Stories of Bike | Discovery (A Triumph Bonneville in New York Story)

Having lived, worked and endured public transport in New York City for 9 years, Kristen decided it was finally time to get back on two wheels and buy her dream bike; a Triumph Bonneville.
When that time finally came, Kristen not only found all the great things that come with riding a motorcycle, but she also rediscovered New York City in a whole new light.
Cinematography by Brian Stansfield @ Run Riot Films
Original Music by Jack Elkins
Directed + Cut by Cam Elkins
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This episode was made possible by the generous people at:
- Sydney Cafe Racers (www.throttlerol...)
- Run Riot Films (www.runriotfilm...)
- The Rosewood Girl Band (www.therosewood...)
- Jane Motorcycles (www.janemotorcy...)
- The Miss-Fires (www.themissfire...)
- The Motorcycle Film Festival (www.motorcyclef...)
- The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (www.gentlemansr...)
For more info on this story visit www.storiesofbi...
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Ride Safe.

[@santhemaniac]

This is one of my favourite stories in the series.

[@Dgf2354]

Hi five!

[@darthvisor9289]

Love how she smiles all the time when she talks about her bike and you can feel that her beautiful Bonnie makes her complete!

[@aimeemotorides8454]

As a female rider who is anxiously awaiting a third season with my license, I appreciated this video. Riding a bike does open up a whole new world. And I can't see myself of getting tired of riding, or ever not riding/owning a bike for the rest of my capable life.

[@samson3056]

I have combat ptsd, and riding my bike is one of the best therapy for my mental health, because some of the reasons you mentioned. Riding is freedom, discovery and very pleasant experience.

[@jcwebb540]

Apart from the despots she had to endure in her job, this was a cool story.

[@MartinSage]

Welcome to Triumph. I've put 50,000+ miles on my '01 955i Speed Triple. Each time I sit on my bike I feel the thrill I had as a kid.

[@trailrunnermike]

Kristen is simply a down to earth person who enjoying living in the moment and has found the best vehicle for her to do so. I hope she likes this video and is happy with the way it turned out. I have been wanting to get a bike and it’s been 30 years since I have ride. I am inspired by her and her ride. I think a Triumph will suit me as well. Thank you very much Kristen!

[@briefcaseofblues]

Thanks for sharing your story. I have a Bonneville SE too and I relate! I love it so much, it brings me joy and peace every time I ride it in SF where I live.

[@davidinghram2494]

You are a good representative of our sport. Riding 56 years here.

[@bhaddock9277]

Enjoyed watching it as lady in video is 100% right in what she is saying. I sometimes commute into a busy city and the motorcycle is the best way to do it for so many reasons. I relate to this video as my father had motorcycles and I remember riding on the back of them. Also, when you take your motorcycle a new route home, you are never lost as you are on an adventure, an urban safari. As long as you have fuel things will work themselves out. Who's to know what you'll find around the next corner.

[@trailrunnermike]

Perfect summary!

[@stanislavkamas7379]

Made me Smile and tears, I also own a 900 scrambler triumph. Love it, it is new life since I have decided to buy it. It is part of family...

[@phlee004]

Thank you Stories of Bike. I'm not in a position where I can afford a motorcycle right now, but these videos allow me to vicariously experience the joys of riding. The episodes are all beautifully crafted and I love how each tell a unique, wonderful, story. Please keep the episodes coming!

[@singhashwin]

Beautiful as ever.. awesome stories of lives.. and not just stories of bikes..

[@clicgear100]

Love these stories. It's a unique connection to people's bikes. I think everyone has their own little story of their bikes. I rode when I was real young. I raised my children and got two more bikes and there was not really much of a connection. Until I found my 71 cb750. It came from another country, and my story of my bike is the greatest one I know. What an awesome feeling.

[@tedwitus]

what a beautiful film. Speaks to all of us who love motorcycling - even with the stress of riding in the big cities comes the serenity ..

[@robertgoerss]

Dear Kristen, a bit ago I finished watching your video a second time. The setting in the City plays out beautifully as to how it was visually recorded. What was so wonderful was the story you told of your journey from the plains to the east coast and how your Bonneville unlocked so many things. My most precious bike is my 2015 north church. The last of the air cooled, triumph produced 325 celebrating the great gathering once a year in Austria. Having come back east after many years in western Iowa and embracing urban NE, I returned to motorcycling, having started riding a bsa 441, which I rebuilt with my grandfather at age 9, many of your thoughts and, well what you said ring so well, and are so great to hear. It has been many years since this was uploaded. I hope your Bonneville continued, maybe stills gives you what you conveyed, such a sense of peace of mind, and beauty , and hopefulness about the next day forward. Thanks to what you allowed us to know about your love for riding. Sy, schoeph

[@ck8536]

Live in nyc myself and riding a motorcycle is the best way to commute. I ride a Suzuki tu250x, and am loving it. A girl in a a motorcycle is far cooler than a guy on a bike.

