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.
3835 articles
Industry
03/05/24
The partnership will mean Nissan dealerships will be able to sell the Silence Nano S04 four-wheeler and electric scooters
Viral
03/05/24
A Volkswagen has been filmed weaving in and out of traffic in London, leading to one biker having what looks like a serious crash
General
03/05/24
BMW Motorrad is set to move into the automatic gearbox sector, as its Automated Shift Assist system is unveiled
MotoGP
03/05/24
A natural disaster in the region has forced MotoGP bosses to rethink travelling to the venue, and the race will now take place later in the season
First Ride
02/05/24
We’ve been out testing the new Maeving RM1S its natural habitat, London. Here’s how the new higher-speed electric commuter bike rides
Industry
02/05/24
Well, the CEO of Mini, Stefanie Wurst, has said she would ‘consider’ a switch, if there was an appetite for it
Moto
30/04/24
Triumph is offering you the chance to sample the awesome Oset range of bikes, with dedicated courses for all ages
New Bikes
30/04/24
£21,800 is no longer the price of the Enduro Veloce, although it is still the priciest middleweight adventure bike by some margin…
General
30/04/24
Bikers were set to be banned from certain routes in the region, although the protests and pressure seem to have done the trick
Product News
30/04/24
BMW R 1300 GS The Complete Story looks at the latest version of the adventure bike, as well as the history of the boxer GS models
New Bikes
29/04/24
Serious FOMO about this one, as our Japanese friends get two extra body kit colour options for the already stunning looking XSR900 GP
General
29/04/24
Tens of thousands of motorcyclists took to the streets in France to protest against what are described as ‘restrictive’ mandatory technical inspections
General
29/04/24
The driver took a selfie at the wheel and texted a friend, seconds before killing a 24-year-old motorcyclist.
General
29/04/24
The ‘ride in’ event will see bikers converge on the Midlands venue and will offer visitors discounted entry, Q&As, displays and a BBQ
General
29/04/24
The Dorna-backed FIM Intercontinental Games will see riders across the world compete in multiple disciplines at the inaugural event later this year
General
29/04/24
A National Highways staff member has deemed the Smart Motorway network is ‘no longer safe’, according to a BBC Panorama investigation
General
26/04/24
As has been the way for some time, crash protection and detection systems still can’t effectively recognise a motorcyclist
Product News
26/04/24
The Balenciaga ‘Pantashoes’ are a leather trouser with built-in motorcycle ‘style’ boots and yes, they cost £10,000
Viral
22/04/24
An engineer has created what is thought to be the world’s first self-balancing ‘screw’ motorcycle
Product News
19/04/24
More than 60 destinations in more than 25 countries offer customers the chance to sample their chosen Royal Enfield model
General
19/04/24
Drone video footage released from Devon and Cornwall Police road safety operation purports to reveal ‘Dangerous Motorcyclist Behaviour’...
Viral
19/04/24
Take a look at racer Niccolò Canepa’s latest video as he spanks his Yamaha R1 around the Le Mans circuit
Viral
19/04/24
The rider, Chris ‘Bomber’ Harris was running late for the race and, as the video shows, got there just in the nick of time
General
18/04/24
The tour, in association with Compass Expeditions, goes from Melbourne to Sydney taking in the wild isle of Tasmania