Shah Alam, Friday, 19 November 2021 – Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (“MODENAS”) in collaboration with Petron Malaysia (“PETRON”), successfully organised its inaugural “Cabaran 1,600KM Modenas Dominar D400” on 18th November 2021. The challenge is somewhat similar to the international Saddlesore challenge organised by the Iron-Butt association in the United States. The challenge was specifically designed to test the endurance, durability and capability of both rider and the latest Modenas Dominar D400.

Another long week beckons and for many of you it will mean an extra day of riding fun, either a short hop trip to the east coast, a blast through the Karak Highway or maybe even a night away at Genting Highlands. But for a small, devoted army of high-mile riders tested their riding ability, route planning skills and seat padding.

At 7.33 am on Thursday, 18 November 2021, led by 3 marshals riding the Modenas Dominar D400, a total of 10 courageous riders including five automotive journalists rose up to the challenge to complete a total of 1,600 grueling kilometres ride in less than 24 hours. Flagged off by MODENAS Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Roskan, the convoy began their journey from PETRON Subang Jaya headed towards the MODENAS factory in Gurun, Kedah, for a quick lunch with total of 399KM distance traveled as its first route. The convoy then continued their journey towards the Titiwangsa Range passing through the forever untouched jungle of the Royal Belum Rainforest, Perak, catching a glimpse of a mighty elephant along the way.

Journey of 315KM making their way towards Jerteh, Kelantan in pouring rain, the convoy journeyed through long narrow two-lane roads surrounded by beautiful scenery. Upon reaching the small town of Jerteh where nightfall is just a few hours away, the lead marshal made a quick call for a halt and let the convoy rest and have an early dinner which they were served with a warm sumptuous meal at a humble local stall before travelling 234KM to Kijal, Terengganu. From Kijal, the convoy then continued their way to Mersing via Gambang.

As the convoy approached the Muadzam road heading towards Mersing, at this point, the journey that lies ahead continued in total utter darkness. With the only light they can rely to guide through the gruesome journeys is from the Modenas Dominar D400 itself. From here on, the convoy then continued their way to Mersing, Johore and stopped at Simpang Renggam, Johore, for a quick refresher. Continuing the 553KM journey thus far, the group took a 30 minutes break at Ayer Keroh, Melaka; the longest break throughout the whole ride before their final huddle 118km to Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur and ending the journey at Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur, on 19th November 2021 at 6.44am.

Over the course of 23 hours 08 minutes, the convoy successfully completed a distance of 1,619KM covering some of the toughest routes and getting the chance to see Peninsular Malaysia in one single tour instead of having travelled around the country in bits and parts.

“This is the first time MODENAS has organised a 1,600KM endurance ride within 24 hours and I believe this is also a first time for any motorcycle manufacturer to officially organised a convoy such as this.  We would like to thank those who have accepted the challenge and endured in this 24-hour endurance ride. We hope to be able to organise more with our other upcoming models. This long, epic ride across the country is certainly challenging for both rider and the bike, but the 2021 edition of the Modenas Dominar D400, in its production version, has definitely provided comfort for the riders and everything it takes to achieve the objective in the best conditions. I truly hope that all the 10 riders have had an amazing sense of achievement in completing the ride and learned a lot about themselves while doing it,” said Roslan Roskan.

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