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Explore the Unexplored

  • The Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” ride series came to a close with an unforgettable trip.

  • It started from Juru Auto City and stopped in Rimba Valley Motorcamp, Janda Baik.

  • It covered more than 500 kilometres.

The Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” Ride series came to a close with an unforgettable trip.

It took them on the highway, up the mountain, into the valleys and finally to camping for a night before resuming with off-road riding on the final day.

The ride series not only highlights the beauty of Malaysia to Dominar riders the world over, but it also shows that the bike is capable of taking them wherever they wished to go.

Day One – Saturday, 13th July 2019

Leg One – Juru to Cameron Highlands

Just like a previous “Explore the Unexplored” (ETU) ride, we congregated at the Restoran Nasi Kandar Pelita in Juru Auto City, Prai.

There, the riders who have signed up online confirmed their registrations and were handed a participant number and exclusive ride t-shirt. The ride briefing was then presented over breakfast concerning the route, safety aspects and the meaning of “Explore the Unexplored,” plus #motography and #motographymalaysia.

The ride was flagged off at 6.30am after the obligatory photo op and headed south on the North-South Highway. The convoy of 16 riders was kept as compact as possible while maintaining higher average cruising speeds to avoid disrupting other road users. Yet, there are still impatient cretins who overtook us by mere centimeters, as if to push us off the road.

We stopped for fuel at the Petronas station in Simpang Pulai before taking on the curvy road. Traffic was thankfully light at this time of the day, but we spotted a car which ended up in a ditch. All occupants got out safely.

In the lead marshal’s mirrors, the participants behind could be seen grinning inside their helmets, as they swept through the corners. One by one, bikes leaned over into the turns like dominoes.

The brisk pace brought the pack to the Banjaran Café for another photo op and drone video shoot.

We hopped back on our bikes and continued towards Brinchang, passing the “Monaco” tunnel.

The participants were set loose to capture their own best photos for their #motography and #motographymalaysia mission.

Leg Two – Cameron Highlands to Sungai Koyan

We regrouped at the Shell station in Ringlet just past noon for the next leg.

There was only one obvious choice of route if you want to head to the areas around Bentong, and that was via Pos Betau and Sungai Koyan.

The riders got into the rhythm of sweeping into the curves that the road is famous for. Deep depressions in the apex caused a few entertaining moments but the route was fun for the lightweight Dominar 400’s neutral steering and ability generate impressive lean angles.

If anything, the route proved that time flies when you’re having fun because the twisties seemed to end in no time at all.

Leg Three – Sungai Koyan to Klau Dam

We had wanted to circumvent the Bentong town for fear of heavy traffic and heavy trucks that are driven like the drivers who just had their ketum tarik.

It was at this point that Google Map decided to act up and made us travel for kilometres on a road before telling us to turn back to the way we came from. We had lost some one hour chasing that GPS i.e. guna pun sesat(“use GPS but still get lost”) symptom.

We found our way to the Klau Dam boat jetty afterwards, but we didn’t stop as it was late afternoon and we didn’t want to arrive in Janda Baik when it’s dark.

Leg Four – Klau Dam to Rimba Valley Motorcamp, Janda Baik

But the GPS must’ve been holding some type of grudge that day – it took us Bentong town after all… And instead of leading us onto the Karak Highway, it led us down that old Bentong – Gombak trunk road.

Anyway, it was still an interesting ride as the tight corners highlighted the Dominar 400’s abilities and agility.

We went past Kampung Bukit Tinggi and straight up the arch that welcomed us to the Janda Baik area.

Everyone was relieved when he headed down the gravel trial to Dato’ Capt. Nik Huzlan’s Rimba Valley Motorcamp.

Camping Under the Sky

The Rimba Valley Motorcamp was set up by Dato’ Capt. Nik. Capt. Nik (as he likes to be addressed) was a pilot who flew for 35 years in Malaysia Airlines and is a very well-known personality in motorcycling circles. He had owned some 70 motorcycles up until today. He still rides actively but he is very busy lately in preparing for this year’s mega GIVI Rimba Raid.

Taking place from 26th to 28th July 2019, GIVI Rimba Raid at Janda Baik has already attracted the full grid of 150 riders from 16 different countries.

Anyway, the participants jumped into the clear and cool stream next to the camp ground almost as soon as they removed their riding gear. Most hadn’t even checked in to their tents. Finger food and refreshments were already in place when we arrived.

