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.
General
20/04/20
Italian braking technologies giant Brembo has donated €1,000,000 to help fight the COVID-19 virus
Industry
17/04/20
Indian-based TVS Motor Company looks like it’s made the first move to securing the Norton brand
General
17/04/20
The new system from Yamaha detects a rider’s fall, calls a third party and puts on the indicators and horn as a warning to others
General
17/04/20
The veteran fundraising hero Cpt Tom Moore has so far raised millions for the NHS and he used to be a keen motorcycle racer
General
17/04/20
The two Kawasaki GTR1400s were sourced and prepped prior to being delivered to the volunteers for the delivery of emergency medicine, equipment and blood
General
17/04/20
The new patent from Honda seems to show a tail unit that could improve handling and top speed
New Bikes
17/04/20
The Royal Enfield Bullet Photon makes around 16bhp and can go for up to 80 miles before needing a charge
MotoGP
16/04/20
The statement announces major news for MotoGP teams as the championship faces its most uncertain period in recent years
General
16/04/20
The Triumph logo is one of the most recognisable in the global motorcycles industry, here’s how it came to be over the last 118 years
General
16/04/20
Honda has filed patents that seem to show a new type of motorcycle side stand that extends telescopically
General
16/04/20
The official Yamaha endurance team has withdrawn from this year’s Suzuka 8 Hours event scheduled for July
General
16/04/20
A consultation into transport in Oxford has branded motorcyclists as a pollution emitting liabilities to safety
General
16/04/20
A Kawasaki Motorcycle dealer has helped out a nurse whose motorcycle was stolen by supplying her with a new bike
Industry
15/04/20
The news that the London borough of Hackney is looking at charging motorcycles to park could mean a country wide uptake of the scheme
General
15/04/20
Café Racer Kits are giving you the chance to turn your Yamaha Fazer into a retro-styled café racer
General
15/04/20
A motorcyclist has been seriously injured after crashing his bike while out riding for non-essential reasons during COVID-19
New Bikes
15/04/20
The next mid-weight naked from Benelli has been unveiled in what looks like fully completed form
General
15/04/20
The Coronation Street actor Simon Gregson gave away the classic motorcycle to key-workers as a thank you after contracting COVID-19
Top 10s
14/04/20
Visordown takes a look at the five best retro naked motorcycles you can buy in 2020
Industry
14/04/20
As the BDO report on the financial status of Norton comes to light, it makes some seriously uncomfortable reading
Product News
14/04/20
German suspension specialists Bilstein have announced they are to enter the world of motorcycle suspension
General
14/04/20
A group of bikers from the small Cornish town of Bodmin have taken to delivering medicines to residents during COVID-19 lockdown
Top 10s
10/04/20
With sportsbikes making up the flagship of many manufacturers’ ranges, you’d be forgiven for thinking that most would live forever
General
10/04/20
The Foggy Petronas FP1 may not have set the racing world alight but it’s mythical status still makes it a must-have for bike collectors