Simon Hancocks
Digital Content Manager
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.
3859 articles
General
20/10/20
The French authorities are making motorways a safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable places to ride for motorcyclists
New Bikes
20/10/20
Just two weeks after the launch of the Adventure R and Adventure R Rally, KTM launches the KTM 890 Adventure – the entry point into the range
General
19/10/20
The latest Euro5 emissions regulations could spell the end of the line for the Aprilia Shiver and Dorsoduro
General
19/10/20
James Bond film producers used Coca Cola to help create motorcycle stunts in No Time To Die
New Bikes
19/10/20
KTM is reported to be working on a new 250cc Adventure bike that has the Asian market it its crosshairs
New Bikes
19/10/20
Ducati has moved away from Desmodromic valve actuation for the 2021 Multistrada V4
New Bikes
17/10/20
A new motorcycle configurator has been launched allowing you to configure your perfect Royal Enfield motorcycle
General
17/10/20
A loophole that allows UK drivers to use their phones at the wheel for purposes other than making a call is to be closed next year
New Bikes
16/10/20
The BMW R 1250 RT has undergone its most extensive overhaul since 2014. Here’s everything we know about the new Uber-tourer
New Bikes
14/10/20
Aside from the engine, one of the main features of the Ducati Multistrada V4 is the adaptive cruise control system – here’s everything we know
New Bikes
14/10/20
The Honda Forza 125 and 350 have both been given a 2021 makeover today, here’s the full specs, details, and features for both bikes
New Bikes
14/10/20
The Honda Forza 750 has been officially announced for 2021, here are the official pictures, specs and details of the new model
Industry
13/10/20
BMW has used 3D printing to make parts for the S 1000 RR to be tested prior to going into manufacture
Product News
13/10/20
With wearable tech becoming ever more popular, why not wear something that could save you, or someone you’re riding with?
General
13/10/20
MV Agusta and Hertz have teamed up to offer rental motorcycles at worldwide locations
General
13/10/20
A mechanic at a Harley-Davidson dealership has received over £60k after been left unable to work due to motorcycle phobia
First Ride
12/10/20
Visordown has been out to Venice to try out the all-new Aprilia RS660 to find out fresh take on the middleweight division will lead a new-breed of supersports machines
Industry
12/10/20
The boss of VW has tried to silence the rumour that the German automotive giant is looking at selling the iconic Italian motorcycle maker
New Bikes
12/10/20
Kawasaki is changing up the game in the adventure touring segment for 2021 as the Versys 1000 SE gains Skyhook suspension and a new S model is launched
New Bikes
12/10/20
The third theorem in the Ducati Multistrada V4 story has been released giving a clue as to the bike’s service intervals
New Bikes
12/10/20
KTM has pulled the covers off a special edition 250 SX-F that homage to the Troy Lee Designs KTM Factory Racing team
Road Test
12/10/20
Visordown was lucky enough to try out the new Harley-Davidson LiveWire for two weeks of riding on UK roads for the first time
New Bikes
08/10/20
Bajaj has filed for the trademark Neuron hinting to a new model range from the Indian motorcycle manufacturer
New Bikes
07/10/20
With Kawasaki launching a six new or updated models for 2021, we take a punt at what they could be