Rider Profile Hanna Johansson

British Customs: When did you start riding?

I wanted to start riding motocross when I was 7 years old, but my parents thought it was just a phase. It wasn’t. But I forgave my mom when she picked up her own riding again and also bought me my first bike when I was 17. We were riding together almost every day and she’s the one who taught me how to ride. She’s the coolest mom ever!

What was your first bike?

It was a black Kawasaki ER-7, Kawi was the one who got me hooked for life. I love him for that.

What is your background/interest in motorcycle customization? Family hobby, self-taught, trained pro, etc?

I'm a stubborn learner who wants to become a pro. I did the service before my trip by myself and after that I just felt like I had to keep on going. I’m changing a lot on Bonnie right now as a winter project, it feels so wrong to keep her in the garage all alone during the winter time. Customizing bikes feels like Lego for grown ups, it's tricky but as you’re developing your skills there's nothing you can't do or can’t create! It’s so much fun! My mom's husband builds choppers with Harley-Davidson parts and he's the one who's inspiring me. I’ll never forget when he bought a small red purse once and said ”look at this part here, Hanna. That will be a perfect holder for the throttle wire!”. That’s when I realized the freedom about customizing bikes.

What is your inspiration when wrenching on or designing your bike?

A bike can be more than the eye can see. For example, I want my Bonnie to look like what she actually is; a tough girl in a luxury outfit. You don’t have to ride a big BMW GS to ride around the world, you can travel with any style you want. That’s what I want to show people. You can be prepared for the tough roads while looking fabulous.

What things outside of motorcycling inspire you?

People who follow their dreams, whatever it might be. I adore people who follow their own path and hearts. Traveling is a really big interest, of course. Photography as well. Music that makes me want to dance or sing in my helmet (yeah, I do that all the time).

What are your goals in the coming year?

My goals for 2018 are to learn more in the garage, continue traveling and exploring new roads with Bonnie and to have FUN! Life is too short for spending time on doing things that don't inspire you.