Triumph + photography equals Hanna C. Johansson!

In a world where many dream of throwing themselves into the unknown but never quite take the leap, there are those who dare. One of them is Hanna Johansson. From a secure upbringing in Mora to a life on the road, accompanied by a motorcycle and a camera. Hanna’s passion for freedom and adventure has made her one of Sweden’s most inspiring travellers.

From childhood dreams to reality
Travelling and motorcycles have always been present in Hanna’s life in one way or another. When she was about six years old, she told her parents she wanted to ride motocross.

They thought it was just a passing phase, a child’s whim that would eventually fade. They also lacked the knowledge and finances, so instead, she took up floorball.
“That was a fantastic time. Some of my former teammates are still my best friends,” Hanna says.

But the dream of a motorcycle never disappeared. At the age of 17, she got her first bike, and she hasn’t looked back since.
“My mum was my inspiration—she got her motorcycle licence through FMCK and had been riding in Bali. She also has a fondness for Triumph, which definitely rubbed off on me.”

Hanna has always had a longing for adventure. Even as a child, she showed signs of her adventurous spirit. When it was nap time at nursery, she would climb out of the window and into the trees instead of sleeping. She couldn’t understand why she should lie still when the world outside was full of things to discover. Her parents nurtured her interest in adventurous travel by taking the family backpacking and camping.

“I realised that there were different ways to travel. For example, we took overnight trains through Vietnam and slept in tents. That made me see how exciting travel could be. The little girl inside me has always had an adventurous side.”

As an adult, the nursery window was replaced by an office window. Hanna had been saving money to buy a motorcycle and hoped to support herself as a photographer, copywriter, or something similar. She had recently resigned from her job, taking a bold step into the unknown. With her first freelance assignment from a previous employer, she thought, I just have to do this and see what happens. If it doesn’t work out, I can always come back and find another job.

It turned out to be a success—she kept finding more and more work, and it has continued ever since. Her dream was to become a digital nomad, and when she now looks back in her journal, she sees how she once wrote down those very dreams.

“It feels amazing that it became reality,” Hanna says.
But taking the first step wasn’t easy.

“I had a good job, great colleagues, and I enjoyed it, but I felt that life had to be more than just seeing the same walls every weekday and only having evenings and weekends to do something about it. I thought about it for years before I finally dared to quit.”

Making life work on two wheels
When Hanna decided to leave her steady job to pursue life as a motorcycle adventurer and freelance photographer, it wasn’t without challenges. Combining a passion for travel with family life and a stable relationship is something she is often asked about.

“I’m proud of how my boyfriend and I have made it work. At first, it was difficult, and I felt guilty for travelling so much. But we’ve learned to include each other in the planning. I don’t just book a trip on impulse and take off—we discuss it together.”

Hanna points out that many people believe they have to choose between travelling and having a relationship, but for her, it’s about finding a balance.
“We FaceTime every day when I’m away, and he is so supportive and proud. Sometimes we even have ‘date nights’ where we enjoy a nice dinner and a glass of wine together—digitally.”

Going all in on her dream
In 2016, Hanna decided to embark on her first motorcycle trip abroad, with the USA as her destination. When she went to rent a bike, she was met with rows of gleaming Harley-Davidsons. But in the corner, slightly dusty, stood a Triumph Bonneville—and Hanna knew instantly that it was the one she wanted. It was love at first sight.

*The exact moment I fell in love with the Triumph Bonneville and sat on one for the first time in my life at a rental shop in San Francisco!*

The journey took her along Highway 1, which she still considers one of the most beautiful roads. As she rode across the Golden Gate Bridge, she couldn’t hold back her excitement. She stood up on the bike and screamed with pure joy. That was when she realised this was exactly what she wanted to do. The following year, she took the plunge and quit her job to follow her dream.

In 2017, she set off to Eastern Europe. She didn’t yet have a motorcycle but bought the ferry ticket anyway.
“Three weeks before departure, I found my 2009 Triumph Bonneville—Bonnie. People told me it was the wrong kind of bike for long-distance travel, but I wanted to give it a try.”

Before setting off, she learned everything she could about motorcycle maintenance, practising tasks like changing oil and tyres. Hanna spent three months on the road, visiting 19 countries—an experience she still describes as one of the best of her life. She managed to keep her costs low by couchsurfing, staying in hostels, and opting for budget hotels. In Kosovo, she treated herself to a stay in a luxury hotel—so it was a mix.

Facing fears and challenging stereotypes
Travelling solo as a woman on a motorcycle sparks a lot of reactions—ranging from curiosity to concern. “Are you really going to ride there?” “Isn’t it dangerous?” “What if something happens?” Some people are fascinated and inspired, while others question and warn her.

“People have their preconceptions, but I always listen to the Foreign Office’s travel advice and assess risks without becoming paranoid.”
Hanna has learned to trust her instincts and be street-smart. “I often think: If others can do it, so can I. But I also pay close attention to my inner compass. If it’s just fear of failure, I ignore it and go for it.”

The future—and inspiring others
Today, Hanna has visited 85 countries since she started her adventures. But she is more than just a motorcycle traveller—she’s an inspiration.

“I want more people to dare to follow their dreams, whether that’s travel or something entirely different.”

Her life is proof that it is possible to find a balance between passion, relationships, and work. And that the feeling of freedom on two wheels is worth chasing.

Rain gear or take your chances?
– Rain gear! I’ve been annoyed at myself one too many times.

Intercom—Yes, absolutely or No way!?
– No, no, no. My helmet is my sanctuary.

Off-road or tarmac?
– I’m 50/50 on that—it depends on the destination.

Itinerary or spontaneous rides?
– Spontaneous rides.

Would you consider buying an electric motorcycle?
– Absolutely!

Follow Hanna’s journey! You can find her on Instagram and YouTube.

Anna Haglund