Introduction
Guy Willison has a reputation that rides ahead of him. Known to many as Skid, he is a custom motorcycle designer, builder, and television presenter whose work blends hands-on engineering with a clear love for classic machines. Over the last two decades he has helped bring motorcycle restoration and custom culture to a wider audience without losing the gritty craft at its heart.
Early life and how he learned to build
Willison grew up around tools and engines. He trained as a mechanic and developed a taste for creative problem solving. That early exposure to metalwork and engines set him on a path to take old, often neglected motorcycles and turn them into machines that perform better and look more expressive. He learned through practice and close collaboration with others in the motorcycle community.
5Four Motorcycles and a boutique approach
In 2018 Willison launched 5Four Motorcycles to make limited edition, hand built machines. The company is built on the idea that motorcycles can be individually numbered and crafted for riders who want something more than a mass produced model. That boutique approach gives Willison freedom to experiment with engineering details and artistic finishes, and it has become a signature of his work.
TV, public presence, and explaining craft
Willison is more than a workshop figure. He has appeared on popular television programs about motorcycles and restoration, where he shows viewers how creative solutions and skilled workmanship change both form and function. These appearances brought his methods to a wider audience and helped demystify the techniques behind successful custom builds.
Notable designs and collaborations
His career includes high profile collaborations and striking one off builds that have appeared at shows and in specialist press. Willison worked on Henry Cole’s Gladstone project and played a key role redesigning the Norton Commando 961 Street for a limited production run that sold out quickly. He has partnered with Doble Motorcycles and others to produce exclusive, individually numbered runs of modified Honda CB1000 Hornet SP machines. Those projects show a designer who respects a bike’s history while adding practical upgrades that improve handling, braking and engine response.
The build philosophy
Willison’s approach starts with a clear problem and a focus on how to solve it with simple, effective engineering. He favors high quality parts, careful fabrication, and practical aesthetics. The result is motorcycles that are not only visually distinctive but also enjoyable and reliable to ride. Far from being decorative, his custom work emphasizes usability and the rider experience.
Examples of technical creativity
On several builds he has pushed engines and chassis beyond their original expectations, including turbocharged or otherwise modified small displacement bikes that perform far above their stock specifications. Those projects attract attention because they mix inventive engineering with an unapologetic sense of fun. One example of his creative engineering drew press attention for a turbo and nitrous fed Honda Grom adapted for drag racing.
Workshop culture and team
A lot of what makes Willison’s bikes stand out comes from the shop culture he maintains. Small teams, clear roles, and a willingness to iterate quickly keep the work moving. He also leans on a network of suppliers and specialist fabricators to handle complex parts and finishes. This combination of in house skill and external partnerships allows a small company to generate big impact.
Business strategy and limited runs
5Four’s model shows how scarcity and storytelling increase value. By limiting production, numbering bikes, and telling the story of each build, Willison builds demand among collectors and riders. He also balances custom commissions with small series runs to keep cash flow steady while maintaining creative control.
Challenges and resilience
Custom builders face tight margins, supply chain hurdles, and the constant need to innovate. Willison’s public profile helps him access partners and publicity, but the real work still happens at the bench. Keeping a small business viable requires careful cost control and a reputation for quality. That means taking on hard jobs, being honest about timelines, and learning from projects that did not go as planned.
Public perception and credits
Outside the garage, Willison has a presence on social media and has accrued credits that include television and recorded work. He has a clear public profile that helps sell his builds and connect with the community. His on screen personality and willingness to explain techniques make him an effective ambassador for the craft.
Legacy and influence
Beyond machines, Willison has helped inspire a community of builders and enthusiasts. His television work and social media presence offer practical tips and also model how to bring craftsmanship into the public view. For younger builders watching his process, the message is clear: creativity and solid technique together make the most enduring designs.
How to follow his work
To see current projects and announcements, the best sources are his company site and social channels, where new builds, events, and collaborations are posted. Following these channels gives a clear sense of what he is building now and what limited editions might be announced next.
What to look for in a Willison build
Look for hand finished welds, carefully chosen hardware, and components that balance performance with reliability. His builds often include reworked suspension, compact but potent power upgrades, and a restrained graphic language that complements the bike rather than overwhelming it. Limited edition numbering and a clear build story are also common. If a motorcycle feels both mechanical and considered, that is usually a sign of proper craftsmanship.
Final thought
Guy Willison is a modern craftsman who uses media and limited production to keep custom motorcycle culture alive. His mix of engineering skill, design taste, and public engagement makes his work accessible and influential. For anyone who cares about motorcycles that are personal, engineered, and thoughtfully made, his builds are worth watching and his career is worth following. Watch, learn, and support his craft today. Now.
