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.
REC Watches TTT Knievel is a Swiss watch built from Evel’s last bike
The TTT Knievel features a Swiss SELLITA cal. SW200-1 Sb movement, and is created from components sourced from Evel’s last stunt bike, the Harley-Davidson “Shark Jump” XR750.
Langen LightSpeed four-stroke V-twin announced
Langen has announced its second machine, the LightSpeed, a Rotax-powered, 185bhp, 185kg rocket ship!
Shark Aeron GP brings active aero to your motorcycle helmet!
The Shark Aeron GP utilises a patented system that adapts the aerodynamic elements on the rear of the lid to adapt to the rider’s body position.
Living with the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro
We’ve spent most of this year blatting about the UK on the wonderful Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro - the lightest, most powerful, and highest-spec Tiger 1200 to date.
Hypermotard 698 Mono RVE voted ‘Most beautiful bike’ at EICMA
The new single-cylinder Ducati has been making big waves since its announcement, mainly thanks to its first-of-its-kind powerplant, but also because of its easy-on-the-eye appearance
New Moto Morini Corsaro 750 and Corsaro Sport announced
Moto Morini has made the best use of its new 750cc platform, with not one but two new bikes revealed at EICMA, the Corsararo 750 naked, and faired Corsararo Sport.
Petrol prices higher than they should be, government body says
The Competition and Markets Authority has concluded that petrol retailers are still not offering road users the best price at the pumps, despite an overall drop in the wholesale price of fuel.
Petrol and diesel ban for European capital - could others follow suit?
The petrol and diesel car ban for the capital of Sweden will come into force on 31st December 2024, and will also prevent 100 per cent of fossil fuel-powered heavy goods vehicles from entering the city centre.
2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Review
The latest generation 2024 Royal Enfield Himalayan is a clean sheet design for the much-loved adventure motorcycle, aimed at providing more power, torque and ability to the rugged single-cylinder off-roader
New limited edition Indian FTR x 100% R Carbon announced
Indian has teamed up with motocross and apparel brand 100% to create the new, limited edition FTR x 100% R Carbon.
WILD Italjet Dragster 559 Twin revealed at EICMA
The Italjet Dragster 559 Twin comes from a partnership with the Malossi Racing Academy, and it might just be the ultimate performance scooter.
Supercharged Super-Tourer - Bimota Tera officially lands
EICMA has once again been the launchpad for another new Bimota model, as the supercharged Tera is revealed, complete with Tesi front end.
Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid GYTR Performance Kits launched
The official Yamaha Rally Team has helped to develop a range of go-faster goodies ready to make your Tenere 700 World Raid go further, faster, and harder.
Royal Enfield HIM-E electric Himalayan test mule revealed
Royal Enfield has wheeled out a surprising prototype at EICMA, the Him-e, an electric version of its Himalayan adventure bike.
Meet racing stars and celebrities at Motorcycle Live
Motorcycle Live doesn't just give you the chance to see the latest models, it also gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with the biggest stars of the two-wheeled world.
Yamaha Tenere 700 goes low in 2024 with new Explore edition
The Yamaha Tenere 700 Explore brings a full touring option to the CP2-powered adventure range, with modifications made to suit long-distance road rides
Yamaha clarifies CFMoto partnership
Yamaha has released a clarification on its partnership with CFMoto, confirming that it is for the manufacture of vehicles in China, for the Chinese market
KTM parent group to take over MV Agusta
The Pierer Mobility Group will take a majority stake in MV Agusta, following on from its initial investment in the Italian firm last year
The 2024 Kawasaki ZZR1400 makes us miss the model even more
Sadly discontinued in the UK, the Kawasaki ZZR1400 was a mythical machine, and this 2024 retro reboot for North America makes us want it back so badly!
BMW R 12 cruiser images emerge
Images of the BMW R 12 cruiser have emerged for the first time after the bike was homologated in Australia, showing similarities with the R 18
How to filter your motorcycle safely and spot hazards
Filtering through traffic is one of the many ways a motorcycle can save you time on your morning commute. But are you doing it safely?
LiveWire S2 Del Mar review
The LiveWire S2 Del Mar picks up where the LiveWire One left off and arrives with flat-track styling, an all-new battery and motor configuration, reduced, weight and lower price.
UK pricing announced for Suzuki Hayabusa 25th anniversary edition
UK pricing has been announced for the 25th anniversary edition of the Suzuki Hayabusa, whose original version was launched in 1999
Suzuki GSX-8S vs SV650: does the SV650 still have a place?
The bike that launched a million motorcycle licences, the SV650 is as much loved by riding schools as it is by racers in the Supertwin class.