Three Days, 1000 Kilometres: Kawasaki KLE500 Ride Experience

From winding mountain roads and scenic countryside to muddy off-road trails and riverside camping, here’s what it was like spending three unforgettable days with the Kawasaki KLE500.

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Ever since the dual-purpose 2026 Kawasaki KLE 500 launched for the Malaysian market back in August, we couldn’t wait to test its limits. So, when the call-up came from MODENAS and Kawasaki Malaysia for their media test ride, our press ride wasn’t just a test of the machine, it was a journey to remember.

Unlike quick launch events where you only get a few hours in the saddle, this trip had us living with the motorcycle for three days and two nights. We covered hundreds of kilometres across northern and east coast Peninsular Malaysia, putting the KLE 500 through its paces on highways, twisty mountain passes, kampung backroads, and muddy off-road trails.

For me, it was more than just a bike test. As my first true adventure ride, it completely tested my limits and threw me right out of my comfort zone.

Day One: From Shah Alam to Gua Musang

We kicked off the day early with a classic mamak breakfast before heading to the Kawasaki Technical Centre in Glenmarie for our briefing. Once we suited up in our riding gear, hooked up our intercoms, and tossed our luggage into the support vehicle, we grabbed a quick fill-up at Caltex Glenmarie and hit the open road.

The first day was mostly about settling into the rhythm of the ride. Our convoy made several planned stops along the way, including a lay-by beside the Karak Highway where some riders made minor adjustments to their windscreens while the rest of us grabbed a tantalizing lunch.

No real adventure goes entirely without a hitch. Stopping at Petronas R&R Bentong, one of the bikes threw a minor curveball with a faulty kickstand sensor. Luckily, we pulled into a nearby local workshop, borrowed the right tools, and got it sorted in under ten minutes before jumping back on the road.

Leaving the highway behind, the scenery shifted dramatically as we coasted into the quieter roads around Raub. The rush of expressway traffic gave way to peaceful kampung routes wrapped in lush greenery, setting a much more relaxed pace for the ride.

After another short break at R&R Benta, the real adventure began. We went to the entrance of Gua Sisik Naga, where our first taste of off-road riding awaited. I’ll be honest, I was quite nervous. Riding on loose surfaces was something I wasn’t particularly familiar with, and seeing the uneven terrain ahead definitely made me question myself for a moment.

After taking a deep breath, I simply committed to it. Once the bike started moving, my confidence gradually grew, and before long I found myself enjoying every second of it. There was one moment where I almost lost control of my bike, but it didn’t made me lose my confidence for one bit.

The day continued with a photo stop at Taman Negara Pahang Sungai Relau before we headed towards Gua Musang via the scenic Raub–Gua Musang highway. With very little traffic and mountain ranges stretching across the horizon, it quickly became one of my favourite sections of the entire ride. Gliding along an open road while soaking in those views was easily one of the most breathtaking moments I’ve ever experienced on two wheels.

Our destination for the evening was Muse Ecopark, a beautiful resort nestled beside the mountains. I was still in disbelief that I finally managed to tick two items form my wishlist; reaching Kelantan for the first time, and reaching Kelantan on a motorcycle. Everyone was given their own room, which was a pleasant surprise after a full day on the saddle. Waking up to such an incredible view the following morning was easily one of the highlights of the trip.

Day Two: Mud, Rivers and Plenty of Challenges

The second day started on a chilly note after heavy rain overnight. Although the rain had eased to a light drizzle, the short ride to our breakfast spot felt super cold. I was a bit lazy to wear a jacket, and that decision I regretted almost instantly after I started riding.

We had our breakfast at a stall located not too far from the resort, called Restoran Kak Zah, where we enjoyed authentic Nasi Kerabu while soaking in the calm atmosphere of Gua Musang before returning to the resort for another briefing.

Today’s route promised something many of us had been looking forward to, more off-road riding. Our convoy first headed towards Kuala Krai, making a coffee stop at Nasken Coffee right beside Zoo Kuala Krai before continuing to a ferry crossing. It was a unique experience, giving us a chance to chat with locals while waiting for the bikes to get carried across the river.