That evening, we were treated to a succulent and amazingly delicious BBQ lamb and chicken, plus other dishes.

The valley floor is flanked by steep hill slopes on both sides, no doubt blocking out telco signals. This had a great effect on the riders as they ignored their smartphones and sat together to share stories, described their ride with swishing hand motions and poke fun at each other.

Baskers were called in to provide the evening’s entertainment. The three-piece band did such a great job that other families camped their exited their tents to listen to the music.

As the night wore on, we expected the riders to turn in early after the tiring 11-hour ride. Instead, many stayed up until almost 2am, chatting with their new found friends.

Day Two – The Activities

The day was planned for the usual ETU “slow ride contest.” But when Capt. Nik suggested that the riders should experience riding in the area surrounding the camp, it was greeted with enthusiasm. No one said no.

Capt. Nik escorted us to a stream crossing and briefed us on basic off-road riding techniques. One by one, we rode through the stream, giggling and laughing when emerged on the far bank without a single untoward episode.

We pressed Capt. Nik for more and he acquiesced by taking up what he called the Level 2 Hill. Everyone made it through without a single crash or dropped bike.

The Dominar 400 surprised even the owners themselves of its capabilities.

We headed back to the camp for lunch, before durians were brought to us.

But all good things come to an end. We packed up with heavy hearts and hugged each other as we bid each other farewell and a safe ride home.

Everyone remarked that they enjoyed themselves immensely and it was the best ETU ride, ever. But one guy summed up this ride best: “This was definitely the best. We got to ride on the highway, go up a mountain, ride through corners and finally went off-roading. It’s got everything!”

PICTURE GALLERY

  • The fifth edition of the Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” took the owners from Kuantan to Cherating, Pahang.

  • The riders had lots of fun at the beaches.

  • They also took plenty of pictures and videos for the #motography and #motographymalaysia initiatives.

In this fifth edition of the Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” initiative, the owners rode from Kuantan to Cherating for fun and games.

The ride is part of the onging #Motography and #MotographyMalaysia initiatives which encourages Modenas Dominar 400 owners to submit photographs and videos of their travels. The footages can then be used by all Dominar 400 owners who wish to travel to those same exotic locations.

The riders grouped at Restoran Aliff for breakfast. Later, they were briefed on the day’s programmes and routes, and were soon flagged off. The first #Motography stop was at Pantai Teluk Mak Nik, or better known as Monica Bay.

At the beautiful destination featuring sand and surf line by casuarina trees, the riders went ahead to place their bikes for their best shots. The shots were then uploaded to the #motography social media site. The best shot wins prizes, by the way.

Moving on, the convoy rode to Warung Aziz Satar for lunch and refreshments.

The riders then travelled to another location at the Cherating beach for a five-a-side beach football match.

Finally, each rider partook a glass of fresh coconut water to bring this fifth “Explore the Unexplored” edition to a successful end.

 

Please follow us at BikesRepublic.com and www.facebook.com/DominarMalaysia/for more up-to-date updates.

  • Anda sering menunggang bersendirian atau hanya untuk berulang alik dari rumah ke tempat kerja?
  • Adakah anda seorang pemilik motosikal Modenas Dominar?
  • Pernahkah anda teringin untuk menyertai konvoi epik yang tidak mudah untuk dilupakan, dengan pelbagai aktiviti dan permainan yang menyeronokan serta hadiah yang yang boleh dimenangi?
  • Jika jawapan anda adalah ya bagi mana-mana soalan di atas ini, segeralah mendaftar bagi konvoi “Modenas Dominar Explore the Unexplored” yang akan diadakan pada hujung minggu ini. Konvoi ini terbuka untuk 20 orang pemilik Dominar sahaja.

(more…)

  • Do you often ride alone or just on regular commutes to work and back?
  • Are you a Modenas Dominar owner?
  • Have you been looking to go on an epic unforgettable ride with lots of fun and games with many prizes to be won?
  • If you answered yes to any of this then move quick to register for the Modenas Dominar Explore the Unexplored ride happening this weekend. The ride is open to just 20 Dominar riders. 

Are you an owner of a Modenas Dominar? If so then we have an offer you may not be able to refuse.

Modenas and their partner Bajaj Auto Limited of India, would like to invite you to join them for a ride to Kuantan which is happening this weekend (13th and 14th of October).

The ride which is exclusively for Dominar owners only, will begin on Saturday morning at 7am from the Modenas headquarters in Glenmarie (EMOS) to Kuantan via some fun roads along the way.

