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.
Top 10s
21/09/21
The new James Bond film "No Time To Die" may have taken time getting to cinemas but now it's finally here, it's a perfect time scour the movie archive!
New Bikes
21/09/21
If James Bond was going on a motorcycle adventure, he'd obviously ride the Triumph Tiger 900 Bond Edition!
New Bikes
21/09/21
The new MV Agusta F3 RR features an aero-fairing, lighter wheels, trick chassis, and updated engine internals
General
21/09/21
The Brighton Speed Trials has been without bikes since a two-way cycle lane on Madeira Drive provided diminished grip levels according to the ACU
New Bikes
20/09/21
As the launch of the new Honda Transalp inches closer, somebody has had a punt at how it might look – and we think it’s very good!
Gear
20/09/21
Visordown went along to the UK qualifier event for the BMW GS Trophy at Walters Arena in the stunning Brecon Beacons
Industry
20/09/21
The Motorcycle Action Group is pushing for more complete and accurate theft data from police forces
General
20/09/21
The Indian Riders Fest event has been confirmed for 2022 after its postponement this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Industry
17/09/21
A study by FEMA has unsurprisingly found that more than 90 percent of motorcyclists are against a ban on petrol-powered bikes
BSB
17/09/21
The BSB championship will include a dash of retro style this weekend, as the McAMS team run stylish livery plus historic GP display and track demo
Industry
17/09/21
A study by Oxford Economics is highlighting how good bikes are, for the economy, the environment and the people that ride them
New Bikes
17/09/21
With the MV Agusta Superveloce being the new Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR’s closest competitor, we thought we’d take a look at the specs
New Bikes
16/09/21
The new 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200 is getting closer to launch, and new details have emerged about the adventure motorcycle
Viral
15/09/21
An HGV driver has been filmed by Highways England using two mobile phones while driving on the motorway
General
15/09/21
Singapore is waging war on illegal parking (among other things) with robots set to bring order to the streets
Product News
15/09/21
A UK launch for the Monimoto 7 motorcycle tracker could be set for a UK launch in the coming months
New Bikes
14/09/21
The Triumph Speed Triple 1200 RR is based around its naked cousin with added electronic suspension and bikini fairing
New Bikes
14/09/21
Visordown chats to Stuart Wood, the man in charge of creating the Triumph Speed Triple RR
New Bikes
14/09/21
Ideal for new riders, the Honda CRF190L adventure motorcycle features a 184cc engine and featherweight 145kg wet weight!
Advanced Riding
11/09/21
Corners and motorcycles go together like nothing else! But how do you judge how fast you ride the corner safely?
New Bikes
09/09/21
If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it! The race-only KTM 450 SMR gains minor updates for 2022
New Bikes
09/09/21
We’ve ridden it and now so can you, the £6,299 (OTR) CFMOTO 700CL-X has arrived in UK dealerships
New Bikes
08/09/21
The MY2022 MV Agusta Brutale RS features all the style and substance of the top-spec RR with a slightly lower price
New Bikes
08/09/21
Piaggio is committing to the electric future with its all-electric 1 scooter – 37mph top speed and range of 52-miles