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 to be banned from Hanoi city centre
Hanoi is set to ban petrol-powered motorcycles in 2026, although no viable alternative is ready to replace them
Callum Duncan has been cleared of causing Dean Barnes death
Callum Duncan acted out of frustration and instinct after being targeted by burglars—now the man who rode the stolen bike has been convicted of causing his own accomplice’s death.
A German customiser has turned the new R12 G/S in a retro Dakar replica
This might be one of the sweetest lookign custom versions of the BMW R12 G/S ever - and the model is only a few month old!
Five bargain bikes from the H&H Classics July auction
The H&H Classics auction concluded this month, and while there were some big-money bikes up for sale, there were some absolute bargains too.
New BMW concept wows the crowds at FoS
The BMW Concept RR was revealed earlier this year, but made its first appearance in the UK at the Festival of Speed.
GSX-8T review: Do Suzuki’s Timeless Titans make the grade
Suzuki has gone back to the 70s for its latest bikes, a pair of retro nakeds called the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT - but are they worth the hype?
The Oset TXP-24 is the most enjoyable way to hone your skills
Oset has created a new flagship model, and the TXP-24 might just be the most entertaining way to become a better rider.
Why don’t drivers see motorcyclists?
A scientific study has found out why car drivers can stare straight at you and your motorcycle and still pull out in front of you.
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Norton launches Series 1 helmet range in partnership with Hedon
Norton and Hedon have teamed up to create premium lids that pair heritage, style, and cutting-edge safety tech.
A still-crated and unused Ducati 996 SPS is up for auction
You have a chance to own this stunning factory-fresh Ducati 996 SPS
Sam Sunderland to attempt to ride around the world in just 19 days
Sam Sunderland will be trying to ride 1,000 miles per day on his Triumph Tiger 1200, meaning he can complete the trip in record time.
First impressions of the Voge DS800X Rally from the ABR Festival
At the ABR Festival this year, I got my first taste of the new Voge DS800X Rally, riding it both on and off-road at the event.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Marc Marquez Edition launched
MotoGP star Marc Marquez and Insta360 have joined forces, and the result is the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 Marc Márquez Edition action camera.
Star Wars actor Ewan McGregor’s Moto Guzzi is for sale
A bike previously owned by the Star Wars and Long Way star Ewan McGregor is up for sale - and you'd better have deep pockets if you want to buy it!
New rugged Triumph Scrambler 400 XC lands in the UK
Triumph Motorcycles has officially launched the new Scrambler 400 XC into its global range, adding a third option to its 400cc Modern Classics line-up.
The Prodigy star Maxim's £100,000 Renard BMW R100 revealed
Hot on the heels of headlining Glastonbury, The Prodigy frontman, Maxim, revealed his custom collaboration with Renard Motorcycles
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Moriwaki revives its Foresight exhaust system: Adds it to an XSR900 GP
The Moriwaki Foresight exhaust system was a big hit with riders in the 1980s, thanks to its innovative design and eye-catching looks.
Fuel prices on the rise after months of lowering costs
RAC Fuel Watch has revealed a rise in fuel prices after consecutive months of declining costs for motorists.
CFMoto patents reveal adjustable ergonomics through handlebars and footpegs
CFMoto has filed patents that show handlebars and footpegs that can rise and drop at the push of a button.
Students from MIT have created a 300bhp hydrogen fuel cell motorcycle
Students from MIT have mated an old-school chassis with new-school technology - the result is a 300bhp Hydrogen fuel cell motorcycle.
Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT revealed as two new retro roadsters
The Suzuki GSX-8T and GSX-8TT use the same 776cc parallel twin engine as the V-Strom 800, GSX-8S and GSX-8R, all wrapped in neo-retro styling.
Brough and Richard Mille join forces for the RMB01
Brough Superior and the uber-expensive watch maker Richard Mille have joined forces - the result is the RMB01.
Honda CB1000R E-Clutch Patents Surface: CB1000 Hornet to follow?
Patents filed with the JPO show what looks like a CB1000R featuring Honda’s E-Clutch system
E20 is Coming – Here's What It Means for You and Your Motorcycle
The switch to E20 fuel is coming, and in some markets has already arrived. Here's What It Means for You and Your Motorcycle.
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