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.
Motorcycles largely forgotten in the Autumn Budget, but that might be a good thing
A mileage-based charge for electric and plug-in hybrid cars from 2028 and a short-term freeze in fuel duty were among the key changes in the Autumn Budget 2025.
Tesla looking to fast-track EU self-driving despite motorcycle risks
Dutch authorities say safety – especially around motorcycles – must be proven before any European approval of any Tesla self-driving tech is granted.
Historic road and race Honda museum opens in the heart of Rome
The new collection features rare Honda road bikes, like the NR750, as well as classic Grand Prix and World Superbike machinery.
Shark to launch first ever official MotoGP helmet collection
The French motorcycle helmet brand Shark has inked a deal with MotoGP that will lead to an official MotoGP helmet collection.
Top eye surgeon weighs in on bright headlight debate
After a government report revealed that headlamp glare is a very real problem, an eye surgeon explains the risks.
The best sports tourer motorcycles you can buy in 2026
Here are the best sport touring motorcycles for crushing continents in comfort and at speed.
A solar-powered motorcycle? It was only a matter of time!
MASK Architects unveils solar-powered motorcycle concept: meet SOLARIS
Vance & Hines to build Indian’s 2026 Challenger race bikes
Indian Motorcycle enters a bold new era with a Vance & Hines-powered factory team for the 2026 King of the Baggers championship.
MotoGP could one day race on street circuits, according to MotoGP boss
Carmelo Ezpeleta has hinted that MotoGP could one day race on street circuits
The cost-cutting continues for KTM's new owner Bajaj: Felt Bicycles sold
Completing a decision taken earlier this year, Bajaj continues to streamline its business with the sale of Felt Bicycles.
Fuel duty hike warning: 152,000 drivers demand action ahead of budget
With rumours of a 5p hike in fuel duty and pay-per-mile charges for EVs, motorcyclists should watch the Winter Budget more closely than ever.
‘A Road Trip to Remember’: Chris Hemsworth on battling Alzheimer’s with bikes
Chris Hemsworth takes a deeply personal motorcycle journey with his father, using the power of riding and reminiscence therapy to fight memory loss.
Honda CB1000GT (2025) review: Head says tourer, heart says hooligan
The new Honda CB1000GT is claimed to provide riders with Fireblade attitude and touring manners.
Royal Enfield gives the Bullet 650 the Midas touch
To mark 125 years in the saddle, Royal Enfield gives the Bullet 650 a golden "hypershift" paint scheme.
Ducati marks 100 years with three-part Origin Collection
Ducati has launched The Origin Collection, a three-part apparel range blending past, present, and future designs to celebrate the brand’s 100th anniversary.
Pressing matters are not a worry with the Clarke CSA10BB
If you have ever sweated over removing corroded bushes and bearings, you need to add the Clarke CSA10BB to your garage.
Put the shine back into your bike with this bench buffer
Be it for buffing up chrome or adding some allure to aluminium, if you want to put the shine back into your bike, you need the Clarke CBB200 bench-top buffer.
The Clarke CIG81015 can increase your workshop space no time
If you are the kind of person who surfs eBay on a Friday night, the Clarke CIG81015 Instant Garage could hide a multitude of your sins.
Clean as you go with the Clarke CW2D parts washer
If you are fed up with working on oily or greasy engine parts, a bench-top washer like the Clarke CW2D and some wash liquid are the answer.
Can L-category motorcycles transform urban mobility in Europe?
Industry leaders at EICMA say motorcycles and scooters could deliver huge gains for Europe’s cities, cutting congestion, emissions, and saving billions.
Ride 6 has landed with new tracks, bikes, and racing classes
Ride 6 arrives in February 2026, and it’s promising the most immersive two-wheeled gaming experience ever.
£186,000 Midual Type 1 Series 3 destined for investment collectors
A €186k French masterpiece that proves you really can pay supercar money for a motorcycle that prefers a polishing cloth to performance figures.
CFMoto rumoured to be joining MotoGP in place of KTM
Rumours are highlighting CFMoto as the brand set to replace KTM on the MotoGP grid.
Merlin adds four new lids to its helmet range
Merlin wants to become a top-to-toe motorcycle clothing brand, as it adds more new adventure and sport helmets to the range.