Modenas Kriss is the first model launched by Modenas in 1996. The model is actually named after a Malay traditional weapon, keris, though some motorcycle shops in the United Kingdom had mistakenly advertised the model to be named from the acronym of a famous American motorcycle racer, Kenny Roberts due to the fact that Modenas had once built some racing motorcycles for Modenas KR Motorcycle Grand Prix team.
It was previewed to the public during Malaysian National Day parade in 1996 and began production at the end of 1996. The original model only uses drum brakes, but in 1999 the front disc brake model was launched, known as Kriss 2 (or Kriss 115 Sports in some countries). Powered by 111-cc Kawasaki-developed engines, Modenas Kriss becomes the best-selling motorcycle model in Malaysia.
Another Kriss variant known as Kriss SG was launched in 2002. However, unlike other Kriss variants, this model didn't sell very well due to its outdated design.
All Kriss series variants outcame major cosmetic changes in 2003 especially at the lights for newer, better looks.
In 2005, all Kriss 110 variants have been phased out to make way for production of Kristar, leaving only Kriss 100 as the sole variant of Kriss. However, Modenas decided to bring back the Kriss 110 into production in August 2006 due to extremely high demand from the customers, which is known as Kriss 110SE.
