5Four Motorcycles: Handcrafted British Engineering for the Few, Not the Many
The Story Behind 5Four Motorcycles
In the heart of Cambridgeshire, 5Four Motorcycles has redefined what it means to build a motorcycle. Founded by the acclaimed designer and builder Guy Willison, affectionately known as Skid, the company is built on the belief that motorcycles should not just be machines—they should be expressions of individuality, craftsmanship, and passion.
The name “5Four” itself symbolises exclusivity and precision. Every model produced by 5Four Motorcycles is hand-built in limited numbers, each one numbered and meticulously finished to a standard that honours both traditional British craftsmanship and modern engineering. Their signature motto—“For the few, not the many…”—encapsulates this philosophy perfectly.
The Visionary Behind 5Four Motorcycles
Guy Willison – The Creative Force
Known for his television work on The Motorbike Show, Shed and Buried, and Find It, Fix It, Flog It, Guy Willison has long been a familiar face in the British motorcycling community. Beyond his on-screen charisma, he has established himself as one of the UK’s most talented motorcycle designers and builders.
Before launching 5Four Motorcycles, Guy made headlines for his work on the Gladstone Motorcycles project with Henry Cole and his breathtaking redesign of the Norton Commando 961 Street. The Norton project, limited to just fifty motorcycles, sold out within a week—proof of the magnetic appeal of Willison’s craftsmanship and vision.
With 5Four Motorcycles, Guy has created a company that allows him complete creative freedom to design bikes that merge heritage with innovation, each one built with care, soul, and purpose.
Leadership and Collaboration at 5Four Motorcycles
Adrian Giles – The Business Brain
Behind every creative genius stands a strategist. Adrian Giles, Chairman of 5Four Motorcycles, ensures the company runs smoothly from a business standpoint. An entrepreneur and lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Adrian manages the finance, strategy, and operations of the company—allowing Guy Willison to focus purely on design.
Adrian’s own motorcycle collection—featuring an MV Agusta Dragster RR, CCM Spitfire, Honda Monkey, and a restored Yamaha XT500—reflects his deep-rooted passion for two wheels. His partnership with Guy began over a shared love of motorcycles and a conversation that led to the founding of a brand that now stands for exclusivity and excellence.
Chris Witham – Head of Creative
The digital and creative identity of 5Four Motorcycles owes much to Chris Witham. A creative professional and lifelong biker, Chris first met Guy at the London ExCeL Bike Show while admiring the Honda CB1100RS 5Four. That chance encounter led to a collaboration in which Chris developed the brand’s website, visual identity, and the 5Four Podcast, bringing the company’s story to a wider audience.
Inge Nielsen – The Social Media Expert
At the digital forefront of the brand is Inge Nielsen, who serves as Social Media Lead. With two decades of experience in operations and management, including time as a Purser aboard luxury yachts, Inge brings precision, organisation, and flair to 5Four Motorcycles’ online presence. She combines her passion for motorcycles and photography to curate an engaging and authentic digital identity for the brand.
Signature Models of 5Four Motorcycles
The Honda CB1100RS 5Four
One of the most celebrated collaborations between 5Four Motorcycles and Honda UK is the CB1100RS 5Four. Limited to just 54 units, this model embodies the harmony between classic style and modern performance. Each bike was hand-crafted, featuring bespoke paintwork, leather seats stitched by hand, and distinctive numbered badges.
The CB1100RS 5Four was inspired by endurance racing bikes of the 1980s, with styling that evokes nostalgia while delivering contemporary reliability and ride quality. It represents the brand’s ethos: motorcycles designed for those who appreciate exclusivity, craftsmanship, and beauty.
The Honda CB1000R 5Four
Following the success of the CB1100RS project, 5Four Motorcycles took on a new challenge—the CB1000R 5Four. Once again, the production was limited, ensuring every owner receives a bike that is truly unique. This model boasts handcrafted details, refined paintwork, and performance tuning that elevate Honda’s engineering excellence to new artistic heights.
Design Philosophy
At the core of every 5Four Motorcycles build lies a respect for balance—between old-school artistry and modern technology. Each motorcycle is individually assembled and finished by hand, ensuring no two are ever exactly alike. The focus is not on volume but on the perfection of form and function.
Craftsmanship and British Heritage
A Celebration of Authentic Engineering
5Four Motorcycles pays homage to the golden age of British motorcycle design while integrating the latest materials and mechanical precision. The team values the tactile nature of hand-built engineering—stitched leather, brushed metal, and the subtle imperfections that reveal human craftsmanship.
Their bikes are not mass-produced commodities; they are personal statements. Each component is chosen, fitted, and tested to meet the company’s exacting standards. This commitment to quality has earned 5Four Motorcycles a loyal following among collectors, enthusiasts, and those who value artistry over automation.
For the Few, Not the Many
This tagline is more than marketing—it is a promise. Each limited-edition motorcycle from 5Four Motorcycles is created for riders who understand that true luxury lies in rarity. By limiting production numbers, the company ensures exclusivity and long-term value for each owner.
Design Meets Emotion
The Spirit of Riding
For Guy Willison and his team, motorcycles are more than mechanical creations—they are emotional experiences. Every curve, colour, and detail is designed to provoke a response, to rekindle the excitement that comes from the open road.
The company’s builds are known for their elegant proportions, vintage cues, and fine finishes. The seats are hand-stitched, tanks hand-painted, and metals polished to perfection. This attention to sensory detail transforms each motorcycle into a piece of moving art.
Why 5Four Motorcycles Stands Out
-
Exclusivity: Each build is produced in extremely limited numbers, making ownership a mark of distinction.
-
Craftsmanship: Every part is handcrafted by skilled artisans under Guy Willison’s supervision.
-
Heritage: The designs draw inspiration from the rich history of British motorcycling.
-
Partnerships: Collaborations with Honda UK and other major manufacturers ensure engineering excellence.
-
Passion: Every member of the team rides and lives motorcycles—their work reflects their love for the craft.
A New Chapter in British Motorcycle Design
5Four Motorcycles represents a return to authenticity in an age of mass production. In a world where many bikes are built by machines, 5Four insists on the human touch. Each motorcycle they create carries a story—a dialogue between tradition and innovation, between artistry and performance.
Under Guy Willison’s leadership, the company continues to evolve, blending bespoke design with world-class engineering. The dream that began over a cup of tea between two riders has now become a reality, producing some of the most admired custom motorcycles in the UK and beyond.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
5Four Motorcycles is not just a brand—it is a movement celebrating the artistry of motorcycle building. From the first sketch to the final polish, every element is guided by integrity, creativity, and passion. The company’s motto, “For the few, not the many,” captures the essence of what makes 5Four truly special: dedication to the craft, love for the ride, and respect for individuality.
With its growing influence in the British motorcycling scene and partnerships that honour the spirit of engineering excellence, 5Four Motorcycles stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when design meets devotion.
