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.
3840 articles
New Bikes
16/04/25
The Indian Electric Motorcycle Maker Ultraviolette is making its way to the UK, as MotoMondo is named as the official importer and distributor
Motorbike
16/04/25
RS 457-based naked takes Aprilia into new territory, and possibly to the top of the A2 roadster category, too
General
16/04/25
With an exceptionally busy Easter weekend ahead of us, the government is lifting 1,127 miles of roadworks to help ease congestion
Road Racing
16/04/25
In previous years, the teams were seeded by TT organisers, which would determine the starting order - that changes in 2025
Industry
16/04/25
The move means that other motorcycle manufacturers can utilise Verge battery, motor and controller technology
Industry
15/04/25
The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers is asking all riders, both new and veteran, to consider advanced rider training in 2025
General
15/04/25
Jim Moir (AKA Vic Reeves) is thinning out his bike collection, as two custom bikes designed by him are going under the hammer
General
15/04/25
Jack Frost and Paul Milbourn recorded the speed at Elvington airfield, and the duo have their sights set on topping 240mph
Motorbike
15/04/25
The Harley-Davidson ADV range grew in 2025, as the more road-focused Pan America 1250 ST arrives with new wheels and an adapted chassis
General
11/04/25
If you are looking for a new trackday bike for the 2025 season, this fully-faired Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RS might just fit the bill
General
11/04/25
The police officer who was filmed following two e-bike riding teens before they fatally crashed will not be charged
General
11/04/25
Long Way Home sees Ewan and Charley exploring the European continent, as the pair take the Long Way Home on Vintage motorcycles
Viral
08/04/25
Nope, it’s not April 1st, and yes, Kawasaki really has put a lot of time and effort into creating the Corleo robotic - and rideable - horse/bike/thing-a-me-bob
Motorbike
07/04/25
With its new 890cc engine and road-oriented ergonomics, is the new Streetfighter V2 the sporty road bike you actually want?
General
07/04/25
The world-famous X Games competition has decided to ban battery-powered motorcycles from taking part in its freestyle MX competition
Viral
07/04/25
A project to mount a Ferrari V8 engine in a motorcycle is nearing completion, as Hazen Motorworks fires up the HF355 for the first time
New Bikes
07/04/25
The high-end watchmaker Richard Mille has joined forces with Brough to create a special edition model
General
07/04/25
Following reports of dangerous riding on the M11, the riders were intercepted at Birchanger Services near Stansted Airport
Motorbike
04/04/25
The most premium sports maxi scooter from Yamaha has been updated for 2025, as the TMAX Tech MAX receives updates
Off Road
03/04/25
The Triumph Factory Racing Enduro Team is headed up by Paul Edmondson, with Jamie McCanney and Mikael Persson riding the TF 250-E
Industry
03/04/25
President Trump's latest raft of tariffs could be bad news for Harley-Davidson in some regions, according to market analysts
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