Kathmandu, October 31
Nepal has taken its first step into the global endurance motorcycling scene as riders Pramod Shrestha and Swapan Pradhan became the first Nepali bikers to officially attempt the Iron Butt Challenge – Saddlesore 1000, one of the world’s toughest endurance rides requiring completion of 1,000 miles (1,609 km) within 24 hours.
The duo embarked on their journey aboard two CFMOTO motorcycles—the CFMOTO 450MT and CFMOTO 450NK—marking a historic milestone in Nepal’s motorcycling history. Their mission was to demonstrate Nepal’s readiness for global endurance riding across the country’s challenging terrain.
However, as the riders navigated through rough roads and unpredictable weather, deteriorating conditions along key stretches forced them to halt the ride for safety reasons before completing the distance.
Despite not finishing the challenge, the attempt itself has been hailed as a landmark effort for Nepal’s motorcycling community, symbolizing the nation’s growing presence in the international adventure riding arena.
“Nepal has the landscape, the spirit, and the heart for adventure motorcycling. We want the world to see this,” said rider Pramod Shrestha.
His teammate Pradhan added, “Every kilometer we rode proved what Nepali riders are capable of. This attempt may have stopped short, but it’s only the start of something much bigger.”
According to a press statement released by the riders, the CFMOTO 450MT is designed for endurance and exploration, showcased impressive stability and suspension across Nepal’s diverse terrain, while the CFMOTO 450NK typically known as a street-naked performance bike proved equally capable and comfortable on long highway stretches.
The attempt was supported by CFMOTO Nepal, LOCOMO Nepal, Liqui Moly Nepal, and Petronas Sprinta Nepal.
