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.

Triumph Scrambler
TOAD TALKS: Why do folk get so worked up about retro-style bikes?
With many manufacturers dressing up new bikes in old clothes, Visordown thinks if what we actually want is the real thing??
trackday checklist
How to get ready for a trackday | Part 2 – person prep
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 ...
trackday guide
How to get ready for a trackday | Part 1 – bike prep
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.
ducati v4 streetfighter
Top 10 new motorcycles we can’t wait to ride in 2020
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
1975 Hercules W2000 Wankel
What is a rotary engine?
The rotary engine concept burnt bright and short in the motorcycle world, but what exactly is it and how does it work?