[@RobAshMotoVlogs]

You guys really do manage to capture the essence of emotion that bike riding generates in people. It all comes across as completely honest, a slice of real life. I've been riding for over 30 years over here in the UK, but every one of the stories you've filmed, no matter the bike, no matter the sex of the rider, no matter the country, every story I've watched I sit here thinking to myself, "Yeah, I get that, that's exactly how it is." Brilliant stuff you guys, and I love the fact that this one was in another country, especially a place like New York. Please keep them coming.

[@storiesofbike]

Thanks so much for your kind words Rob. We put a ton of work into making each episode and it means a lot to hear that we get it right. As the director, I love riding and have my own reasons for doing so, but I'm always curious about why others ride and how it affects their lives. With each episode we make I'm always discovering something new, being contantly surprised by riders and their stories which is what keeps me going with the series. So I'm really glad to hear that you get the same enjoyment watching these videos as we get making them.

[@BassOutcast]

I can totally relate to the whole public transportation thing. I've been riding for 2 years now and started going to school 50 KM away from home, so of course the cheap way would be to take the train which I often do...but as time went on I started to take the bike to school way more often because it's just a sense of freedom that public transportation doesn't give you, and it allows you to clear your head before/after a school day.

[@alexandrafasciano9501]

Wonderful story. I really like this kind of videos and if I would not ride a bike until now, I definetly would after watching this!! Thanks for sharing.

[@antquach]

Fellow Norman Alumn here, and also riding my dream bike (Triumph Bonneville). Was delighted to hear the hometown shout out. Beautiful smile, beautiful bike, beautiful story. Well done, once again!

[@incantatis]

I absolutely love these series! Not just as the biker myself but mostly for that true charge of positivity. Keep doing this for love of bikes and for love of life!

[@storiesofbike]

Thanks! We plan to!

[@wingandhog]

Love the video. I ride a near classic Harley Electra Glide which I will never sell, and a Honda GoldWing GL-1800 that I ride cross country and am in the process of rebuilding an 04 Road King to flip, but have been to my local Triumph dealership twice over the last month. They also sell Royal Enfield, Aprillia and a few others. I went there to check out the Royal’s. I immediately gravitated to the Bonneville T-120, which were placed up front close to the entrance. I glanced at the Royal Enfield’s toward the back of the showroom but never made it that far. My second visit was to look at the other Triumphs. I am going back next week to test ride a few. I am seriously considering buying the at-120 as my third bike. This would probably be my daily ride. I can’t tell you how many Bonnie videos I have watched so far. They are absolutely gorgeous.

[@Finnoctane]

The age old maxim that a new exhaust keeps you faithful to your current bike for just a little while longer :D

[@johnno380]

I have watched all of the "Stories of Bike" films and I would just like to say that, you people should be proud of yourselves for producing such a fine collection of motorcycle films. Everyone of them is a cinematic masterpiece. Never before have I seen passion and emotion conveyed so well, on film. I am a motorcycle rider of 40 yrs experience and I love watching your movies. They make me get off my backside and ride. Thank you and well done. Please keep them coming.

[@storiesofbike]

+johnno380 Thank you so much for your kind words! I means a lot to get that kind of feedback!

[@dalebaby1]

it's a great story, when you ride a bike it's in your life forever, all the best from here in Victoria Australia

[@jras0522]

Watching this made me remember the first night I drove my 2014 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 UCE from the showroom. I've never felt so happy that it brought me in to tears even to this day (3 years later). I don't care what people say about the new UC engine, RE is no longer produced in Redditch, or it is not as good as any other bikes that RE used to make. My bike is a part of me and nothing will ever change my love for it. Thank you Stories of Bike for giving us great content. Now, I also remembered that my bike's registration papers are expired. 😂

[@chetanmahajan]

Love each and every story that you capture and present it to people like me. The wait is long, but the stories are all the more enjoyable because of the wait. They truly connect with the spirit and passion of riding. Thank you

[@hsmith3844]

Too cool, stay frosty.................................Once a year I ride my bike back to the city of my birth; been doing it for 30 years........I miss New York

[@Dwaynefreeman]

Blue eyes,Bonneville and a Les Paul? I'm in love

[@peterford9369]

Wow, what a coincidence. My uncle too, took me for a ride on his 250 yamaha when I was ten. He too went really fast. He said,," hang on", and wham,,, we're doing 60, in a heartbeat. He died a year later of cancer. They left the bike at our house until my aunt sold everything. So for three weeks I'd sit on it, get my friend s to push me around on it. I fell in love with it,but one day my aunt came and picked it up. I was so unhappy. Bikes are ,,,,like drugs. They draw you in. I too had a '75 CB 750. Now I have my first Triumph. History is nice sometimes. Ride safe and thanks for the memories.

