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.
Motorbike
02/04/25
The biggest update in the history of the Yamaha MT-07 adds a level of class and compsure to Yamaha’s all-concouring middlewight
New Bikes
02/04/25
The extensive European motorcycle and scooter warranty program can last for up to six years and is linked to the bike, not the owner
Industry
02/04/25
The Hunter 350 accounted for a considerable amount of those sales, with Royal Enfield ending the financial year eleven per cent up year-on-year
Motorbike
01/04/25
The trickle-down in tech from the Panigale V4 continues, as the 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V4 gets a substantial update
Motorbike
21/03/25
BMW’s F900 XR gains updates for 2025, with revised suspension and now heated grips and DRL as standard
Motorbike
21/03/25
With an updated chassis, less weight and more tech, is 2025 the year that the F900 R steps into the limelight?
Industry
20/03/25
The cause is a claimed "decline in market demand" leading to a significant number of its staff being made redundant
Industry
20/03/25
Motorcycle exhausts are the centre of attention once more, as new rules are brought in to help limit excessive exhaust noise
General
20/03/25
Our expert guide to the best motorcycles for beginners from the motorbikes we’ve tested over the last 12 months
New Bikes
20/03/25
The new Panigale V4 Tricolore Italia is a homage to Ducati triumphing in Mugello in 2024 and just 163 units are set to be built
New Bikes
19/03/25
Triumph has released a teaser video showing its next step in the off-road segment in the form of new 250 and 450 enduro models
Motorbike
14/03/25
Do new electronics, a smidge more power, and electronic suspension make this the best Speed Triple ever made?
Motorbike
11/03/25
The all-new Yamaha R9 triumphed in its World SuperSport debut in racing trim, but what’s it like as a road bike?
Viral
10/03/25
The series, called ‘Visionaries’ sees Keanu Reeves and Arch co-founder, Gard Hollinger, teaming up with people to help them design the perfect motorcycle
General
10/03/25
Croig and Strange Industries have teamed up to build a truly one-of-a-kind Yamaha XSR900 which is helping to bring clean water to those that need it
General
10/03/25
At the hands of Alessandro Lupino the new Ducati Desmo250 MX claimed a third-place finish in the Italian Prestige MX2 Championship
Motorbike
07/03/25
It may have ‘only’ have 20bhp and 21lb ft of torque, but at just £3,949 the Honda GB350S provides many smiles per mile
Viral
07/03/25
Ai already has better stunt skills than me, as this bunnyhopping motorcycle-riding robot proves
Viral
07/03/25
An Isle of Wight rider has been left with multiple broken bones after being involved in a crash that was totally avoidable
Top 10s
06/03/25
Rotary or Wankel engines may have ultimately proved a blind alley for both cars and bikes, but there were plenty of highlights along the way…
MotoGP
06/03/25
The deal has been signed and from 2027 Pirelli will supply tyres for the three most prestigious Grand Prix motorcycle racing classes
General
06/03/25
A pair of Honda VFR750Rs formerly owned and raced by Carl Fogarty are heading to the Stafford Spring Sale
Road Racing
06/03/25
Michael Dunlop is back to contest the unique Daytona 200 and is just one of several UK racers taking part
New Bikes
05/03/25
RSD and CFMoto teamed up to create a bike that Sands has nicknamed “Tha Vandal”