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.
Guides
25/10/22
Choosing the correct motorcycle is a tricky task. With so many styles on offer, it can be all too easy to just buy the one you think looks the coolest. But how do you know that’s the right product for you?
General
17/10/22
After a consultation on the matter, the government is set to allow those in control of self-driving cars to watch videos while driving on the road.
General
17/10/22
Two protestors from the environmental group Just Stop Oil have caused chaos on the M25 this morning climbing the QE11 bridge over the Dartford Crossing!
New Bikes
14/10/22
The latest motorcycle to arrive from the mind of Keanu Reeves and Gard Hollinger is here, in the from of the Arch 1s
Industry
13/10/22
A successful Triumph Motorcycles dealership owner who started out selling bikes in his front room has opened another showroom
General
13/10/22
A documentary film following the late Jessi Combs has been announced, chronicling her quest to become the fastest woman on earth
General
11/10/22
Mallory Park has announced that £1 from every ticket to the Race of the Year will go to the Gino Rea rehabilitation fund
![Scott Redding - Be Wiser Ducati, 2019 BSB [credit: Ian Hopgood]](https://cdn.visordown.com/field/image/IMG_6912.JPG?width=1500)
Advanced Riding
09/10/22
We see racers get a knee, elbow (even a head if your name is Scott Redding) down on track at pretty much every race of the year, but why do they do it?
General
06/10/22
Grand Prix motorcycle racer Phil Read MBE competed from 1961 to 1976, amassing 52 wins, and seven FIM championship wins
Industry
06/10/22
The UK’s biggest motor circuit operator MSV has been fined over £150,000 after the death of a track day user at Oulton Park
New Bikes
05/10/22
The new Horex Regina Evo features a full carbon fibre frame, 48hp engine, and weighs in at just 133kg
General
05/10/22
Dirt bike fans in the USA are fighting to keep motorised access to trails in the stunning Moab desert in Utah
General
04/10/22
Suffolk-based Ricky Davis has been jailed for his part in a string of motorcycle thefts totalling £30k in value
New Bikes
04/10/22
The electric off-road motorcycle maker has announced its first full-sized model, the Sur Ron Strom Bee
Motorbike
04/10/22
The 2022 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 features the J-Series engine and is hoped to attract a more youthful type of rider to the brand
General
04/10/22
Changes have been brought in that could see dangerous drivers who kill on UK roads handed down life sentences
General
04/10/22
A Suzuki Jimny gifted to the late Barry Sheene in cognition of his achievements in top flight Grand Prix motorcycle racing
New Bikes
03/10/22
Boasting 310hp, the Kawasaki H2R is one of the most outrageous motorcycles in the world, and bookings for the 2023 model are open now
Industry
03/10/22
Indian automotive giant Hero has invested $60m in Zero Motorcycles to jointly develop electric motorbikes and expand in into green mobility
Industry
30/09/22
MSV the UK’s biggest circuit operator has acquired the Navarra circuit in Spain
New Bikes
29/09/22
The wraps have been pulled off as the Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally takes to the dirt!
New Bikes
29/09/22
Kawasaki has announced the new Versys range in 650 and 1,000cc forms, as well as the new Z H2 range – full spec, features, and pricing are here.
Advanced Riding
29/09/22
Motorcycling is a great solo past-time... but why not share the fun? If you’ve never done it before, here's how to ride with a pillion passenger
General
29/09/22
The Local Government Authority is claiming that the Russia led invasion of Ukraine is preventing pothole repair work as costs increase