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.
Ride To The Wall 2025 set to welcome thousands of bikers
Ride To The Wall 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet - here’s how you can take part.
MCL 25: The Ultimate Two-Wheeled Spectacle
MCL is edging ever closer, and with a huge number of exhibitors and immersive live action events confirmed, it’s shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.
Big builds and small prize pots at the European Custombike Championship
The world’s largest custom bike show is back in Bad Salzuflen this November, with 1,000 bikes, live build-offs, burlesque, and the chance to win… just about enough cash for a new set of tyres.
TVS Motor makes a move on Engines Engineering
TVS Motor has acquired the well known testing and development company Engines Engineering to turn the company into a Global Centre of Excellence.
This stunning UK house has its own on-site race track!
Bogside House is on the market for £1.8 million and boasts a small golf course, saunas and a mini-bike track within the grounds.
Kawasaki’s ‘Big Zed’ is back in the range with two versions
The Kawasaki Z1100 is back in the UK range, with two versions and a CB1000 Hornet rivalling pricetag.
Norton will build its new flagship bikes here in the UK
The reborn Norton is preparing to roll out a new flagship range from its Solihull HQ, backed by £200 million of TVS investment and a bold plan for global growth.
Clarke CHT303 28-piece Metric Tap & Die Set review
Think you’re screwed with an iffy thread? The Clarke CHT308 Tap & Die Set will get you out of a cross-threaded hole.
Clarke CAT212 4 Piece Multi Nozzle Air Blow Gun Kit review
The Clarke CAT212 4-Piece Multi Nozzle Air Blow Gun Kit is a versatile, budget-friendly workshop essential for cleaning, drying, and maintaining your motorcycle with precision.
Clarke PRO138 29-Piece Extra Long Hex & Torx Key Set review
Tackle every motorcycle task with ease using the Clarke PRO138 29-Piece Extra Long Hex & Torx Key Set – a durable, affordable toolkit for modern and classic bikes alike.
Tyler O’Hara becomes not quite the world’s fastest Indian
Indian’s Tyler O’Hara set a new Bonneville record at 194mph on a Challenger bagger - quick, but still not quite fast enough to steal Burt Munro’s unofficial crown.
Alpinestars goes full space-age hipster with its latest collection
Alpinestars’ 2026 Contemporary Collection is for riders who want armour and to look cool while ordering their smashed avocado on toast.
NMM Live 2025: Two days of bikes, banter and big names
Two days of bikes, banter and big noise as Museum Live 2025 rolls into Solihull with star riders, drag bikes, test rides and plenty of mischief.
The 2025 Ducati Panigale V4 R has landed
Ducati’s 2025 Panigale V4 R arrives with MotoGP-derived aero, new engine internals, updated electronics, and a revised gearbox to sharpen its race focus.
Triumph launches new TF450-X motocross bike
The new 2026 Triumph TF 450-X joins the motocross line-up with an updated clutch, chassis refinements, and a 62.4PS 450cc single.
Ultraviolette launches the X47 Crossover
Ultraviolette is expanding its portfolio with the X47 Crossover, a dual sport adventure bike with a very attractive price tag.
Triumph opens new EnduroCross facility ahead of 2026 season
Triumph has expanded its Atlanta racing base with a new EnduroCross track built with Jonny Walker, ahead of the 2025 season.
Suzuki refreshes its emblem for the first time in over two decades
Suzuki has unveiled a new emblem for the first time in 22 years, keeping the iconic “S” but giving it a fresh, digital-age twist.
This custom 3D printed KTM 1290 MotoGP replica is nearing completion
Jonathon Bello has set out to turn a KTM 1390 Super Duke into a track-ready MotoGP replica - with help of a 3D printer.
The new Honda CB500 Super Four in all its glory
Honda has taken us a bit by surprise over the weekend, by quietly rolling out a CB900F-inspired CB500 Super Four at the CIMA show.
Triumph is reported to be launching new 350cc models for India
Reports from India suggest that new 350cc models are set to arrive from Triumph and Bajaj, but why?
Husqvarna unveils 2026 701 Enduro and 701 Supermoto
Husqvarna’s 701 Enduro and 701 Supermoto return for 2026 with more power, new electronics, and updated bodywork.
UK-based Merlin is getting in on the heated kit game
Merlin has launched the ThermaVolt heated mid-layer range and the CE Level 2 certified Bednell glove, aimed at keeping riders warm and protected through winter.
BMW head up NMDA survey while a big name slides to the bottom!
BMW leads the NMDA Dealer Attitude Survey, while Harley-Davidson ranks last, and Royal Enfield shows the biggest improvement.