[@storiesofbike]

Thanks for the story. Sad to hear you lost your uncle's bike. But glad to know you got riding!

[@VeeDubJohn]

Whenever I visit New York City and see a bike I wonder how amazing the city must feel from that seat. I have now experienced just a little of that through this episode!!! Beautifully done!!! Thank you.

[@lynnmckenney1987]

Your videos are always so beautifully crafted, I'd say I can't wait until your next episode, but after watching this episode, I'm warming up my bike to go for a ride as we speak!!!!

[@storiesofbike]

Go! Ride! And then come back and tell us what you discovered!

[@magnet2345]

Loved your story Kristen. So glad I found your site. I've had many motorcycles, the Bonneville was my 1st street bike and I've been mostly a BMW guy for many years but sold my last BMW GS an bought a T120 Bud Eakins Special. Don't know how or why I waited so long to own a Bonnie again. Nobody ever admired my BMW's but whoever I go with the Triumph people always comment or give me the thumbs up. You should come out west sometime and ride our mountains, it's a bikers paradise (also a pilots, I fly a tail Wheel bush plane). Be careful of those taxi drivers. Hope to ride with you out here some time, I'm in Albuquerque Arne

[@johncopetti1253]

Ahhhh! The love of motorcycles. Only a rider can understand, but you express it soooo beautifully. Cheers and enjoy. John

[@Drt0Kkdo]

I love how creative women motorcycle groups names are. Locally we have a group called the "Rebelles" and hearing the "Missfires" left an amused grin on my face.

[@ginogina4589]

Outstanding, intelligent, evocative, captures the essence, beautiful - the story, the life, the bike, the person, the music. Well done and thank you. Im a Philly guy but love OK too. See you on the road.

[@dalebrooks405]

Love the story and what a classic beauty this young lady is looks like she stepped out of the 1920's

[@aaroneasey4507]

Great to see you back. Another fantastic story, reminds me why I love riding bikes. Thank you

[@iamspartacus8219]

What a beautiful bike, a wonderful story and a lovely girl with a pretty smile. A gorgeous combination.

[@joebradbury4960]

So excited when a notification popped up on my phone of a new video. LOVE stories of bike, best thing on KZbin! Thanks so much for making and thanks to those who have invested time and money into creating something beautiful.

[@smallam49]

After my hip op... your video helped inspire me back onto my Bonnie. Thank you.

[@the-jp3hd]

I hope you are still riding… your story is amazing!

[@Motorcyclewindtherapy]

she gets it - loud pipes save lives! Great vid...great story.

[@03bonneville]

Outstanding .... ride safe. There's nothing better than a Bonne

[@Konghulio]

To say that this is very well put together would be an understatement.

[@iplayoldschoolrunescape]

I really like her side mirrors :D

[@caseyroskwitalski4647]

VideosAreDrugs me too!!!!

[@MotoReels]

Stories of Bike ... THANK YOU. Thank You for coming back. In fact thank You for existing and inspiring us. Cam. Big ups to the Stories You've been narrating and the ones to come. Looking Forward. We Love YOU! Fist Bumps from INDIA!!

[@storiesofbike]

Haha! Thanks guys. There will be plenty more stories to come.

[@MotoReels]

Stories of Bike We've been thoroughly inspired by every single frame of Yours. We're Learning! Bring It! :)

[@RichyCologne]

Very nice report...I also lived in NYC for 6 months in 1993...now I'm in Valencia and a DUCATI 860 GT and BMW K75 MP Feldjäger

[@Randy_Gentry]

Kristen, I love your story. Thanks for sharing.

[@T0BBi94]

Really gerat video as always! I have had my bike for a year and finally got my license about a month ago and have been riding everyday since! I have been watching a lot of motorcycle videos for years and never really understood the "Changed my life", as it seemed as such a cliché, untill now! I just somehow want to talk everyone into buying a bike because they dont know what the are missing!

[@storiesofbike]

That's the spirit!

[@iancarman]

Fantastic story. I had a strangely similar experience with starting off riding early but when I moved out of home there was a seven year break from riding due to work. Then when a couple of things worked out the 'spark' was re ignited and I bought a bike and I haven't looked back since. I was kind of annoyed I had that break (not that it was in my control) but at the same time it made riding all the more better to get back into. Again, great video and I can't wait for the next one.

