Simon Hargreaves
BikeSocial Road Tester
Ferociously lazy, 49 year-old veteran bike hack Hargreaves took to motorcycles early in life when he realised twisting a throttle was less effort than pedalling. His first field bike was a BSA Bantam D15, which he was given for free and sold to a proto-Hipster for £15 in 1983. It was the first, only and last time he sold a bike for profit.
Simon H, has been, a professional motorcycle journalist for 25 years, although he prefers “writer” because, “I’m an enthusiastic amateur; I just love bikes and writing about them.” Over the years of contributing to Performance Bikes, Bike, RiDE, Motorcycle News, Practical Sportsbikes, MCN Sport and Motorcycle Sport & Leisure among others, he’s ridden almost every motorbike there is to ride, from an Italjet Tiffany to Honda’s RCV211V MotoGP bike. He’s toured Europe, ridden on most major racetracks around the world, and raced a Bugatti Veyron on an S1000RR.
As one half of Front End Chatter, Britain’s longest-running biking podcast, Simon H admits in same way some people have a face for radio, he has a voice for writing.
Simon also plays bass in a successful function band, the High Rollers, and especially enjoys writing biogs about himself. Like this one.
Recent Posts
- Features
Front End Chatter - episode 213
On this episode of FEC: we discuss Triumph's Tiger Sport 800 and BMW's R1300GSA, why MotoGP might get interesting again, the Supercharged Showdown, and much much more
By Simon Hargreaves03/06/2025 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 212
On this episode of FEC: the rise of Chinese bikes, US tariffs, KTM woes, the future of motorcycling and much, much more.
By Simon Hargreaves19/05/2025 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 211
On this episode of FEC: news of BMW's R1300R, how to make a 25k GSA better for a tenner, Yamaha's hybrid MT-09 and KTM in more trouble?
By Simon Hargreaves25/04/2025 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 210
On this episode of FEC we chatter about: Honda's Hornet 1000, Ixon and Canon Basil H Davies and a game of 'if bikes were family members'... plus lots more
By Simon Hargreaves07/04/2025 - Honda
Honda CB750 Hornet (2023-24 & 2025-) - Review
Honda revives the Hornet name in new lightweight, high-revving, 90hp twin-cylinder roadster
By Simon Hargreaves21/03/2025 - BMW
BMW R 1300 GS Adventure (2025) – Review
Replacement for BMW’s best-selling R 1250 GS Adventure is almost all brand new.
By Simon Hargreaves18/03/2025 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 209
On this episode of FEC we chatter about: the latest news from the ailing KTM factory, bad news from the Nürburgring, FEC highland Fling 2 and much more
By Simon Hargreaves27/02/2025 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 208
What’s actually in the podcast? I’d tell you but, honestly, on this occasion it’s easier to just listen!
By Simon Hargreaves24/01/2025 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 207
We look back at Bike Magazine from 2005, including the MT-01, Super Duke 990, R6, Monster and lots lots more
By Simon Hargreaves09/01/2025 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 206
On this episode: our fave bikes of 2024 (and a few of 2025), more KTM woes, the last new bike news of 2024 and a whole heap of nattering on topics raised by you…
By Simon Hargreaves02/01/2025 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 205
On this episode: MCL - was it any good? KTM - More financial woes! Does the Government really hate biking that much? and much more
By Simon Hargreaves09/12/2024 - Yamaha
Yamaha MT-09 (2024) - Review | Including Y-AMT gearbox
New style and technology as Yamaha MT-09 enters its second decade
By Simon Hargreaves19/11/2024 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 200
On this episode: we take a deeeep dive into Honda’s new three-cylinder electrically supercharged concept engine
By Simon Hargreaves15/11/2024 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 199
On this episode: Honda’s revamped X-ADV and new Hornets, Triumph Tiger Sport and KTM’s 1390 Super Adventure S Evo, and much much more
By Simon Hargreaves04/11/2024 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 198
On this episode of Britains greatest motorcyling podcast: The R9 is finally here, Honda's NT100 gets some toys, Kawasaki's bigger Ninja gets less power and the Trident get louder...
By Simon Hargreaves14/10/2024 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 197
On this episode: This year’s Multistrada, the new Versys 1100, Kawasaki’s hybrid recalls, the new Speed Twin 1200 and KTM’s Woes, plus much more…
By Simon Hargreaves30/09/2024 - Bike Features
How Fast Is A Triumph Rocket 3?
