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.
Norton’s Re-awakening: Four new bikes and a fresh chapter
A century-old name, a modern vision and four new motorcycles: Norton’s latest comeback could finally stick.
Dean Harrison Replica TT Fireblade: Only 12 to be made
Honda celebrates Dean Harrison’s double TT Superstock victories with a limited-edition Fireblade SP replica, and just 12 will ever be built.
Adventure awaits with the new Ténéré 700 World Raid
Yamaha’s updated 2026 Ténéré 700 World Raid brings new electronics, revised suspension and improved comfort aimed at serious long-distance adventure riders.
Japan warns Vietnam over Hanoi petrol motorbike ban
Japan has urged Vietnam to slow down its plan to ban petrol-powered motorbikes in Hanoi, warning the move could wipe out jobs and destabilise a $4.6 billion market.
Kyle Ryde to add star power to ASBK grand finale
Newly crowned BSB champ Kyle Ryde will head Down Under to mix it with the Aussie superbike stars at The Bend.
What it’s like inside TVS' high-tech Hosur factory
Helping to feed India’s insatiable appetite for motorcycles is the TVS factory in Hosur - here’s what it’s like inside.
This wild custom bike started life as a Ducati Diavel V4!
Already an aggressive-looking high-performance bike, this Ducati Diavel V4 gets completely transformed by VTopia Design.
The Fastest Indian: Piston cast by Burt Munro for sale
A Velocette piston cast by the legendary tuner and racer Burt Munro is up for sale, with the proceeds of the auction heading to charity.
Stay warm while you wrench, with the Clarke Devil 2000PTC-B space heater
Keep your hands warm and your project bike on track this winter with the compact, hard-working Clarke Devil 2000PTC-B workshop heater.
Master fiddly circlips with the Clarke CHT686 10" (254mm) circlip plier
A decent circlip plier set, like the Clarke CHT686, can save many knuckles and much swearing when working on your bike.
Richa unveils new CRGO luggage range for everyday riders and tourers
Richa has introduced its new CRGO luggage line, offering a waterproof and practical range of bags designed for commuting and touring riders alike.
Suzuki’s new Gixxer can run on biofuel
Suzuki is using the Japan Mobility Show to highlight its new lightweight alternative fuel Gixxer SF 250 FFV
KTM launches 990 RC R Cup — grassroots racing, orange-style
KTM is launching the 990 RC R Cup in 2026, giving everyday riders the chance to swap track days for proper racing on Europe’s best circuits and no factory contract required.
CFMoto is rumoured to be launching a big-bore adventure bike
CFMoto is set to take on the big guns, with a new three-cylinder 1000cc MT-X rumoured for an EICMA reveal.
All the highlights from the H&H Classics auction
A quartet of rare Harleys are joined by a 1985 Honda RS500 GP bike at H&H Classics auction.
Peugeot returns to the 125cc GT scooter game with the new Pulsion Evo
Peugeot marks its return to the 125cc GT scooter class with the new Pulsion Evo, a French-built commuter promising big-bike comfort in a compact package.
Piaggio Group sets up new Philippines subsidiary as premium bikes grow
Italian manufacturer strengthens its foothold in Southeast Asia with a new Philippine subsidiary targeting the region’s fast-growing premium motorcycle market.
TVS launches Apache RTX 300 adventure bike
TVS steps into the midweight adventure segment with the new Apache RTX 300, a 36hp single that blends its racing DNA with long-distance comfort.
Quality combination spanners maketh the man
Clarke’s CHT804 25 Piece Combination Spanner Set isn’t new, but it is a motorcycle workshop must-have!
New grinder-resistant Hiplok MD1000 and MDX disc locks launched
Hiplok steps up the fight against bike theft with two new compact disc locks — one of which uses anti-grinder technology.
Exclusive interview: Royal Enfield’s Electric Himalayan Testbed insights
Royal Enfield’s electric Himalayan Testbed has been big news since it was first revealed. But what exactly is it?
Dainese unveils 2025 touring and adventure riding gear collection
Dainese’s 2025 Touring and Adventure range brings Italian style, all-season protection, and long-haul comfort to riders who refuse to let the weather call the shots.
Polaris sells off Indian Motorcycle company to Carolwood LP
Polaris is spinning off Indian Motorcycle into an independent company, selling a majority stake to Carolwood LP as the century-old American brand gears up for its next chapter.
TVS Apache RR 310 review: UK-bound A2 sport bike tested
A sharp, tech-packed A2 sport bike from India that’s ready to take on the UK market with style, comfort, and surprising performance.