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.
Jorge Lorenzo and Max Biaggi to get 2022 MotoGP Hall of Fame induction
The MotoGP Hall of Fame inductees for 2022 include Jorge Lorenzo, Max Biaggi, and four-time World Champion Hugh Anderson
Get up close and personal with the new Honda Hawk 11
Until the official information is released regarding the new Honda Hawk 11, we take a deep dive into the images to see what is new
Chancellor set to cut fuel duty as petrol prices continue to rise
The chancellor Rishi Sunak is set to cut fuel duty in this weeks Spring Statement as petrol becomes prohibitively expensive
Turn your Royal Enfield 650cc twin into a café racer
Indian firm MK Designs is releasing a plug-and-play fairing kit to turn your Royal Enfield 650cc twin into a sleek looking café racer
Check out the new Honda Hawk 1100 | clearest images yet!
The clearest images yet of the new Honda Hawk 1100 are spreading across social media quicker than the second wave of Covid – click to take a look!
M25 smart motorway fails again just days after deadly crash
A whistle-blower has lifted the lid on a catalogue of failings with smart motorway network, including one that failed to detect a fatal crash
SOLD! Dainese acquired by Carlyle Group for €630 million
The Italian motorcycle kit and clothing company Dainese was bought by Investcorp in 2014 for a reported €130 million
Dates and locations confirmed for 2022 Kawasaki Dealer Demo Days
Kawasaki has announced that its Dealer Demo Days are back for 2022 as the dates and locations are confirmed
Triumph Tiger 1200 (2022) on and off-road review and video
The Triumph Tiger 1200 gets the biggest update since its launch with a ground-up redesign. We went along to test it in Portugal
Rogue traders and the people fighting for your safety
The recent London Motorcycle show saw a large-scale operation take place to combat rogue traders and counterfeit motorcycle clothing. Here’s how it came to happen
Motorcycles are better for brain and body health – here’s the proof!
A recent study by the Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behaviour has shown that motorcyclists are less stressed than car drivers
As fuel prices soar analysts warn of more to come!
As fuel prices in the UK hit an all-time high petrol price analysts warn of darker days on the horizon
2022 Yamaha MT-10 review | A new Master of Torque!
Having just been refreshed for pretty much the first time since 2016, the new 2022 Yamaha MT-10 is here with more power, more tech, and more fun
Yamaha (2022) TMAX Tech Max review | 10 things to know
The 2022 Yamaha TMAX Tech Max has seen a big update for this year, and Yamaha hedging its bets on more tech, suspension tweaks, and ergonomic updates
Exceedingly cute Lego Vespa 125 model kit released!
Following on from the Ducati Panigale and BMW S1000RR model kits, Lego has released a smaller, more manageable Vespa 125 model kit
Crate-fresh Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R K2 sells for eye-watering sum!
An as-new and still in its crate Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7R K2 is up for auction – and it just sold for a staggering amount of money!
Have your say on Green Lane access – before it’s too late
The government is holding on a consultation on recreational vehicles and whether they should be restricted on unsealed, green lanes, and byways
Two new Yamaha TMAX hybrid drive system patents revealed |
Yamaha has submitted two patents describing a new TMAX maxi-scooter that features an innovative hybrid drive system
Indian Motorcycle Indian Pursuit | American-made super touring
The Indian Pursuit takes the challenger platform increasing the spec and technology on almost every front
Axiis Liion Supermoto | 134bhp and completely bonkers!
Axiis is a Portuguese company which has created the Liion, an electric supermoto machine boasting 134bhp and weighing 133kg
Jake Dixon impresses during Portimao Moto2 test | MotoGP
Rising British talent Jake Dixon has impressed during the Moto2 test at Portimao ahead of the 2022 season
Ten things that didn’t exist in motorcycling 10 years ago
Modern motorcycles are a feast of gadgets, high-tech materials and computing power. But it wasn’t always this way!
Specsavers Suzuki reveal 2022 British Superbike contender
The all-new Specsavers Suzuki British Superbike team has revealed the bike to be ridden by series rookie Leon Jeacock
Ducati signs Francesco Bagnaia for 2023 and 2024 MotoGP seasons
The factory Ducati MotoGP team has secured the talents of its star performer Peco Bagnaia until the 2024 MotoGP season