Royal Enfield Himalayan: Essential Accessories for Adventure Riders
The Royal Enfield Himalayan is a rugged and reliable motorcycle designed for adventure touring. Its simple design and robust build make it a popular choice for riders exploring challenging terrains. However, to truly maximize your Himalayan‘s potential and ensure a comfortable and safe journey, investing in essential accessories is crucial. This guide highlights some of the must-have additions for any serious Himalayan adventure rider.
Protection and Safety: Shielding Your Ride and Yourself
Protecting your motorcycle from damage, especially during off-road excursions, is paramount. Similarly, ensuring your personal safety should be your top priority. Several accessories address these critical needs.
- Crash Guards: These are arguably the most important accessory. A good set of crash guards, also known as engine guards, will protect the engine, frame, and fuel tank in case of a fall. Look for robust, well-designed guards that distribute impact effectively. Consider models that offer additional protection for the upper fairing as well.
- Hand Guards: Hand guards serve two vital functions: protecting your hands from wind, rain, and debris, and safeguarding your levers from snapping during a fall. Choose durable hand guards made from aluminum or high-impact plastic.
- Headlight Grille: The Himalayan’s headlight is vulnerable to damage from stones and other road hazards. A headlight grille is an inexpensive and effective way to protect it.
- Luggage Rack & Top Box: While technically for carrying luggage, a sturdy rear luggage rack and top box also offer some rear-end protection in the event of a low-speed drop. Choose a robust rack designed specifically for the Himalayan.
Beyond protecting the bike, your own safety is paramount. Invest in quality riding gear including a full-face helmet, riding jacket, riding pants, gloves, and boots. Consider adding reflective elements to your gear for increased visibility, especially when riding at night or in low-light conditions.
Enhanced Comfort: Making the Long Haul Enjoyable
Adventure riding often involves long hours in the saddle, so maximizing comfort is essential. Several accessories can significantly improve your riding experience.
- Comfort Seat: The stock seat on the Himalayan can be uncomfortable for long rides. Investing in a gel or foam comfort seat can make a significant difference. Look for seats designed with ergonomic considerations and improved pressure distribution.
- Handlebar Risers: Adjusting the handlebar height can improve your riding posture and reduce strain on your back and wrists. Handlebar risers allow you to customize the handlebar position to suit your individual needs.
- Windscreen Extender: The stock windscreen on the Himalayan provides limited wind protection. A windscreen extender can deflect more wind away from your head and chest, reducing fatigue and improving comfort, especially at higher speeds.
- USB Charger: Staying connected is important, especially when navigating or communicating in remote areas. A USB charger allows you to keep your phone, GPS, and other devices charged while on the road. Choose a waterproof and durable charger that can withstand the rigors of adventure riding.
Performance and Capability: Upgrading for the Toughest Terrain
While the Himalayan is capable in its stock form, some accessories can further enhance its performance and capability, particularly for tackling challenging off-road terrain.
- Off-Road Tires: Swapping out the stock tires for a set of more aggressive off-road tires can significantly improve traction on loose surfaces. Choose tires with a knobby tread pattern designed for the type of terrain you’ll be riding on.
- Skid Plate: While crash guards protect the sides of the engine, a skid plate protects the underside from rocks and other obstacles. A robust skid plate is essential for off-road riding.
- LED Auxiliary Lights: Increased visibility is crucial when riding at night or in adverse weather conditions. LED auxiliary lights provide a brighter and more focused beam, improving safety and allowing you to see further ahead.
Navigation and Information: Staying on Course
Modern adventure riding often involves navigating using GPS devices or smartphones. Having reliable navigation and access to information is essential.
- GPS Mount: A secure and easily accessible GPS mount allows you to keep your navigation device within easy reach. Choose a mount that is compatible with your specific GPS device and that can withstand the vibrations of off-road riding.
- Phone Mount: Similar to a GPS mount, a phone mount allows you to keep your smartphone within easy reach for navigation, music, or communication. Choose a waterproof and durable mount that can securely hold your phone.
Investing in these essential accessories can significantly enhance your Royal Enfield Himalayan’s capabilities, improve your comfort and safety, and ultimately make your adventure riding experiences more enjoyable and rewarding. Before purchasing any accessories, research thoroughly to ensure compatibility with your Himalayan model and consider your specific riding needs and preferences.