KUALA LUMPUR, Friday, 27 September 2019 – Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (“MODENAS”), a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad (“DRB-HICOM”) today introduced two new motorcycle models, the KRISS 110 and Pulsar NS160, in its bid to capture a bigger share of the two-wheel market segment.

According to Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM, with the launch of the two new motorcycle models, MODENAS is confident of increasing its market share for moped and street bikes from 3.9% currently to 6% by the end of the year.

“These are interesting times for MODENAS. The launch of these new motorcycles, aimed at two different market segments – the entry-level and the intermediate segment, will further widen our market offering to the millions of motorcyclists in the country, and further strengthen the MODENAS brand as a whole,” said Syed Faisal.

Joining him at the launch event were MODENAS Chief Executive Office, Roslan Roskan and over 300 guests made up of MODENAS dealers and stockists, MODENAS business partners and associates, members of the media, as well as the management and staff of DRB-HICOM and MODENAS.

Syed Faisal hoped the KRISS 110 will re-ignite the popularity of the first MODENAS bike, launched in 1996.

“The original KRISS 110 was a huge success, with more than 800,000 units sold nationwide. We believe the new KRISS 110 will continue to build on the success and good name of the legendary bike in 1997”, he said.

He also hoped the latest Pulsar variant will be well-received, noting that the range of street bikes that were launched in 2017 (Pulsar, V15 and Dominar) has sold more than 10,000 units.

A four-stroke 110cc moped, the KRISS 110 is aimed at young adults looking to purchase their first motorcycle and who are seeking a reliable and easy-to-handle machine. Available with a two-year warranty or 20,000 km, whichever is earlier, the KRISS 110 offers premium styling without a huge price tag and is fully compliant with Euro 3 emission standards. A seat height of 755 mm ensures the KRISS 110 is less intimidating to new riders, and the inclusion of an air-cooled single-cylinder, four-stroke motor means less time changing spark plugs and fettling carbs like you would on a two-stroke machine.

The KRISS 110 is also certified as an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV), promising fuel savings for its users. The bike offers a compact and stylish design fitted with 17-inch alloy rims, a spacious under-seat storage compartment, and an ergonomically-designed seating for maximum riding comfort.

The bike produces a commendable 4.7 bhp at 8000 rpm. It also features a front drum and rear drum brake system complete with twin shocks and telescopic forks to help soften the bumps. Other features include a sporty headlamp and tail lamp designs, while the large 4.2 litre capacity fuel tank is capable of covering 200 km per full tank.

Meanwhile, the Pulsar NS160 is a four-stroke, 160 cc naked street bike with a fuel injection DTSi engine, aimed at young executives and those who are looking to migrate from a moped to their first street bike at an affordable cost. Featuring a single overhead cam engine, and running on a BOSCH Fuel Injection System which is capable of delivering 11.05 kW at 8,500 rpm and 13.99 Nm of torque,the engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

The Pulsar NS160 comes with a Nitrox mono-shock rear suspension, and rides well both on-road and on packed dirt roads, making it an ideal steed for short urban commutes or even short countryside road trips. Its edgy and sporty design is further complemented by the use of LED lights, from the headlight to the turn signals.

Roslan Roskan, Chief Executive Officer of MODENAS said that the company has always been actively involved in the research and development of motorcycles as it strives to meet the needs of Malaysian users. This has resulted in more than 17 products, in multiple variants being launched into the market since its inception. Many of its current products were the results of collaborations with strategic partners such as India’s Bajaj Auto Limited, as in the case of the Pulsar NS160.

“The collaboration between MODENAS and Bajaj has enabled both parties to leverage on each other’s strengths and market experience. This encompasses vehicle design and development, manufacturing of components, assembly and importation, to vehicle inspection, distribution, sales, and after-sales activities,” said Roslan.

MODENAS has set an annual sales target of 35,000 units for the KRISS 110 and 1,500 units for the Pulsar NS160. Both models will be available for purchase beginning of October 2019.