You will spend a night in Kuantan where there will be a BBQ party, live music, and a chance to show off your singing skills.

The best part? It is an all expenses paid trip, well almost, the only thing you have to worry about is fuel and a change of clothes. Food and accommodation is covered by Modenas and Bajaj. There has been no better ride than this for Modenas owners.

On the next day (Sunday 14th of October), the convoy will then head back to KL via the East Coast Highway and you will be back in KL by the afternoon so you are able to spend the rest of your Sunday recuperating, and spending time with your loved ones.

The ride is part of the epic Modenas Explore the Unexplored adventure ride series that will take place all over Peninsular Malaysia. This ride to Kuantan is the third such ride to be hosted by Modenas and Bajaj and organised by Bikesrepublic.com, you can watch the videos from the first two rides below.

Participants will also get a chance to win many prizes with the Motography photo contest where you will need to upload your best Dominar moments to your social media with the #motographymalaysia hashtag. You stand a chance to win a Shark helmet or an Alpinestar riding jacket.

If you are interested to take part in this ride, click here to register your interest and Modenas will inform you if you have been selected. Be quick as space is limited to 20 riders only!

See you there!

 

  • Modenas telah menganjurkan satu konvoi “Explore the Unexplored” Dominar bagi membolehkan para penunggang Dominar D400 merasai sendiri kehebatan elemen sport-tourer jentera tersebut.
  • Tunggangan pertama ini adalah dari Kuala Lumpur menuju Ipoh.
  • Konvoi ini telah berhenti di beberapa buah tempat tarikan ramai bagi membolehkan para penunggang untuk menangkap gambar bagi projek #motography.

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  • Modenas organized the Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” Ride to let Dominar D400 riders experience their bikes as sport-tourers.

  • The first ride was from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh.

  • The convoy stopped at a number of attractions to allow the riders to shoot pictures for the #motography project.

There’s no doubt that Malaysia has many attractions that are unique; and the best way to enjoy not only these destinations is by riding a motorcycle, which makes us motorcyclists a lucky lot. Consequently, this is what Modenas sets to do when they organized the Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” Ride from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh yesterday (19th August 2018).

The ride was also part of Bajaj and Modenas’s #motography project whereby the pictures snapped by the participants are shared as a database of sorts for other Bajaj owners around the world who wished to ride in Malaysia.

Apart from those, the ride was catered to the Modenas Dominar D400 owners, since the bike is branded as a sport-tourer.

A total of 12 riders signed up for this first ride and showed up at 6.30am for registration, breakfast and briefing. The organizers handed out a special T-shirt and sticker to each participant to commemorate the ride. They were then briefed about the #motography project and the ride.

True to the sport-touring spirit, a few had mounted larger windscreens and GIVI panniers and top cases.

The convoy pushed off from Modenas’s HQ and made onto the PLUS Highway toward their way to the Sungai Buaya exit for a short ride to the Selangor Dam at Kuala Kubu Bahru for the first photography stop. The convoy progressed in a smart fashion and the marshals made sure not to get in the way of other road users.

The sun started to shine down as the participants looked for the best angles to shoot the best pictures of their bikes.

From Kuala Kubu Bahru it was another short ride back onto the highway via Serendah as the group headed to the Tapah R&R to refuel. They got going after the short stop and rode to Ipoh for lunch.

A sumptuous lunch was organized at the multiple award-winning Indulgence Restaurant.

Based on the grounds of a pre-war bungalow, the restaurant’s ambience and food was a welcomed comfort from the blazing sun.

 

The haze had thankfully dissipated by then to a clear blue sky.

The organizers invited the riders to join in a fun game was organized in the restaurant’s compound.

The first required the riders to ride as slow as they can for 50 metres to test their skills in motorcycle control and balance.

The second game involved riding with a pillion. The passenger needed to throw a water balloon over a length of tape raised across the “track” and re-catch it without breaking it, while the rider must ride as slow as he can.

The winners received a RM50 Petronas fuel card each.

The ride got back on the road and headed to the last stop at Kellie’s Castle. Here, the riders took another round of pictures to be uploaded to the #motography mini site. The riders dispersed from this point afterwards.

There will be many other such rides coming up in the future, so please make sure to join if you are a Modenas Dominar D400 owner. Also, please follow the official Dominar Malaysia Facebook page for the latest updates.

PICTURE GALLERY

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