BikeSocial’s Rocket Launch takes over RAF Elvington’s runway to find out
By Simon Hargreaves26/09/2024 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 196
Britain's Best Biking Podcast
By Simon Hargreaves09/09/2024 - BMW
BMW F 900 GS Adventure (2024) - Review
More power and updated suspension for BMW's middleweight Adventure bike
By Simon Hargreaves03/09/2024 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 195
Britain's Best Biking Podcast
By Simon Hargreaves05/08/2024 - Buying & Selling Bikes
Lisa wants a new 125
What Bike Next? Episode 14
By Simon Hargreaves05/08/2024 - Buying & Selling Bikes
What Bike Next? Episode 13
BikeSocial Member Jack wants a reliable all-rounder for weekends and commuting
By Simon Hargreaves30/07/2024 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 194
Britain's Best Biking Podcast
By Simon Hargreaves29/07/2024 - Yamaha
Yamaha MT-09 SP (2024) – Review
2024 SP gets familiar suspension and braking upgrades
By Simon Hargreaves16/07/2024 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 193
On this episode:
By Simon Hargreaves11/07/2024 - Yamaha
Yamaha XSR900 GP (2024) - Review
Yamaha XSR900 GP brings retro sportsbike style and riding position to its brilliant CP3 platform
By Simon Hargreaves05/07/2024 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 192
On this episode: FECSpagnas tour of France and Spain on tall-rounders, Suzuki Live, the ABR Festival and much more
By Simon Hargreaves03/07/2024 - Buying & Selling Bikes
What Bike Next? Episode 12
BikeSocial Member John wants a big-power bike for £18,000
By Simon Hargreaves28/06/2024 - Buying & Selling Bikes
Phil is looking for an upgrade
What Bike Next? Episode 11
By Simon Hargreaves24/06/2024 - Buying & Selling Bikes
Tim has £4k to spend
BikeSocial Member Tim wants to add a sports tourer to his garage
By Simon Hargreaves07/06/2024 - Buying & Selling Bikes
What Bike Next? Episode 9
BikeSocial Member Graham is looking to upgrade his Versys 650
By Simon Hargreaves31/05/2024 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 191
On this episode: KTM’s sportsbike return, MotoGP rule changes, Yamaha’s XSR900GP, BMWs ASA and much, much more…
By Simon Hargreaves10/05/2024 - Triumph
Triumph Tiger 1200 (2024) - Review
Engine changes reduce vibration and new push-button lower seat make Tiger 1200 more useable.
By Simon Hargreaves24/04/2024 - Group Tests
BMW R1300 GS (2024) vs BMW R1250 GS (2023) - Dyno, Speed & Road Test
Head-to-head on dyno, speed testing, riding position, weight, aerodynamics and fuel economy
By Simon Hargreaves09/04/2024 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 189
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves20/03/2024 - Moto Guzzi
Moto Guzzi Stelvio (2024) - Review
Water-cooled V100 engine in an adventure bike
By Simon Hargreaves13/03/2024 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 188
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves01/03/2024 - Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson Street Glide and Road Glide (2024) - Review
New look and tech for 2024, and we've ridden them
By Simon Hargreaves22/02/2024 - Honda
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports (2024) - Review
Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports shifts towards an on-road role for 2024
By Simon Hargreaves05/02/2024 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 187
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves15/01/2024 - Features
Front End Chatter - Episode 186
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves21/12/2023 - Suzuki
Suzuki GSX-S1000GX (2024) - Review
Suzuki GSX-S1000 GX aims to combine the best of adventure bikes and sports-tourers
By Simon Hargreaves30/11/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 185
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves20/11/2023 - Suzuki
Suzuki V-Strom 800RE (2024) - Review
Street-oriented wheels and style for cheaper V-Strom
By Simon Hargreaves31/10/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 184
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves16/10/2023 - Buying & Selling Bikes
In need of a new commuter
£5k for a commuter to handle motorways AND city filtering
By Simon Hargreaves12/10/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 183
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves09/10/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 182
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves27/09/2023 - Bike Features
Motorbike v train challenge: 13 hours, 700 miles, 1 winner
The longest continuous UK train journey vs. Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+
By Simon Hargreaves14/09/2023 - Buying & Selling Bikes
We find three bikes for 6'4', Tom
What Bike Next? Episode 7
By Simon Hargreaves08/09/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 181
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves04/09/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 180
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves21/08/2023 - Buying & Selling Bikes
What Bike Next? Episode 6
We find three bikes suitable for 5'3' Leonie
By Simon Hargreaves10/08/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 179
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves13/07/2023 - Yamaha
Yamaha NIKEN GT (2023) - Review
MT-09 updates work their way to the NIKEN
By Simon Hargreaves04/07/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - Bonus Adrian Morton interview episode
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves28/06/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 178
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves19/06/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - Track Day Special
Welcome to a quick but exciting FEC cordially inviting you, dear FEC listener, to the Bennetts Snetterton Track Day
By Simon Hargreaves09/06/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 177
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves05/06/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 176
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves10/05/2023 - Yamaha
Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ (2023) - Review
BikeSocial rides the new Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ sports tourer
By Simon Hargreaves02/05/2023 - Suzuki
Suzuki GSX-8S Review
How does the new Suzuki compare to Honda's Hornet?
