#motographymalaysia Archives

Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” Ride Series Ends with a Bang

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, 13^thJuly 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 26^thto 28^thJuly 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

Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” Rides to Cherating

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.

Konvoi Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” Menggegarkan Selatan Tanah Air!

Konvoi Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” telah kembali bagi tahun 2019 dengan pengembaraan yang lebih mengagumkan.
Tunggangan kali ini meliputi negeri Johor dari, Johor Bahru menuju ke Mersing dan Kluang.
16 orang pemilik Modenas Dominar D400 telah menyertai penunggangan yang mengujakan ini untuk inisiatif #MotographyMalaysia.

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Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” Ride goes down South!

The Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” ride returns in 2019 with more epic journeys.
This ride covered the state of Johor from Johor Bahru to Mersing and Kluang.
16 Modenas Dominar D400 owners took on this exciting ride for the #MotographyMalaysia initiative.

It was yet another successful and wonderful journey of the Modenas Dominar “Explore the Unexplored” ride as they explored the road down South. A convoy of 16 Modenas Dominar D400 owners took the streets from Mersing all the way Kluang for some good time under the sun and riding around the great state. (more…)

Konvoi Modenas Dominar 400 Ke Kuantan – “When Life’s A Beach”

Konvoi Modenas Dominar 400 yang terkini menuju ke Kuantan, Pahang.
Ianya merupakan konvoi bermalam pertama dalam siri tunggangan ini.
Turut diadakan aktiviti pencarian harta karun dan berhimpun mengelilingi unggun api.

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Modenas Dominar 400 Ride to Kuantan – “When Life’s a Beach”

The next Modenas Dominar 400 ride was to Kuantan, Pahang.
It was the first overnight convoys for the series of rides.
There were also a treasure hunt and bonfire gathering in addition to #motography.

Modenas organized another ride for Modenas Dominar 400 owners, this time to the seaside city of Kuantan, Pahang.

The ride was also part of Bajaj’s #motography and Modenas’ #motographymalaysia initiatives. The project seeks to collate the best pictures of the best riding destinations worldwide from Dominar owners themselves; since the manfucturer calls the Dominar 400 a sport tourer.

There were many differences to the ride this time. It was to be the first with an overnight stay, the fun games are more extensive and there was a bonfire at the beach.

The twenty participants, backup crew, marshals and representatives of Bajaj Auto grouped at the Modenas HQ in Glenmarie on early Saturday morning for some light breakfast. A representative from Bajaj said a few words before the safety briefing.

Light rain started to fall just as we were leaving the Modenas HQ. Indeed, it had been raining heavily all across the nation for the entire week and it was definitely on our minds. The roads were still wet from the midnight shower.

We proceeded all the way to the Karak Highway from there. Traffic was already starting to pick up although it was just around 9am. There were no large groups of weekend Karak GP riders, thankfully.

We refueled at a Shell station along the Karak Highway before exiting toward Lancang. From there it was a direct ride to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary for the first #motography stop.

Participants had a great time mingling with the elephants, although we could not get in our motorcycles in to shoot pictures. Entrance is free, but visitors could contribute any amount they so wished.

Visitors can also purchase bundles of sugar cane at RM3 and feed the elephants. There were two sections, one for the babies and teenaged elephants, and another for the adults.

Without the benefit of a guide, we could only surmise that the elephants were rescued and/or brought in for treatment. A baby had a leg in a crutch, an adult had malformed from legs. It was sad to see on one hand, but we took comfort that they are well-cared for.

Later, the rangers brought three full-grown elephants out for a walk around the sanctuary. And my, were they huge!

We left the sanctuary and re-entered on the East Coast Highway (LPT), stopping again this time at the Gambang R&R for fuel.

We arrived at the seaside Mandurah Hotel just in time to for lunch and check in. The hotel served lunch at the seaside terrace and the cool ocean breeze was a welcomed relief after riding in the heat.

A treasure hunt was held later that afternoon. The hotel staff had done a great job to set it up. They even handed us sticks of mosquito repellant. Participants were broken into groups and they had to solve puzzles, dash on the beach, do push-ups, commando crawl and dig into the sand for their “treasure.” The winners walked away with RM100 in cash per person.

Fishermen were returning to their base while all these were happening.

Dinner was again served at the beachside terrace while an excellent three-piece band belted out hit after hit song. The hotel staff lit the bonfire on the beach in the meantime.

We adjourned to bonfire where the CEO of Modenas, En. Amirudin Abdul Kadir addressed the riders. Participants also forward questions regarding their bikes to the Modenas crew and Bajaj representatives.

We arose early the next day for breakfast and checked out for the return trip. But first, we headed to Cherating for the second #motorgraphy stop. The hotel staff were also at hand to send us off. (We recommending staying at the Mandurah Hotel if you plan on visiting the Kuantan seafront.)

The resort town is only 30 km or so from the hotel but traffic and road condition (including a flooded stretch) forced us ride (really) slow. The participants were given 30 minutes to seek their preferred sites for photography.

With that done, we rode back out to the LPT.

But bikers beware! The highway is so arrow-straight that car drivers often speed here like it was the front straight of the Sepang International Circuit. They have so little patience that they even resort to overtaking on the emergency lane (video coming up).

We stopped at the Gambang R&R for fuel and decided that the ride should follow the “free and easy” format compared to a convoy for safety and avoid holding up traffic while we overtake other vehicles en masse.

We met up for one last time at the Genting Sempah R&R before saying our goodbyes.

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