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.
Clarke CHT303 28-piece Metric Tap & Die Set review
Think you’re screwed with an iffy thread? The Clarke CHT308 Tap & Die Set will get you out of a cross-threaded hole.
Clarke CAT212 4 Piece Multi Nozzle Air Blow Gun Kit review
The Clarke CAT212 4-Piece Multi Nozzle Air Blow Gun Kit is a versatile, budget-friendly workshop essential for cleaning, drying, and maintaining your motorcycle with precision.
Clarke PRO138 29-Piece Extra Long Hex & Torx Key Set review
Tackle every motorcycle task with ease using the Clarke PRO138 29-Piece Extra Long Hex & Torx Key Set – a durable, affordable toolkit for modern and classic bikes alike.
Tyler O’Hara becomes not quite the world’s fastest Indian
Indian’s Tyler O’Hara set a new Bonneville record at 194mph on a Challenger bagger - quick, but still not quite fast enough to steal Burt Munro’s unofficial crown.
Alpinestars goes full space-age hipster with its latest collection
Alpinestars’ 2026 Contemporary Collection is for riders who want armour and to look cool while ordering their smashed avocado on toast.
NMM Live 2025: Two days of bikes, banter and big names
Two days of bikes, banter and big noise as Museum Live 2025 rolls into Solihull with star riders, drag bikes, test rides and plenty of mischief.
The 2025 Ducati Panigale V4 R has landed
Ducati’s 2025 Panigale V4 R arrives with MotoGP-derived aero, new engine internals, updated electronics, and a revised gearbox to sharpen its race focus.
Triumph launches new TF450-X motocross bike
The new 2026 Triumph TF 450-X joins the motocross line-up with an updated clutch, chassis refinements, and a 62.4PS 450cc single.
Ultraviolette launches the X47 Crossover
Ultraviolette is expanding its portfolio with the X47 Crossover, a dual sport adventure bike with a very attractive price tag.
Triumph opens new EnduroCross facility ahead of 2026 season
Triumph has expanded its Atlanta racing base with a new EnduroCross track built with Jonny Walker, ahead of the 2025 season.
Suzuki refreshes its emblem for the first time in over two decades
Suzuki has unveiled a new emblem for the first time in 22 years, keeping the iconic “S” but giving it a fresh, digital-age twist.
This custom 3D printed KTM 1290 MotoGP replica is nearing completion
Jonathon Bello has set out to turn a KTM 1390 Super Duke into a track-ready MotoGP replica - with help of a 3D printer.
The new Honda CB500 Super Four in all its glory
Honda has taken us a bit by surprise over the weekend, by quietly rolling out a CB900F-inspired CB500 Super Four at the CIMA show.
Triumph is reported to be launching new 350cc models for India
Reports from India suggest that new 350cc models are set to arrive from Triumph and Bajaj, but why?
Husqvarna unveils 2026 701 Enduro and 701 Supermoto
Husqvarna’s 701 Enduro and 701 Supermoto return for 2026 with more power, new electronics, and updated bodywork.
UK-based Merlin is getting in on the heated kit game
Merlin has launched the ThermaVolt heated mid-layer range and the CE Level 2 certified Bednell glove, aimed at keeping riders warm and protected through winter.
BMW head up NMDA survey while a big name slides to the bottom!
BMW leads the NMDA Dealer Attitude Survey, while Harley-Davidson ranks last, and Royal Enfield shows the biggest improvement.
Ducati updates its sports-touring track weapon for 2026
Ducati has unveiled the Multistrada V4 RS, a numbered-series edition with a track-focused engine and chassis plus long-distance comfort and range.
Ducati's Diavel V4 gets a kick up the RS with new 2026 model
Ducati’s new Diavel V4 RS arrives ready for 2026, and it might just be the most extreme Diavel ever made.
Clarke CTC1300C Mechanics' Tool Chest review
A decent tool system transforms any garage or workspace from a confusing mess into a calming space of relaxation and precision.
Speed up a multitude of workshop tasks with the Clarke X-Pro reversible air ratchet
>An air ratchet, like this Clarke X-Pro CAT134, can make maintenance tasks on your bike much faster and easier than a traditional hand-operated ratchet.
Does a wheelie really justify Police driving at 100mph in a 30mph limit?
A clip showing police chasing a biker at more than 100mph in a 30mph zone has sparked debate online.
Clarke PSW1 Hot Staple Kit for Repairing and Welding Plastic
The days of ditching cracked, shattered plastic bodywork are a thing of the past, thanks to the Clarke PSW1 Hot Staple Kit.
MotoE to go on hiatus following 2025 season
The MotoE World Championship will be parked at the end of 2025, echoing the fate of the Isle of Man’s TT Zero as electric racing struggles to spark lasting interest.