Once in a while, this site features strangers with whom I share tables in different coffee shops across the continent. Our mutual love for coffee connects us, creating a bridge between our lives, however briefly. This time, the stranger across my table was not just another coffee enthusiast but an adventure rider with decades of stories written on the open road.
Our encounter took place at Imigongo Art Center in Kayonza, where art, culture, and caffeine seamlessly blend into an atmosphere of inspiration. His name is Katikati Fernand.
Katikati’s love affair with motorcycles began when he was just 16 years old, growing up in Burundi. His first bike, a Honda Cruiser 125 cc, was more than just a mode of transport—it was a statement, a declaration of youthful freedom. Now based in Kigali, Katikati runs a business that allows him the freedom to indulge in his lifelong passion. When we met, he was on a coffee break in Kayonza, en route to Nyagatare.
For Katikati, motorcycles are more than just vehicles—they are an extension of his identity. His collection includes some of the most revered machines in the biking world: a 1,000-cc Honda Africa Twin and a 1,200-cc BMW Cruiser. Being the same model that James Bond famously rode in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), the BMW is adding a cinematic touch to his treasured collection.
Recently, he parted ways with his BMW R 1200 GS, a model cherished by adventurers worldwide. But this sacrifice was made to make room for his dream bike, the legendary Honda Goldwing. The Goldwing had captured his imagination since childhood. After years of waiting, he was finally preparing to make it a reality.
Katikati is a member of the Kigali Free Bikers (KFB), an exclusive club of motorcycling enthusiasts who ride not just for the thrill, but also for a purpose. Their powerful engines create a spectacle wherever they go, their synchronized rides turning heads and leaving behind echoes of adventure.
But their passion is not just about speed and freedom. The club also embraces charitable causes, using their tours as opportunities to give back to the community. For them, owning high-performance motorcycles and enjoying the thrill of the ride is a privilege they do not take for granted.
Five decades on the road have given Katikati stories to last a lifetime. Among his most cherished rides was a journey to the twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, found in the shadow of the Virunga Massif. While on this tour, the breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems of northern Rwanda left an indelible mark on his soul.
However, not every ride is smooth. One of his toughest journeys was a trip between Kigali and Bujumbura that turned into an endurance test. Somewhere between Ngozi and Kayanza, his bike broke down. With no mechanic in sight, he found himself pushing a heavy machine for hours under the punishing African sun. As gruesome as they are, these experiences create those stories I love to listen to over coffee.
Katikati has seen it all: The exhilarating highs and the unpredictable dangers of the road. He advises riders to invest in proper protective gear. A few years ago, while riding through Bugesera, a taxi-moto rider suddenly appeared out of nowhere, causing a severe accident. Katikati crashed hard. But thanks to his top-quality biking gear, he walked away without a scratch.
As our coffee cups emptied and the conversation wound down, Katikati prepared to continue his journey toward Nyagatare. Long after I bid him goodbye, his story lingered with me. A man who had spent ages on two wheels still spoke about motorcycles with the enthusiasm of a teenager getting his first bike. His adventures, his resilience, and his unwavering passion for the road were nothing short of inspiring.