Simon Hancocks
Editor
Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
Prior to Visordown, Toad worked in the motorcycle insurance industry, before creating a role at a small motorcycle website and starting his journey as a journalist and road tester.
Since then Toad has launched bikes on all of the world's continents that aren't permanently frozen, covered hundreds of thousands of road test miles and always maintains that a bad day on a bike is better than a good day in a car!
Toad is happiest when touring through Europe, hammering a big adventure motorcycle up a trail, or riding around a race track, his favourite is Jerez, accompanied by a Panigale V4! He had a go at trials once, but it'd didn't go terribly well - his ambition definitely outweighed talent!
Now Toad is working through the restoration of a classic Ducati sports bike, and yes, it's taking much longer than he planned.
The Clarke CML7 Hydraulic Bike Lift raises the bar for home servicing
The CML7 Hydraulic Bike Lift is great for providing easy access to motorcycles for repair & maintenance tasks.
Avon Tyres makes Milan comeback: new brand identity and product range
Avon Tyres revs back into action at EICMA with a bold new identity plus a full-throttle line-up for sport, cruiser, touring and classic bikes.
Electric bike maker Zero welcomes new CEO
Zero Motorcycles has appointed automotive industry veteran Pierre-Martin Bos as its new CEO, marking the start of a new chapter in the company’s global electric growth.
Bajaj takeover forces major name change at KTM’s parent company
Pierer Mobility AG, the company behind KTM, Husqvarna and GASGAS, is preparing to change its name to Bajaj Mobility AG - a move that marks a seismic shift for the brand and its founder, Stefan Pierer.
YouTuber turns Ducati Panigale V4 into sand blasting snowmobile
Custom Ducatis are nothing new, although we’ve never seen a custom Ducati that features a snowmobile rear end - until now!
The Honda Activa hits the 35 million sales milestone
The Honda Activa was introduced in 2001 and has since gone on to reach 35 million sales.
Tommy Bridewell departs Honda after near-title-winning BSB season
After two seasons, four wins and a title fight that went down to the wire, Tommy Bridewell and Honda Racing have officially called time on their partnership in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
Socket to ‘em, with the Clarke PRO389 62-piece socket and bit set
A tough, well-equipped socket and bit set that delivers pro-level versatility for riders who like to handle their own maintenance.
Feeling deflated? This rechargeable tyre inflator can help
Be it in the garage or at the roadside, this lightweight tyre inflator might just save the day!
European bike registrations drop: Only one market growing
European motorcycle and moped sales dipped in 2025 as the industry adjusted to post–Euro 5+ regulations, with Spain standing out as the only market still in growth.
LiveWire reveals trick new S2 Alpinista Corsa concept
The LiveWire S2 Alpinista Corsa boasts DC fast charging, Ohlins suspension, BST wheels and lots of carbon fibre.
LiveWire redies S4 Honcho for EICMA debut
LiveWire is set to unveil the S4 Honcho to the public, a mini-bike that can be specced for road, trail and everything in between.
This CB1000F Bol D’Or 2 turns the retro dial up to eleven!
The dust has barely settled on the launch of the new Honda CB1000F, and already it’s been taken one step further, with this custom Bol D’Or 2 special edition.
New 113bhp Triumph Trident 800 confirmed for 2026 release
Triumph has unveiled the new Trident 800, a 798cc triple-powered naked roadster arriving in 2026 with a focus on agility, performance, and everyday usability.
Benda promises boxer twin, inline six and V4-powered bikes at EICMA
The Chinese bike maker Benda has big plans for EICMA, with twelve new bikes planned along with seven off-road vehicles.
Honda gives us the clearest look yet at its new boosted V3 motorbike
Honda has released a new teaser video, that gives us the clearest view yet of its innovative V3 E-Compressor model.
New Kenny Roberts replica Yamaha XSR900 GP for 2026
Yamaha pays tribute to racing royalty with the 2026 XSR900 GP, a retro-inspired celebration of ‘King’ Kenny Roberts and his golden era Grand Prix machines.
Hush Cycles is promising a new “benchmark” will arrive at EICMA
Hush Cycles' first model, the Superior GT, boasts 50 litres of luggage space and is powered by a Verge-developed powertrain.
“You Are Limitless”: Sanjay Bhan on bringing Hero Motor Corp to Britain
Hero MotoCorp’s Executive VP Sanjay Bhan tells us how the Indian giant plans to win hearts, minds, and miles across Europe.
Could a new and updated R7 be landing at EICMA
If whispers from within the industry are to be believed, a new Yamaha R7 could be about to get an EICMA reveal.
KTM 990 RC R review
The new KTM 990 RC R jumps headfirst into the new-breed supersport bike class, where it'll take the fight to the Yamaha R9 and Ducati Panigale V2.
Do want to make an MV Agusta really, really expensive? Step this way...
MV Agusta unveils Sartoria Meccanica, an exclusive customisation program letting riders create fully bespoke, one-of-one motorcycles crafted in Italy.
Hero Hunk 440 review: muscle without the mayhem
Hero brings its Hunk 440, a simple, affordable single that proves less can still be plenty
2026 Ducati Monster gains 890cc V2 engine
Ducati’s 2026 Monster gets a new 890cc V2 engine with variable valve timing, a lighter chassis, and updated electronics, making it sharper, smarter, but still unmistakable.