Guy Willison – Motorcycle Designer, TV Presenter & Career

Guy Willison is a renowned motorcycle designer and television presenter known for his passion and craftsmanship. Born in London in 1962, he has built a remarkable career creating bespoke motorcycles and hosting popular motorcycle restoration shows. This article explores his early life, career, personal background, and achievements in detail.

Early Life and Date of Birth

Guy Willison was born in October 1962 in London, England. Growing up in such a vibrant city, he developed a fascination with motorcycles early on. His childhood was surrounded by British motorcycle culture, which fueled his passion from a young age. He pursued formal education in motorcycle engineering at Merton Technical College, where he built a strong technical foundation. 

This education combined with his natural enthusiasm laid the groundwork for his future career. While not much is publicly known about his family or upbringing beyond this, it is clear that motorcycles played a central role in shaping his early life and ambitions.

Age and Personal Life

As of 2025, Guy Willison is approximately 62 years old. Despite his age, he remains active in the motorcycle world and on television. He balances a professional life full of creativity with personal responsibilities. Willison’s personal life is kept relatively private, but it is known that he has a son named Charlie. 

He often expresses how important family is to him, even though he keeps details about his wife or partner out of the public eye. This approach helps him maintain a focus on his career and passions while protecting his loved ones from public scrutiny.

Career Beginnings and Motorcycle Design

Willison’s career started with practical work. He worked as a dispatch rider, which meant he was constantly on the road and learned about bike performance firsthand. Later, he worked as a mechanic. This helped him understand every detail about motorcycle functioning. With time, he moved towards motorcycle customization. His designs blended style with performance. 

Guy became known for his creative approach to classic motorcycle models. One of his early notable projects was redesigning the Norton Commando. This redesign became the Norton Commando 961 Street, a limited-edition model that quickly sold out. His ability to respect classic designs while adding modern touches won him acclaim.

5Four Motorcycles

To fully pursue his vision, Willison started his own company called 5Four Motorcycles. The name “5Four” comes from his dispatch riding call sign. The company focuses on creating unique, handcrafted motorcycles. These bikes combine vintage looks with modern technology. 5Four Motorcycles has attracted many enthusiasts who want something special. This brand represents Willison’s creativity and expertise.

Television Career

In addition to his design and engineering work, Guy Willison has established himself as a well-known television personality. He has co-hosted several popular motorcycle-related TV shows alongside Henry Cole, including “The Motorbike Show,” “Shed and Buried,” and “Find It, Fix It, Flog It.” These programs focus on motorcycle restoration, discovery, and customization. 

Through television, Willison shares his expertise and enthusiasm with a wide audience. His engaging personality and deep knowledge make him a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts watching these shows. Television has allowed him to expand his influence beyond traditional motorcycle circles and connect with a larger community.

Health and Illness

There is no public information indicating that Guy Willison has suffered from any significant illness. He appears to enjoy good health, which supports his active lifestyle. His work involves manual labor, bike riding, and travel for filming, which keeps him physically engaged. 

Fans and viewers have not reported any health issues, and Willison continues to participate in demanding projects both on and off the screen. His sustained energy and passion suggest he maintains a healthy balance between work and personal care.

Net Worth and Financial Standing

Guy Willison’s success in the motorcycle design industry, coupled with his television career, has contributed to his financial well-being. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, estimates place his net worth between $1 million and $5 million. 

This valuation reflects earnings from his bespoke motorcycle business, 5Four Motorcycles, royalties and fees from television appearances, and other related ventures. Beyond money, his true value lies in his reputation and impact on motorcycle culture, inspiring both professionals and fans alike.

Family Life

Though Guy Willison is a public figure, he keeps his family life quite private. It is known that he is a father to a son named Charlie, and he often highlights the importance of family balance in interviews and appearances.

Willison prefers to keep his personal relationships away from the public spotlight. This discretion allows him to focus more on his work and passions without the distractions of media attention on his private life.

Conclusion

Guy Willison is a respected figure in the motorcycle industry. His journey from a young enthusiast to a renowned designer and TV personality is impressive. His work reflects passion, skill, and innovation. Through 5Four Motorcycles and television, he continues to influence the motorcycle culture. Willison’s story is one of dedication to craft and love for the motorcycle lifestyle. For many, he represents the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who is Guy Willison?

Guy Willison is a British motorcycle designer and television presenter. He is best known for building custom bikes through his company 5Four Motorcycles and co-hosting shows like The Motorbike Show and Shed and Buried.

How old is Guy Willison?

Guy Willison was born in October 1962, which makes him around 62 years old as of 2025.

What is Guy Willison known for?

He is known for his custom motorcycle designs, particularly his collaboration with Norton on the Commando 961 Street. He also gained popularity through television shows focused on motorcycles and vintage restorations.

Where was Guy Willison born?

He was born in London, England.

What is Guy Willison’s background in motorcycles?

Guy started as a dispatch rider and mechanic. Over time, he became an expert in motorcycle design and founded 5Four Motorcycles, a company that builds unique, high-quality bikes.

What television shows has Guy Willison appeared in?

He has co-hosted The Motorbike Show, Shed and Buried, and Find It, Fix It, Flog It, often alongside presenter Henry Cole.