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.
Triumph Bonneville T120 ‘Hinckley Spitfire’ charity auction announced
A one-off Triumph Bonneville T120 dubbed the ‘Hinckley Spitfire’ is going up for auction with the proceeds going to a disabled flying charity
Norton Motorcycles | A Motorcycle Icon Brought into the 21st Century
With the opening of the new Norton Motorcycles factory ushers in a new era for one of motorcycling’s oldest names
Team Classic Suzuki reveals stunning GSX-R750 SRAD racer!
Built around a former factory endurance racer, the Team Classic Suzuki GSX-R750 SRAD features a host of beautiful factory race parts
All the celebrities to see at Motorcycle Live 2021
With Motorcycle Live just around the corner, here’s the list of motorcycle celebs to meet and greet at this year’s show
Rugged looking MV Agusta adventure motorcycle incoming
A new full-on MV Agusta adventure motorcycle has been spotted out in the wild testing prior to an official launch
Honda NT1100 (2022) first impressions video review
The new Honda NT1100 launch on going in Barcelona this week and Alex’ first thoughts have just landed – take a look
Husqvarna Norden 901 (2022) on and off-road review
For the press riding launch of the new Husqvarna Norden 901, we set our compass for the southwest and the isolated islands of the Azores
Ducati Streetfighter V2 officially announced | features & details
The Ducati Streetfighter V2 has officially been announced to the world – is this the ultimate road-going version of the Italian naked?
How to use trail braking on a motorcycle and why you should learn
Trail braking may seem like some dark art only practised by the MotoGP elite but used properly it could potentially save your skin...
Fancy owning a 200bhp 170mph supercharged Triumph Bobber?
A custom-built Triumph Bobber is up for grabs, that packs a nitrous-injected supercharged engine and can top 170mph!
Night Rider | How to be seen and ride more safely at night
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.
Government could consider smart motorway U-turn after report
Grant Schapps could reverse smart motorway move – although it seems it's the economic impact that might have prompted it
First Look | Kawasaki Z650RS | First impressions video
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
Honda unveils standardised swappable motorcycle batteries
The future of lightweight electric motorcycle technology has landed, as Honda unveils its swappable battery for lightweight motorcycles
Motorcycle manufacturers brace for magnesium shortage
An energy crisis in China is the catalyst that is ushering in a magnesium shortage we could all really do without
Classy looking Sinnis Outlaw 125cc cruiser motorcycle launched
A new motorcycle has been launched this week, as the classy looking Sinnis Outlaw 125cc cruiser is rolled out
Kawasaki Z50th Anniversary teaser | Special editions incoming?
A teaser campaign has just gone live on the Kawasaki YouTube channel indicating some big celebrations for one of its biggest-ever models
Intriguing Yamaha teaser points to retro-livered XSR900
Cigarette sponsorship in motorsport may be outlawed, but that isn’t stopping Yamaha from potentially launching a retro Gauloises-style XSR
MP claims he was misled about Smart Motorway rollout
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
First patents emerge that could show Honda CB1100 replacement
This first patent images show that Honda could well be working on a replacement for the venerable CB1100
Rugged Yamaha Tricity Rough Road Concept Announced
The Yamaha Tricity Rough Road Concept is an all-terrain scooter that Yamaha hopes could help monitor natural disasters
DfT look to clear up confusion around anti-tampering laws
DfT officials have confirmed that new anti-tampering laws being discussed will not totally outlaw all modifications
Bikes and the budget | What does the latest budget mean to you
As November begins it brings with it the UK chancellor Rishi Sunak’s autumn budget – here’s what it means to you
COP26 to use Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycles
Harley-Davidson has provided Police Scotland with a fleet of LiveWire electric motorcycles to help support the COP26 summit