: Currently, there is no official Wikipedia page, but credible sources cover his career extensively.
Conclusion
Guy Willison is a legend in British motorcycle design, combining artistry, engineering, and innovation. From Gladstone Red Beard to the hand-built motorcycles of 5Four Motorcycles, his creations are admired worldwide by collectors and enthusiasts. Despite keeping his personal life private, his professional achievements reflect decades of dedication, creativity, and mastery.
Call-to-Action: Explore Guy Willison’s latest motorcycles and bespoke creations by visiting the 5Four Motorcycles official website.