The moment we rolled off the ferry, the off-road section began. Being relatively new to off-road riding, I approached the trail cautiously. The previous night’s rain had left the dirt roads wet and slippery, with plenty of puddles scattered throughout the route.

Things became even more interesting when we reached a shallow river crossing. I won’t deny that I was slightly worried about dropping the bike into the water, but I saw everyone was able to get across easily, so I stayed calm, maintained a steady throttle and made it across without any drama.

The trail also included several uphill and downhill sections that demanded much more concentration than riding on tarmac. There were a few falls throughout the day, including one from yours truly, but that was simply part of the experience.

What impressed me most wasn’t the riding itself, but the teamwork. Whenever someone tipped over, everyone immediately stopped to help pick up the motorcycle and ensure that nobody was left behind. It perfectly captured the spirit of adventure riding.

By the time we exited the trail, everyone was exhausted. They weren’t kidding when they said off-road riding is basically cardio on two wheels. It was physically demanding, but every part was absolutely worth it.

After grabbing refreshments at a small roadside warung, we continued towards our overnight destination in Manong, passing scenic backroads and forested areas before stopping in Jeli to refuel, have our late lunch and perform our prayers.

Mother Nature wasn’t finished with us just yet. Heavy rain greeted us on the way towards Gerik, significantly reducing visibility as darkness slowly approached. It’s a good thing I changed to a clear visor because even with a clear visor I had limited visibility.

We eventually decided to stop for hot drinks to warm ourselves before continuing the final two-hour stretch. Thankfully, the road marshal kept everyone’s spirits high by sharing stories over the intercom throughout the ride.

That evening, we arrived at a riverside campsite beside Sungai Perak, where tents had already been prepared for us. It was my first time ever spending the night in a tent, making the experience even more memorable.

We were able to have a short barbecue session as we told some spooky stories before we settled in for the night and get some rest for the journey back home.

Day Three: One Last Ride Home

Our final morning began with the refreshing breeze from Sungai Perak before everyone gathered for breakfast and packed their belongings.

After fuelling up in Manong, we continued along several scenic backroads filled with flowing corners. This was where I really began appreciating how naturally the KLE500 handled through twisty sections. Despite spending two full days on the bike already, it still felt very comfotable.

Another standout pitstop was at Radak Adventure. We kicked back by the river, enjoying light refreshments to the soothing sound of rushing water—a perfect moment to unwind before hitting the road again.

Lunch awaited us in Tapah, and after nearly an hour of riding, everyone was more than ready to eat. The ‘ikan bakar’ served there turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip, and it’s definitely somewhere I’d happily visit again. With full stomachs, it was finally time for the last stretch back to Shah Alam.

This time, we chose the North-South Expressway, allowing us to experience how the KLE500 performed during extended highway cruising. Naturally, everyone became curious about the motorcycle’s top speed, so we did a test to see what’s the top speed of this bike before taking another short break at R&R Rawang.

As we approached Shah Alam, rush-hour traffic was already beginning to build. Fortunately, our route avoided most of the congestion, allowing the convoy to return safely to Kawasaki Technical Centre without any issues.

More Than Just a Motorcycle Test

Looking back, the Kawasaki KLE500 Media Ride wasn’t simply about evaluating a new motorcycle. It was about discovering places I had never visited before, learning new riding techniques, stepping outside my comfort zone and sharing those experiences with fellow riders.

The off-road sections challenged my confidence, the mountain roads reminded me why I love to travel, and the long days on the saddle proved exactly what the KLE500 was built to do.

More importantly, the ride reminded me that some of the best motorcycle memories aren’t created by chasing speed or lap times. They’re created through unexpected challenges, incredible scenery and the friends you meet along the way.

After spending three days with this bike, I started to develop a soft spot for tall adventure bikes. I am already used to high speeds and aggressive riding positions, but now I realise that riding is not just about all those things, it’s about the experience and the memories that you make anywhere you go, and that’s the real beauty of riding.

For that, I’d like to extend my highest gratitude towards MODENAS and Kawasaki Malaysia for putting together such a memorable experience. It is definitely a point in my career that I would never forget. If there is any opportunity for me to join a ride like this, it would be hard for me to pass up this opportunity.

Read full review of the Kawasaki KLE 500 here.