Simon Hancocks
Digital Content Manager
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.
Articles By Simon Hancocks
3813 articles
General
22/10/19
German politicians have voted against the idea of setting speed limits on the currently unrestricted sections of the Autobahn
New Bikes
21/10/19
MV Agusta has confirmed the Dragster and Brutale 800 are to get updated and shown for the first time at the EICMA show next month
Road Racing
21/10/19
The Manx government have put the TT Zero race on ice as they agree a two-year hiatus from the event
Advanced Riding
21/10/19
Taking the plunge and riding at a trackday can be a daunting experience. Here's how you can make the whole event much more enjoyable ...
New Bikes
21/10/19
We could be about to see a new Triumph Bobber unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan after its been given the Triumph Factory Customs makeover
Advanced Riding
20/10/19
Taking the plunge and riding at a trackday can be a daunting experience. Here’s how you can make the whole event much more enjoyable.
Top 10s
18/10/19
As the launch season gains pace, we look at the new motorcycles that are hitting the showrooms in 2020 that we cannot wait to ride
General
18/10/19
The rotary engine concept burnt bright and short in the motorcycle world, but what exactly is it and how does it work?
New Bikes
18/10/19
A Kawasaki Italia spokesperson has let slip that Team Green are about to release a new W800 retro-styled machine, possibly a scrambler
Road Test
17/10/19
As autumn begins to tighten its grip on the UK, Visordown thought we’d get ourselves a little run-around for those long dark nights – in the form of a Kawasaki Ninja H2
New Bikes
17/10/19
The new machine from India is said to rival any of the current crop of 250 to 450cc machines currently available
New Bikes
17/10/19
Patent images have been uncovered that seems to show what could be the beginnings of a Harley-Davidson sportsbike
New Bikes
17/10/19
Italian scooter and small motorcycle marker Italjet are to release a re-boot of their most famous scooter, the Italjet Dragster
New Bikes
15/10/19
The new BMW F850 R seems to be getting a muscular makeover for 2020, with R1250 R inspired headlights and all-new bodywork
New Bikes
15/10/19
Italian marque Moto Morini have teased a new adventure machine ahead of what we expect is a busy EICMA show for the brand
Advanced Riding
15/10/19
Motorcycle geometry is a complicated subject. If you don’t know your rake from your trail – read on!
New Bikes
15/10/19
The LiveWire electric motorcycle has hit a stumbling block as Harley-Davidson halts production of the motorcycle over charging fears
New Bikes
14/10/19
The Ducati V4 Streetfighter is one of the most eagerly awaited bikes being unveiled at the 2020 Ducati World Premier later this month
Advanced Riding
14/10/19
For some people, teetering on top of a bike that is taller than they are means a lowering kit is a must-have for riding. But is it a good idea?
New Bikes
14/10/19
The BMW R18 is real, and it’s likely to be launched early in 2020 as it’s been spotted out undergoing some real-world testing
Gear
13/10/19
I’ve been using the Sidi Rex boots for about three months now. Here’s what I’ve found out so far…
Product News
11/10/19
Furygan and In&Motion have teamed up to make airbag reinforced motorcycle leathers
Top 10s
11/10/19
After Cartagena for the Triumph Street Triple RS launch, we think the track in Murcia might be just the ticket for some winter fun in the sun
Top 10s
11/10/19
After Cartagena for the Triumph Street Triple RS launch, we think the track in Murcia might be just the ticket for some winter fun in the sun