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.
EU End-of-Life Vehicle Rules Could Spell Trouble for Motorcyclists
Proposed EU end-of-life vehicle laws could see motorcycles swept up in red tape, with dire consequences for restorers, collectors and everyday riders.
These Seaside Towns Will Now Make You Pay For Motorcycle Parking
Adur District Council has introduced motorcycle parking charges, which could cost you £7.20 when you visit
Stunning Crate-Fresh Yamaha OW-01 Heads to Auction
The Yamaha OW-01 was a ground-breaking homologation bike when it was launched, and this is a true time-warp example of it
The New Benda Rock 707 Brings an Auto Clutch and Air Ride Suspension
Benda is going big with its next cruiser, with the Rock 707 featuring an auto clutch as well as air ride suspension!
Win a Dave Myers-Inspired Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
A custom Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 is to be raffled, with all the proceeds going to two Dave Day charities
RST Teams Up With D3O for Next-Gen Rider Protection
RST joins forces with D3O to roll out pro-grade armour across its 2026 lineup, starting with a limited-edition TT race suit debuting at the TT
REV’IT! Tectonic H2O jacket and trousers launched for proper adventure riding
REV’IT! brings modular versatility to the adventure touring scene. Tectonic provides a two-layer system for riders who don’t stop when the weather turns.
Amazon Signs Up Brad Pitt and Channing Tatum for TT Film and Docuseries
Amazon MGM Studios is bringing the iconic TT race to a global audience, picking up a new docuseries produced by Brad Pitt and Channing Tatum
2026 KTM 450 Rally Replica Revealed: Plus Dakar-Ready Sanders Edition
KTM’s 2026 450 Rally Replica lands with limited numbers, Dakar-winning pedigree, and an ultra-rare Daniel Sanders Edition for the hardcore few.
New Charley Boorman Film Goes Live: Azores Untamed – The Ride Between Two Continents
The film features Charley Boorman and Paul Guillien as they trek through the Azores mid-way between their two home continents
Classic Legends Has Big Plans: New BSA, Jawa, and Yedzi, Bikes Incoming
Classic Legends is plotting its European and Asian expansion, with a raft of new motorcycles from BSA, Jawa, and Yedzi set to arrive
China Rare Earth Mineral Exports: Motorcycle Makers Could be Hit
First was the chip shortage, now it's rare earth minerals restrictions from China that could hit the global automotive industry
Yamaha extends Riders for Health partnership to keep rural Africa moving
Yamaha extends partnership with Riders for Health to keep healthcare rolling through the toughest African terrain
Only in Florida! Bikers Collide With Alligator: Gator Wins
A couple of bikers had an unfortunate encounter with a rather rare pedestrian this week, after their bikes hit an alligator while out on a ride
Cardo Launches Cashback Promo in the UK
Cardo’s June cashback deal puts money back in your pocket - and the flagship Packtalk Pro in reach for less
IMPACT: The Unsung Force Behind Devon’s Life-Saving Road Collision Care
Behind every life saved on the roadside in Devon and Cornwall, IMPACT is quietly rewriting the rulebook on what post-crash survival looks like.
New TVS 450cc Twin Confirmed: Could Power BMW F450 GS and Future Norton Models
Word of TVS’ new 450 engine has broken, and it’ll likely find its way into the new BMW 450 GS, and future Norton models
Trick New Moto Morini X-Cape 700 Gold Edition Lands: But only in Italy…
The bike boasts a higher spec level than the stock Moto Morini X-Cape 700, including more tech, equipment, and, of course, gold wheels!
Teen Motorcycle Thief Gets Just Four Years For Stabbing Man During Foiled Robbery
A Sunderland teenager has been jailed for just four years after he stabbed a father who was trying to prevent him from stealing his bike
This Rugged and Simple Little Bike Costs Less Than £1,000!
Michael Spencer left Tesla with a dream of making a truly rugged and affordable electric bike - this is the result
CCM Motorcycles enters administration after 50-year run
It’s a sad day for British motorcycling as the Bolton-based brand with half a century of history, CCM Motorcycles, has entered administration.
Itchy Boots Releases First Book: Free Ride
Noraly Schoenmaker, better known as Itchy Boots, has released Free Ride, chronicling her 20,000-mile journey of heartbreak and discovery
Royal Enfield Swerves Trump Tariffs With Early Bike Shipments
Royal Enfield shipped a reported 9,000 bikes to North America to circumnavigate Trump’s tariffs - 3,000 more bikes than it sold there last year
This DAB Motors 1α is an Akira Bike You Can Ride
Built in collaboration with the singer, J Balvin, the DAB 1α Akira bike is described as being “Part sculpture, part anime, and fully rideable.”