[@storiesofbike]

Glad to hear you made it back on two wheels. Life is too short.

[@isaacshin123]

I feel the same way about my triumph bonneville, I love this video and everything about it ^^

[@acrap56]

What a great film! I have been riding all of my life but now for one reason or another I was just about to sell my bike, probably today. Then I saw this film. Now, no way that I'm going to part with my bike! This film and the timing of it means more to me than you can imagine! Thanks for the best shot, most inspirational, well done motorcycling film that I've ever seen! Five Stars!!!!!!! :)

[@storiesofbike]

Wow! Great timing indeed! Glad to be of service!

[@anshuzen]

Al Caruso Love u man!! Hope that u were able to keep it.. I just can't live without mine..

[@johnDukemaster]

This film shows that bikelife not only thrives on winding backroads, but also in big cities. I like that! Really well done! :-)

[@kurtjens]

A lovely woman on a lovely bike. I don't agree with the "loud pipes save lives" idea that she espouses when she has done nothing else to increase her conspicuity or protection. Hey, if you like to hear a throatier rumble from your bike's engine, that's fine. Justifying loud pipes as a safety measure is kinda silly. I had Dunstalls on my Norton, so I appreciate a rorty rumble as much as anyone. I didn't think they made me safer.

[@bwfrieds]

Kurt Jensen Amen. Well said.

[@johnDukemaster]

Kurt Jensen But she feels safer, and that's what counts for her! :-)

[@mozdickson]

precisely..dangerous idea

[@ronwoudenberg2294]

+Kurt Jensen , I do believe being heard does help a bit but not as much as being seen. Protective gear that is brightly colored will go farther than loud pipes and a white club t-shirt. You sure have the double lovely part nailed! And we all know what's behind her beautiful smile.

[@mozdickson]

hmmm, Ron - I'd like to see any hard research showing that HI-Viz clothing (vests and such) actually leads to reduced bike crashes...I do believe riding with a light on and a white helmet stand out, but I have no hard evidence.

[@spiggidyyy]

Picking up my Bonneville on Saturday.. This vid just reassured me it was an awesome decision

[@emailkenny]

By far, my fav moto vid. However, there's more to this than the moto. Lot's more here? Additional parallel's & challenges that go beyond motoring. Bravo. Well done 😉

[@HugoGSamuraiHg]

Very nice story Fantastic video

[@mindfield7]

She's amazing!! I'm NYC born & raised, -been riding here over 20 years. Great video! Keep them coming.

[@hanswilli8984]

I look at Your smile, I look at Your bike, I look at Your helmet and Your Guitar and I am damned if You don't play "Rock n' Roll". Now that would round of the "Picture" perfectly. Greetings from a Triumph Rider from South Africa.

[@dirtyronald]

Awesome. I've waited so long for another episode. These individual stories are my favourite. You didn't disappoint. Thank you

[@storiesofbike]

Thank you! And you're very welcome!

[@sharokhmirzai8964]

Definitely the most popular bike in NYC

[@JanusJeffrey]

yep they are ubiquitous. I think they look great ... on other ppl. I prefer Japanese motorbikes and have 3: 2 hondas and 1 Yamaha - all 1970's. In Williamsburg, where I live, I see more Japanese bikes among the hipsters, than anything. More Triumphs in the city proper....tho

[@MARKTOOBY]

I so enjoyed watching this._._fantastic cinematography ._._._well done!!!

[@dalebaby1]

thankyou very much for this, it has been driving me nuts, watched months ago and wanted my daughters to see it, cheers

[@josedelreal6476]

And this is why I ride . Love it

[@adamhfilms]

I live in nyc and want to get a triumph! I love her story, it has inspired me.

[@EdwardBondellio]

Wow! Great film making! I'm a 15 year, motorcycle riding Williamsburg pioneer.. .now living in Maine and I totally get your story. So beautiful! I will support the cause with a t shirt purchase and yes, I still ride!

[@bipin_pariyar]

What a incredible story So inspiring and so authentic

[@Rigz727]

What a great film, cool girl and the great bike goes without saying

[@diogene0666]

Thank you for Kristen's story, from France! With this video, you summarize perfectly the motorcycle philosophy. I am very glad for Kristen, and about her success with the Triumph Bonneville. Good luck & good trip to her...

[@MrRachant]

I just got a bonneville , it's change my life too Thank you for made such a nice story

[@miked1254]

Nothing says cool quite like a Bonnie does IMO. It just has that classic motorcycle charm all over it.

