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.
Industry
05/03/21
As part of the chancellor’s budget, motorcycle road tax will be increasing although so will spending on maintaining the roads
First Ride
04/03/21
We've been on the press riding launch of the new 2021 Yamaha MT-09 - here's everything you need to know about the new bike
New Bikes
04/03/21
Yamaha is celebrating 20-years of the TMAX with a new special edition model
General
04/03/21
BMW has cancelled the 2021 Motorrad Days event scheduled to take place in Berlin later this year
General
04/03/21
With three new 2021 Indian Chief models being revealed already this year, Visordown thought we'd take a look at how the model came to be
New Bikes
04/03/21
The eagerly awaited 2021 Aprilia RSV4 and RSV4 Factory are edging closing and new details regarding the bikes have just arrived
New Bikes
03/03/21
The launch of the Harley-Davidson Pan America was the big talking point last month, but there was some insight into the new 1250 Custom model too
MotoGP
03/03/21
The CEO of MV Agusta has spoken about his plans for the Moto2 championship and how he plans to join the MotoGP championship
General
03/03/21
The Highways England has launched a new consultation on proposed changes to the Highway Code – and you can have your say
General
03/03/21
With the King of the Baggers getting its own three-round series in 2021, we take a look at how Indian turned the Challenger into a winner
New Bikes
01/03/21
The Brough Superior Lawrence features all-new carbon fibre bodywork, a titanium frame and aluminium forks
New Bikes
01/03/21
A leading figure from Honda India has confirmed talks are taking place to see if the CB350 can be exported to other markets
MotoGP
01/03/21
Valentino Rossi has made his first official appearance in Petronas SRT MotoGP colours as he lines up for 2021 next to Franco Morbidelli
Industry
01/03/21
Tyre manufacturer Bridgestone has partly developed a new type of rubber that is more durable and environmentally friendly than before
New Bikes
01/03/21
The nameplate Transalp could be about to make a return to action as Honda files for the trademark in the USA
General
01/03/21
The UK’s network of smart motorways is to be the subject of a parliamentary inquiry into their safety and effectiveness
MotoGP
25/02/21
Marc Marquez has given his thoughts on the 2021 MotoGP season and his chances of regaining the level he had prior to his crash
Industry
25/02/21
The new 90% fuel 10% bioethanol blend will begin flowing from UK petrol pumps in September this year
First Ride
25/02/21
We’ve just taken collection of the updated 2021 Honda X-ADV, here are our first thoughts after 50-miles
New Bikes
24/02/21
Italian makers of motorcycle art MV Agusta have launched an incentive to shift outgoing Euro4 motorcycles
General
24/02/21
Cyclists in Devon are taking part in a trial that will see them wear helmet-mounted cameras that will record acts of dangerous driving
New Bikes
24/02/21
Honda has filed what is the weirdest patent of 2021 by far, with a motorcycle that is equipped with a drone that’s mounted in its tail
WorldSBK
24/02/21
The news comes five months after Ana broke two vertebrae and had to out much of the 2020 season
New Bikes
23/02/21
The new 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R features a redesigned chassis, bodywork, lighter internals, and a new PANKL gearbox