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.

Visordown Insurance Guide
How to reduce your insurance when its time to renew
INSURANCE is boring, there are no two ways about it and I should know, I worked in the industry for nearly ten years! Adding to the boredom are the hours spent talking on the phone to Gillian from the sales team who doesn’t know a Ducati from a Datsun!
motorcycle parking
Toad Talks | Motorcycle Parking Charges - Would you pay to park?
A recent FEMA survey has found that motorcyclists are overwhelmingly in favour of free motorcycle parking, but will the governments listen?
John McGuinness chasing down Toad from Visordown on Honda Fireblades
Riding on track with Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness
We took to the hallowed Donington Park Circuit at the weekend, for a couple of sessions with Isle of Man TT icon John McGuinness
How to keep your kit safe and dry when riding a motorcycle
How to keep your kit safe and dry when riding a motorcycle
Keeping your spare kit and clothing dry in wet weather makes riding a motorcycle a much more pleasurable experience – here’s how it’s done