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.
New Bikes
11/11/21
The Ducati Streetfighter V2 has officially been announced to the world – is this the ultimate road-going version of the Italian naked?
Advanced Riding
11/11/21
Trail braking may seem like some dark art only practised by the MotoGP elite but used properly it could potentially save your skin...
General
10/11/21
A custom-built Triumph Bobber is up for grabs, that packs a nitrous-injected supercharged engine and can top 170mph!
Advanced Riding
10/11/21
As summer waves goodbye and the nights draw in, the pleasant afternoon commute home can quickly seem a much lonelier and less enjoyable experience. Here’s how to ensure you get through it safely.
General
04/11/21
Grant Schapps could reverse smart motorway move – although it seems it's the economic impact that might have prompted it
New Bikes
03/11/21
With the launch of the new Kawasaki Z650RS taking place today, we thought we’d share a quick look at Kawasaki’s new retro roadster
Industry
03/11/21
The future of lightweight electric motorcycle technology has landed, as Honda unveils its swappable battery for lightweight motorcycles
Industry
03/11/21
An energy crisis in China is the catalyst that is ushering in a magnesium shortage we could all really do without
New Bikes
03/11/21
A new motorcycle has been launched this week, as the classy looking Sinnis Outlaw 125cc cruiser is rolled out
New Bikes
02/11/21
A teaser campaign has just gone live on the Kawasaki YouTube channel indicating some big celebrations for one of its biggest-ever models
New Bikes
02/11/21
Cigarette sponsorship in motorsport may be outlawed, but that isn’t stopping Yamaha from potentially launching a retro Gauloises-style XSR
Industry
02/11/21
The UK's network of Smart Motorway ARL roads have come under fire this morning, with even the MP who helped to roll them out calling for a U-turn
New Bikes
02/11/21
This first patent images show that Honda could well be working on a replacement for the venerable CB1100
New Bikes
02/11/21
The Yamaha Tricity Rough Road Concept is an all-terrain scooter that Yamaha hopes could help monitor natural disasters
Industry
01/11/21
DfT officials have confirmed that new anti-tampering laws being discussed will not totally outlaw all modifications
Industry
30/10/21
As November begins it brings with it the UK chancellor Rishi Sunak’s autumn budget – here’s what it means to you
General
30/10/21
Harley-Davidson has provided Police Scotland with a fleet of LiveWire electric motorcycles to help support the COP26 summit
New Bikes
29/10/21
As Motorcycle Live creeps ever closer, here’s your rundown of all the new bikes to catch up with at the UK’s biggest motorcycle show
General
28/10/21
Motorcycles and the value they offer the UK has been discussed in the halls of power, and a new DfT minister who rides is right at the heart of it
Product News
27/10/21
The Virus Power (catchy name) textile motorcycle suit is rated to AAA standards yet is breathable, lightweight, and waterproof
General
27/10/21
The Insulate Britain Group is urging people not to use the M25 this morning or if they do reduce their speed to 25mph
New Bikes
26/10/21
Yamaha has added new colours to its range of highly successful scooters amidst extremely strong market growth
General
26/10/21
The Sky production about the life and career of the late Marco Simoncelli features interviews and testimonials from friends and MotoGP rivals
Advanced Riding
22/10/21
Can you think yourself faster? Visordown gets all zen as we tell you how to be a faster, safer and better rider... using only your mind