When working mum Karen Embling got a call from Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes to tell her she had won a brand new Honda VT750 Shadow motorcycle, she thought it was a joke.

“I really thought someone was playing a practical joke on me until I realised it was for real!” she said. “I couldn’t believe it. This is the most incredible thing that has ever happened to me.”

The competition was held in conjunction with Sanity and Virgin stores to celebrate the long awaited release of Jimmy’s 16th album, “Double Happiness” which has already taken the charts by storm.

As a devoted Honda cruiser man, the co-promotion highlighted both the extraordinary talents of Barnesy as well as Australia’s number one selling bike in its class.

Ms Embling, who hails from Tullamarine, VIC has been a “big fan” of Jimmy Barnes as well as motorcycling for many years. The 35 year old mother of son Ryan and daughter Alysha had her motorcycle learner’s permit ten years ago, and was planning on going back this year to kick start her passion for two wheels once again.

“This whole thing has spurred me on. I’ve been back to get my permit from Honda’s rider training centre (HART) and will test for my full license as soon as I can. I have a lot of friends that ride, so now instead of being a pillion, I will have my own bike.”

“The Shadow is a gorgeous motorcycle. I will be the envy of all my friends!,” she said. “I was a bit worried about the size of it because I’m a bit on the short side, but it actually feels really comfortable. And it looks awesome.”

“Jimmy has been wonderful too. He organised for us to come see him play at the Ferntree Gully Hotel, and then we went backstage to meet him. This has all been a dream come true, honestly.”

According to Honda Motorcycles General Manager, Tony Hinton, Karen has been exactly the kind of competition winner the company could hope for.

“Its always gratifying to see a prize winner who deserves it so much. Not only does she love Jimmy’s music, but she didn’t have her own motorcycle before this. We’re very happy at Honda to be able to give the bike away to someone like Karen who not only is thrilled about it, but also represents an important part of our market.”