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.
Unmarked ‘speed camera van’ spotted in Northamptonshire
An unmarked speed camera van is being rolled out in Northamptonshire, to combat what the police are calling ‘dangerous road usage’
How a new iPhone feature could be a life saver for motorcyclists
A new feature of the latest iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max all feature the new lifesaving system
Motori Minarelli Euro5 two-stroke could power future Fantic models
Motori Minarelli developed 300cc two-stroke engine with electronic fuel injection and an exhaust valve that boasts Euro5 compliance
Unconventional looking DIY motorcycle hybrid kit announced
Powertrain specialist Vitesco has developed a do-it-yourself kit to create a hybrid motorcycle out of conventional petrol-powered donor bikes
Rare vintage motorcycle auction raises money for charity
A collection of rare vintage motorcycles is to go under the hammer this month, to raise money for Smile Scotland
Honda gives a sneaky peek at its first electric motorcycle
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!
Brixton Storr adventure motorcycle concept announced
Brixton Motorcycles has released an image of the Storr Adventure bike, a potential first true off-roader from the brand
UK’s November motorcycle sales slightly down on last year
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
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Tucano Urbano airbag jacket transforms into a vest
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
Bike-Farm Melle Indian Chief Chopper wins European Biker Build-Off
The Bike-Farm Melle Indian Chief-based long-fork Chopper “Purple Haze” took the win with 3-times the votes compared to the competition
F1 star Daniel Ricciardo to ride across the USA on 110cc motorcycle
Red Bull F1 reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo plans to utilise his 2023 downtime in style, by crossing the USA on two wheels!
Industrial Action – which strikes will affect UK bikers
With industrial action taking place across the UK this winter, we’ve taken a look at all the strikes happening, highlighting which ones could affect you.
MV Agusta Tamburini Corse F43 sports bike breaks cover
The MV Agusta Tamburini Corse F43 is a tribute to the fabled designer Massimo Tamburini
Nearly half of motorists avoiding lane one of ALR smart motorway
A survey of nearly 2,000 motorists found that nearly half of the people questioned would avoid lane one of All Lane Running smart motorway
Milenco Dunrod Alarm and U-lock motorcycle security review
We’ve been testing out the Milenco Dunrod alarm and U-Lock as a first-line piece of protection against motorcycle theft
Petrol price fell in November, although savings were not passed on
RAC Fuel Watch reports that the petrol price fell in November by an average of 6p, although the real savings were not seen by consumers
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In&Motion announce upper body ‘Stan’ airbag rucksack
Motorcycle technology firm In&Motion have announced the ‘Stan’ airbag rucksack that deploys in 0.1s and alerts the emergency services
How to perform a perfect U-turn during your motorcycle test
Performing a U-turn on your motorcycle test is a nerve-wracking exercise. There are though a few things you can do to make sure you ace it, first time, every time
Iconic motorcycle movie Easy Rider to get modern remake
A remake of the motorcycle movie Easy Rider is already in the early stages of production according to rights holders
Leaked emails point to shocking ‘smart motorway’ failings
Leaked emails obtained by action group Smart Motorways Kill paint a worrying picture about the state of the UK smart motorway network
Crate-fresh Triumph T100 Paul Smith special edition emerges
Crated and ready to recommission, this Triumph T100 Paul Smith edition is begging to be brought back to life
Motorcycles exempt from £9 per day Bristol ‘Clean Air Zone’
Drivers of older vehicles could be in for a £9 a day shock if they visit central Bristol, although motorcycles are exempt
Horwin Senmenti 0 – Is 125mph too fast for a scooter?
The Horwin Senmenti 0 is a sleek-looking scooter boasting a near 125mph top speed and all-electric power – but is that too fast?
Harley-Davidson launches REV M4X extended warranty offer
For a limited period, Harley-Davidson will provide a four-year warranty on all bikes sold that feature the 975 or 1250 Revolution Max engine
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