By Simon Hargreaves17/04/2023 - Honda
Honda CL500 (2023) - Review
BikeSocial rides the new CB500-based Honda CL500 street scrambler
By Simon Hargreaves03/04/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 175
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves22/03/2023 - Honda
Honda XL750 Transalp (2023) - Review
Full on-and-off-road review
By Simon Hargreaves13/03/2023 - Suzuki
Suzuki Hayabusa (2021) - Review
Video exclusive as we get up close and the fairings come off
By Simon Hargreaves09/03/2023 - Buying & Selling Bikes
What Bike Next? Episode 4
Can we help BikeSocial member Marc find a winter hack?
By Simon Hargreaves01/03/2023 - Suzuki
Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE (2023) - Review
All-new parallel twin power
By Simon Hargreaves27/02/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 174
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves21/02/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 173
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves13/02/2023 - Suzuki
Suzuki V-Strom 1050DE/Standard (2023) - Review
We ride the standard V-Stom and the DE model
By Simon Hargreaves10/02/2023 - Biking tips
Crashed your motorcycle? What happens next?
TOP TIPS | Can I ride my bike after a crash? Do I need to call the police? Is it legal to ride a crashed bike?
By Simon Hargreaves31/01/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 172
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves30/01/2023 - Buying & Selling Bikes
What Bike Next? Episode 3
Gareth Reed has track aspirations but what will we choose?
By Simon Hargreaves27/01/2023 - Triumph
Triumph Tiger 1200 Review (2022)
All-new Triumph Tiger 1200 range has BMW's R1250GS firmly in its sights
By Simon Hargreaves23/01/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 171
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves12/01/2023 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 170
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves22/12/2022 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 169
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves08/12/2022 - Buying & Selling Bikes
What Bike Next? Episode 2
We (try to) help BikeSocial member, Bob
By Simon Hargreaves01/12/2022 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 168
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves14/11/2022 - Kawasaki
Kawasaki Z900RS (2022) Review
Is there anything to the Z900RS beyond whimsical nostalgia?
By Simon Hargreaves09/11/2022 - Moto Morini
Moto Morini X-Cape (2022) - Review
Sub-£7000 Italian adventure bike with a Chinese engine
By Simon Hargreaves12/10/2022 - Buying & Selling Bikes
What Bike Next? Episode 1
We help a BikeSocial member with their dilemma
By Simon Hargreaves12/10/2022 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 167
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves07/10/2022 - Aprilia
Aprilia Tuareg 660 (2022) - Review
The Tuareg name is back, and we ride the new 660 on and off-road
By Simon Hargreaves03/10/2022 - Pick of the Ads
What classic sportsbike should I get for £5000?
BikeSocial trawls through the classifieds so you don't have to.
By Simon Hargreaves27/09/2022 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 166
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves23/09/2022 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 165
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves25/08/2022 - Biking tips
How to ride fuel efficiently | Top Tips
How to save fuel without slowing down
By Simon Hargreaves23/08/2022 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 164
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves15/08/2022 - Biking tips
A Do & Don't Guide to Reading & Surviving Traffic Flow | Top Tips
Here's our step-by-step guide
By Simon Hargreaves09/08/2022 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 163
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves01/08/2022 - Suzuki
Suzuki GSX-S1000GT (2021) - Review
Suzuki is making a pitch for the sport touring spotlight with their new GSX-S1000 GT
By Simon Hargreaves21/07/2022 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 162
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves15/07/2022 - Pick of the Ads
What middleweight naked can I get for £4000?
BikeSocial trawls through the classifieds so you don't have to.
By Simon Hargreaves08/07/2022 - Features
Front End Chatter - episode 161
Top ramblings on the latest motorcycling activities from Simon Hargreaves and Martin Fitz-Gibbons
By Simon Hargreaves04/07/2022 - Maeving
Maeving RM1 (2022) - Review
£5k electric town bike
By Simon Hargreaves29/06/2022 - Pick of the Ads
What adventure bike can I buy for £5000?
BikeSocial trawls through the classifieds so you don't have to.
By Simon Hargreaves17/06/2022 - Features
BikeSocial Busa Bonanza
Fifty Hayabusas, a 1.8-mile runway and a set of timing lights
By Simon Hargreaves09/06/2022 - Yamaha
Yamaha Ténéré World Raid (2022) - Review
For even bigger (and longer) adventures than the T7 offered
By Simon Hargreaves08/06/2022