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.
General
22/12/22
The Office of Rail and Road has stated that while the smart motorway network should meet safety targets, the systems are still below par
New Bikes
22/12/22
The latest generation of small capacity Harley-Davidson motorcycles come in 350 and 500cc variants, and feature modern-retro H-D styling
Viral
21/12/22
Guy Martin has released a video giving a behind the scenes look at his garage, his 300mph project bike, and his next TV show
New Bikes
21/12/22
We’ve had Motobot and Motodroid, well now Yamaha has developed Advanced Motorcycle Stability Assist System and fitted it to an electric motorcycle
Industry
21/12/22
The aftereffects of Covid-19 can very much still be felt, as motorcycle events set for 2023 are cancelled in Germany
General
19/12/22
Toad looks back at 2022, remembering some of the memorable events, launches and motorcycle sporting events of the last 12-months
New Bikes
19/12/22
The first new bikes in the Mutt DRK range arrive in water-cooled 125 and 250cc forms
General
16/12/22
America’s most famous motorcycle maker will be celebrating its 120th anniversary in Europe next year, as Harley-Davidson rides into Budapest
General
16/12/22
The Custom Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 called ‘Bootneck’ was auctioned and managed to raise £60,000 for the Royal Marines Charity
New Bikes
16/12/22
The cost of ownership is now known, as the 2023 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE UK price is announced
General
16/12/22
Silverstone Auctions has listed an ex-Guy Martin Isle of Man TT racer and Colin Edwards' old CRT MotoGP machine in the London Motorcycle Show Sale
Industry
16/12/22
The EU is looking to add further bureaucracy to the two-wheeled world, which could lead to motorcycle ‘recycling’ only taking place at ‘treatment facilities’
Interviews
15/12/22
Visordown caught up with Kyle Wyman’s chief Mechanic for the King of the Baggers championship to find out what it takes to make a Harley-Davidson a winner
General
15/12/22
An unmarked speed camera van is being rolled out in Northamptonshire, to combat what the police are calling ‘dangerous road usage’
Product News
14/12/22
A new feature of the latest iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max all feature the new lifesaving system
General
13/12/22
Motori Minarelli developed 300cc two-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection and an exhaust valve that boasts Euro5 compliance
Product News
13/12/22
Powertrain specialist Vitesco has developed a do-it-yourself kit to create a hybrid motorcycle out of conventional petrol-powered donor bikes
General
12/12/22
A collection of rare vintage motorcycles is to go under the hammer this month, to raise money for Smile Scotland
New Bikes
12/12/22
Honda has given the world its first very sneaky peek at its next electric motorcycle, but it's only the very eagle-eyed who spotted it!
New Bikes
12/12/22
Brixton Motorcycles has released an image of the Storr Adventure bike, a potential first true off-roader from the brand
Industry
09/12/22
The MCIA data is in, and while new motorcycle registrations did fall in November, the UK is still on track for growth compared to 2021
Product News
09/12/22
The new Tucano Urbano Airscud Mesh airbag jacket can be worn as either a full-length jacket or with sleeves unzipped to form a vest
General
09/12/22
The Bike-Farm Melle Indian Chief-based long-fork Chopper “Purple Haze” took the win with 3-times the votes compared to the competition
General
09/12/22
Red Bull F1 reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo plans to utilise his 2023 downtime in style, by crossing the USA on two wheels!