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.
Criminal moped rider weeps in court before being jailed
A London moped rider who filmed himself kicking cyclists off their bikes is reported to have wept in court before being sent to prison.
Police recover 18 suspected stolen or illegal bikes from just two addresses
South Yorkshire Police have recovered 18 stolen bikes in a major crackdown on crime gangs in Sheffield.
Iran is finally thinking about allowing women to ride motorcycles
As it stands in Iran, women can drive cars but only ride as passengers on bikes - but that could be set to change.
MAG warns “Lives Depend on Getting Automated Vehicles Right”
The Motorcycle Action Group warns that self-driving cars could put riders at risk unless the Government sets tougher safety standards.
The KTM X-Bow project is owned by the world’s largest beer company
With KTM focusing on its core two-wheeled products, a new owner was needed for its X-Bow supercar brand. Enter the beer company InBev.
Phoenix Training wants to get more youngsters riding motorcycles
It’s no secret that fewer young people entering the world of two-wheels is hurting the industry - this initiative could change that.
European motorcycle lobby hits back at Trump and his tariffs
Brussels’ latest trade deal leaves European bikes facing sky-high US tariffs thanks to President Trump - and manufacturers are understandably fuming.
CFMoto is cooking up an interesting new sports bike
Patents from CFMoto show that the Chinese brand is looking to get into the electric sports bike sector, with a very unusual design.
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Aprilia RS-GP MotoGP patents reveal advanced aerodynamics
The Aprilia RS-GP is one of the most aerodynamically advanced on the grid, but could its high-tech winglets one day land on road bikes in the future?
How can a Bimota, apparently worth £30k, fail to sell for £5,000?
A recent auction listing I’ve been following has yielded an unexpected result, as a £30,000 Bimota KB4 ends pitifully.
WorldSBK star gets to try out Ducati’s new V4 R at Aragon
Aruba Ducati’s Nicolo Bulega got his hands on the upcoming Ducati Panigale V4 R at the WorldSBK test at Aragon.
A former White Helmet rider is suing the MOD for an eye-watering sum
A motorcycle stunt rider who performed with the White Helmets display team is suing the Ministry of Defence for £250,000.
Road or off-road? Caberg says “yes” with the new Tanami Carbon
Caberg’s new Tanami Carbon promises light weight, clever tech, and go-anywhere versatility for riders who split their time between tarmac and trails.
Norton strengthens global operations with new subsidiary
TVS has officially formed an Indian subsidiary of the iconic British motorcycle maker Norton.
Watch as Illegal motorbike riders crash Burghley Horse Trials
Two men turned Burghley Horse Trials into their own stunt arena, their reckless riding highlighting the growing problem of illegal bikes tearing up UK roads.
Drunk man who crossed live Classic TT track jailed
The footage shows the man brazenly crossing the track during a Manx GP session just before the bikes sped past!
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Police seize illegal motorbike carrying child during Operation Spree
A rider carrying a young child as a passenger had their bike seized during Operation Spree, as police target the growing problem of illegal off-road motorcycling in Telford.
John McGuinness wears Gus Scott tribute helmet at the Classic TT
The Classic TT sees John McGuinness pay tribute to the “hilariously funny and fast” TT racer and journalist Gus Scott.
Insta360 launches GO Ultra: tiny, hands-free, and now in 4K
Tiny body, big sensor, and 4K60 video, Insta360’s new GO Ultra could be the ultimate pocket camera for bikers on the move.
Is this new mid-weight KTM going to replace the 390 Adventure
Visordown has access to some exclusive spy images showing what is thought to be a KTM 490 Adventure.
The UK's premier electric off-road riding centre set to open in Powys
A new electric motocross experience centre has been approved in Powys, bringing bikes, jobs, and a boost for tourism.
Temu ‘motorcycle clothing’ event: Click with caution
A prominent motorcycle safety advocate is advising riders to be cautious when buying from online retailers like Temu.
DVLA updates registration policy for restored and modified bikes
The DVLA is set to make it easier and simpler for you to register repaired, restored and modified vehicles.
90mph motorway speed limit trial set to begin
A variable 150kph (93mph) speed limit on the D3 motorway from Prague towards Linz is set to begin.
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