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.
Here are the most important new bikes of Motorcycle Live 2021
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
Motorcyclists now have a voice in the Houses of Parliament
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
Virus Power release textile 1-piece motorcycle race suit
The Virus Power (catchy name) textile motorcycle suit is rated to AAA standards yet is breathable, lightweight, and waterproof
Insulate Britain urging people to not use the M25 today
The Insulate Britain Group is urging people not to use the M25 this morning or if they do reduce their speed to 25mph
Yamaha updates urban mobility range of scooters for 2022
Yamaha has added new colours to its range of highly successful scooters amidst extremely strong market growth
Sky Italia release SIC a portrait of late MotoGP racer Marco Simoncelli
The Sky production about the life and career of the late Marco Simoncelli features interviews and testimonials from friends and MotoGP rivals
Motorcycle Mindfulness: How to think yourself faster on track
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
Honda NT1100 tourer | Full specs, features and video
The Honda NT1100 looks set to bring cross-continent ability, sporty dynamics and high specification to the touring segment
National Motorcyclists Council calls for Motorcycle Test changes
After leaving the EU at the start of this year, the National Motorcyclists Council thinks the time is now to rethink motorcycle testing in the UK
Honda ADV 350 set for European and possible UK launch
Trademark documents have noted an incoming model from the winged badge as the Honda ADV 350 crossover scooter is named
Suzuki celebrates EWC crown with SERT GSX-S1000 and GSX-S950 kit
Only available through French dealerships, the Suzuki GSX-S1000 and 950 SERT kit is to celebrate the firms 2021 endurance championship win
Suzuki GSX-S1000GT (2022) | UK rain-test and review
To find out how the new Suzuki GSX-S1000GT handles a typical UK tour, we set off for Scotland and a sample of the North Coast 500
CCTV video shows just how brazen motorcycle thieves really are
A video posted to Facebooks shows two motorcycle thieves using an angle grinder on the security chain of a motorcycle at 4am!
Everything you need to know about Motorcycle Live 2021
With Motorcycle Live just around the corner, it’s time to get plotting the annual pilgrimage – here’s everything you need to know about the event
Automatic £100 fines brought in for motorway lane violations
Motorway drivers could receive an automatic £100 fine for flouting the red X above closed motorway lanes
Pierre Terblanche designed ‘Mono’ concept revealed
Pierre Terblanche is one of the most revered motorcycle designers of all time and he is revisiting one of his most iconic machines
This is what you should do after a motorcycle accident?
The scenario is never one any motorcyclist wants to dwell on for too long, but if the time comes – here’s everything you should do after a motorcycle accident
Aprilia RS660 vs Yamaha R7 | Which of the new breed is best?
Fresh off the launch of the new Yamaha R7, we pitch the new CP2 powered against the game-changing Aprilia RS660
New high-spec KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo set for 2022 arrival
A new higher-spec super naked looks set to land in 2022, as a KTM 1290 Super Duke R Evo is likely to arrive
Get up close and personal with the Yamaha R7 at Brands Hatch this weekend
Yamaha is taking its much-talked-about Yamaha R7 to the final round of the BSB championship at Brands Hatch this weekend.
Q&A Vayyar Interview | 4D motorcycle radar explained
We sat down with Ian Podkamien of Vayyar to find out what Advanced Rider Assistance Systems are and how they will shape the future of motorcycling
Top five cars to be aware of when filtering on a motorcycle
Filtering, when done correctly, is the friend of every motorcycle rider. Some drivers are not – here’s how to spot them!
Living with the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special
We spent a few weeks getting to grips with the Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special
Hull nurse foils motorcycle thief and recovers the bike
A nurse from Hull has prevented a motorcycle thief from making off with a bike after forcing the crook to ditch the machine