[@jdgetcbzhjsjeklas]

This is awesome on every level.

[@emailkenny]

Bless you. You totally captured and nailed the logic, lifestyle and culture of motorcycles, and you wrapped it in such a beautiful visual. Thank you.

[@middlemaniv2408]

I love this story.

[@regulardan]

That was fantastic. thanks for taking us on the journey to NYC :)

[@kristinkikijohnson]

what a nice story Kristen! Hope to ride with you soon! Also, great cinematography and editing. - Kiki

[@hoppy760]

Awesome video! And Kristen seems so happy, especially in the shots of her riding around the city. Great work.

[@Morphinos]

Beautiful. The lighting, music, scenery, the editing, and the story is a beautiful piece of art. You guys bring a sense of calm and harmony in your videos. Keep it up!

[@lucianosantos9404]

I love seeing this video. I watched it many times. Really great story of bike, passion and freedon. Congrats!

[@jacquesleclerc2761]

LOVE stories of bike, best thing on KZbin! Very cool story and love the bike...nice woman...(and nice guit too)..;-)

[@potatokaiyote]

Nice to see you guys are still making videos, loud pipes save lives!

[@maxritchie123]

Please please please make more episodes they are awesome

[@storiesofbike]

+Max Ritchie There are more in the works. We've shot more 3 episodes, but just gotta find time to get them edited! Thanks for watching!

[@maxritchie123]

+Stories of Bike oh awesome cant wait to see them.

[@vinjofin1972]

Pretty woman on a beautifull bike! She made a good choice riding a Bonnie. I hope she will enjoy it for a long time.

[@patrickmathews1646]

Sorry, a few years late to the video. I love riding through Brooklyn. I've never have a problem parking my bike and it definitely beats mass transit. Brit bikes seem tailor made for Brooklyn and NYC

[@leoandriasyan4158]

PLEASE, please release more content, these videos are amazing!

[@toshiyimchunger6456]

Just loved the story.

[@mrobinson086]

Loud pipes save lives!! Now keep in mind I'm not saying stupidly loud pipes are better than basic aftermarket pipes that give a louder sound than stock. Per example, extremely loud Harley's that rev at a stop light for no reason, that is just silly. But being a car driver for a long time and recently beginning to ride a Supersport, I would rather a bike be loud as it has literally saved me from moving in front of a fast moving Supersport while I was in my car, he wasn't going too fast but was going faster than me. If he had stock exhaust I pry would have relied on just my mirrors and looking over the shoulder, which you should be doing anyways. The loud exhaust made me more aware of him coming up on me tho, loud pipes absolutely make navigating traffic safer as not everyone is safe and double checks mirrors and blind spots. Cars accidents happen all the time because of idiots not checking like they should be, just imagine a bike which is tiny compared to a car being in that same blind spot and barely making any noise!

[@KoeWaffle]

+mrobinson086 I don't know at what speeds you're talking about, but on the highway it really doesn't matter. Your pipes point behind you, they don't send much sound forwards. Unless you're rolling with straights, which are often obnoxiously loud, better invest in defensive riding, good gear and some reflective apparel for when the sun is low and at night. For me, whatever is more than double my car's length away I don't hear (behind me). On my motorcycle even worse. Being concious of your position on the road is key. I've had plenty of red light runners, no way loud pipes would've helped me there. Thank god I don't take my green light as a save passage at an intersection... defensive riding is what any "weak" traffic participant should do, *cough* pedestrians.

[@BullRonin]

Wonderfully shot and inspiring. Reminds me of why I want to ride.

Wonderfull, as usual :) Love NYC though it must be scary to ride down there! Also love the bonnie

[@coynecolm]

Again another great piece of work!

[@robaljames]

Outstanding job, as always. Kris is a fascinating woman. Cheers, mate.

[@malgallo]

glad you guys are back!!!!

[@augustus2722]

Wow . Great video . Lovely Woman,Beautiful bike .Awesome story

[@MRP78]

Awesome story. Beautiful shots. Sweet bike.

[@anthonybrunt181]

Really interesting story. Well crafted too. Thanks for sharing.

[@deandeklerk8689]

I was doubting getting one.......this changed my mind. Thank you. Bon Voyage.

[@NINZIE1949]

Your one tough lady, riding in NYC. I lived there most my life and thought about riding , but waited till I got to Florida to do it.Stay safe in those crazy streets.

[@aabanu]

Ребята, роскошная серия! Прекрасная история! Вы сделали мой день! Спасибо.

[@storiesofbike]

Алексей Бану Вы более чем приветствуется ! Спасибо за просмотр!