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.
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.
QJ quietly revealed a new Supersport bike at Magny Cours
QJ Motor brought a new and updated SRK 800 RS to Magny Cours, and it did surprisingly well.
Triumph TF 250-C and TF 450-C land as purpose-built cross-country weapons
Triumph sharpens its off-road arsenal with the all-new TF 250-C and TF 450-C, two cross-country racers built for endurance, control and flat-out speed.
Ross Noble talks about motorcycles and mental health
Geordie comedian Ross Noble reckons two wheels are better than a therapist’s chair, and science says he might just be right.
Snake Pass to be saved by £7.6 million in investment
Nearly a year on from the reports that the A57 ‘Snake Pass’ was at risk of closure, the funding to save it has now been found.
Ex-Charles Leclerc Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 sold for surprisingly-low price
Charles Leclerc's custom Husqvarna Vitpilen 701 has been sold at an auction for less than you would expect.
Is this the end of the road for the GSX-R125 and GSX-S125?
It’s a case of when one door opens, another door closes, as the GSX-R125 and GSX-S125 are getting discontinued.
This beautiful and possibly unique MotoGP machine smashed its auction estimate
The ex-Hayden Desmosedici GP8, sourced directly from the Ducati factory in dismantled form, has now crossed the block and found a new home for a hefty sum.
Leasing comparison site launches two-wheeled options
Leasing.com has added motorcycles, scooters and ATVs to its platform for businesses, with consumer options to follow.
This carbon-clad Street Triple 765 looks like a supersport weapon
The bike is the result of a collaboration between Sunoco, Factory M Carbon Works and a Koreon bike website.
This screen-used Indiana Jones sidecar sold for well over its estimate
Indiana Jones’ Soviet-built sidecar outfit from The Last Crusade has just been sold for much more than its estimate.
Montesa lifts the lid on its 2026 lineup
Montesa sharpens its 2026 range with bold new graphics, a revamped 4Ride, and fresh accessories, while quietly retiring the 301RR Race Replica.
The Aprilia RSV4 X-GP is the brand's most extreme bike
Aprilia marks ten years of MotoGP with the RSV4 X-GP, a 238hp, wing-covered, carbon-loaded track missile limited to just 30 bikes worldwide.
Benda LFC 700 Review: The Inline Four Cruiser Nobody Asked For
The Benda LFC 700 is a cruiser with a screaming inline four engine and the widest rear tyre you’ll ever see, but does weird equal wonderful?
Benda Chinchilla 350 CVT NEO twist-and-go cruiser revealed
As many motorcycle makers look to complex alternative transmissions, this Chinese brand is going down a simpler route.
Merlin launches Autumn/Winter 2026 motorcycle clothing collection
Merlin’s Autumn/Winter 2026 collection delivers premium British design, real-world protection, and rider-friendly prices in a tight, focused range.
Benda Napoleonbob 500 review: What’s in a name?
The Benda Napoleonbob 500 launches the Chinese brand into the UK market with a great-looking and cost-effective A2 bobber.
Pope Leo shuns the Popemobile for a BMW Holy Moto!
Pope Leo XIV has been spotted in St Peter’s Square with a specially customised BMW R18 Transcontinental, which will now be auctioned for charity.
Bikers get surprising green card in planned congestion charging trial
Bikers riding through this historic city will not face paying for the privilege - for now.
London’s Dodgy ULEZ Signs: Riders Still Getting Stung
London ULEZ signs have been ruled unlawful in court, yet bikers and drivers are still getting stung by charges and fines as TfL carries on regardless.
Eagle Rider celebrates Route 66 turning 100 with one epic adventure
A once-in-a-century ride: EagleRider is marking Route 66’s 100th birthday with an exclusive 16-day tour limited to just 66 riders.
Clarke SHHH50/350 Shhh Air Max review: Pro-grade pressure at home
The Clarke SHHH50/350 Shhh Air Max is a high output air compressor for when performance really matters.
Clarke PRO122 – 10 Piece Pro Screwdriver Set review
The Clarke PRO122 10 piece screwdriver set professional quality and has a selection of the most commonly used sizes of slotted and Philips drive screwdrivers.
Clarke Monza portable air compressor: rapid and portable tyre inflator
The Clarke Monza portable air compressor is extremely light and portable, and a godsend for any home mechanic.