Kawasaki KLE500 takes centre stage as MODENAS brings adventure riders together for a demanding mix of forest trails, steep climbs, rocky terrain and river crossing
Adventure riding is about much more than owning a motorcycle capable of going off the beaten path. It is about actually taking that motorcycle somewhere challenging — and that was exactly what 393 riders from across Malaysia did at the second Kawasaki Megatrail Fun Ride, held in Gerik, Perak on 26 September 2026. Press Release – MODENAS ELEVATE…
Organised by Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (MODENAS), the latest edition built on the response to the inaugural Megatrail held in Jerantut, Pahang last year. The event forms part of MODENAS’ efforts to develop Malaysia’s Kawasaki adventure-riding community through riding experiences that take owners beyond the showroom and onto the terrain their motorcycles were designed to explore.
150KM of Real Adventure
Flagged off from Dataran Amanjaya Lawin in Gerik, riders faced a substantial 150-kilometre route.
This was no ordinary Sunday road ride.
The course incorporated forest trails, steep hills, rocky paths and river crossings, giving participants the opportunity to experience adventure riding across a variety of conditions. Route guides, motorcycle recovery crews, emergency medical personnel and designated refuelling checkpoints were positioned to support participants throughout the challenge.
For adventure-bike owners, an event like Megatrail also provides something that cannot easily be replicated by reading specifications or looking at a motorcycle in a showroom: the opportunity to discover what both rider and motorcycle can actually do when the tarmac ends.
Kawasaki KLE500 Put to the Test
This year’s event was particularly significant for the Kawasaki KLE500.
MODENAS placed the middleweight adventure motorcycle at the centre of the Megatrail experience, with 23 KLE500 owners joining the challenge. Selected Malaysian motoring media members also rode alongside the owners, giving them the opportunity to experience the KLE500 over the different terrain encountered along the route.
That real-world approach is important for a motorcycle positioned for adventure.
Rather than simply talking about versatility, an event covering 150km of changing terrain gives owners an opportunity to explore how an adventure motorcycle behaves away from normal urban and highway riding.
More Than Just Riding
According to MODENAS Chief Executive Officer Roslan Roskan, the response to the first Kawasaki Megatrail demonstrated that Malaysian riders wanted more opportunities to improve their skills, discover new terrain and connect with the wider Kawasaki community.
Roslan said Megatrail combines these elements while allowing owners to experience their motorcycles in the environments for which they were intended. For new KLE500 owners in particular, MODENAS sees experiences such as Megatrail as a way of making motorcycle ownership more meaningful.
That community element is becoming an increasingly important part of motorcycle ownership.
For many riders, buying the motorcycle is only the beginning. Organised rides, rider development, touring and adventure events give owners reasons to use their machines while meeting other riders with similar interests
Treasure Hunt, Challenges and Almost RM50,000 in Prizes
MODENAS also made sure Megatrail wasn’t simply a 150km endurance exercise.
A treasure hunt saw 50 Kawasaki flags hidden along the route, with each flag redeemable for RM50.
There were also three special challenges. The first 10 riders who successfully completed all three received mystery prizes worth RM100 each.
But there was an even bigger surprise waiting at the end.
The lucky draw’s grand prize was a brand-new Kawasaki KLE500, while the combined prize pool for the event was valued at almost RM50,000.
Meals, camping facilities, a BBQ session and finisher recognition were also incorporated into the programme, turning the Megatrail into a broader adventure-riding gathering rather than simply a one-day ride.
Event Partners
The scale of an off-road event involving almost 400 motorcycles also requires substantial logistical support.
MODENAS acknowledged the government agencies, organisers, marshals, route guides, medical personnel and motorcycle recovery crews involved in supporting the event.
Strategic partners and sponsors named for the 2026 Kawasaki Megatrail included ASMAX, GIVI, MAXXIS, Holeshot, Anak Rantau Garage, Cikgu Azizan and Monster Energy Drink.
Building Malaysia’s Adventure Riding Community
The return of Kawasaki Megatrail for a second year suggests MODENAS is looking beyond simply selling adventure motorcycles.
Events such as this give owners somewhere to use their machines, meet other Kawasaki riders and gain practical experience in conditions many riders may otherwise never attempt on their own.
MODENAS says the 2026 Megatrail reinforces its commitment to developing Malaysia’s adventure-riding segment through practical riding experiences and stronger community engagement, while encouraging riders to explore both on and off-road.
And perhaps that is where the real value of an event such as Kawasaki Megatrail lies.
You can buy an adventure motorcycle in a showroom. But to understand what adventure riding is really about, eventually you have to get it dirty.
