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People said I was signing a death warrant by buying a bike
Shamim Assimwe on her 750cc Honda bike.
What you need to know:
Shamim Asiimwe is now the General Manager Hot 100, an FM radio station and co-owner of Barbed Wire Thong band. She recently quit WBS TV. Asiimwe lets us in on her affair with bikes although she also drives. Jude Katende interviewed her.
What was your first ride?
It was a Toyota AE100 popularly known as Kikumi. I bought it without wanting to own a car. I always wanted to ride a bike. I kept telling friends that I need to buy a motorcycle but people didn’t take me seriously. They said I was signing a death warrant.
What then did you do?
I proceeded to buy the car in 2003 but I wasn’t happy. You know that thrill that comes with owning your first car; I didn’t feel it at all. It was like I was forced to own it. It would only get me from place A to B but I wasn’t happy driving it.
So, how did you get into bikes?
I sold the Kikumi and bought an Indian made LML Beamer bike. It was a 150cc comfortable ride. It was also high and stable on the ground. I rode it for a year then bought a yellow Honda Steed. At one time I had three bikes but I later sold off the Beamer and Steed.
What are you riding now?
I bought this Honda Shadow American Classic Edition in 2006. It is Japanese made but with an American feel.
Is it powerful?
It is a 750 cc bike, very stable on the road, fast and comfortable. It is also powerful and “blinged up” with extras that make it look cool.
We have heard of ladies riding Boda bodas and bicycles upcountry but none into this kind of stuff you are doing. How does it feel being the only lady, that we know of, riding a serious monster of a bike?
It is something I take pride in. It is like my identity. Sometimes when people see me they ask if I am the lady into riding bikes.
Will you ever change?
I won’t change maybe I will do an upgrade. But after giving birth, I bought a Toyota RAV4. So when I am with my son or when I need to carry many things, I drive.
