Why the rally kit?
We like the way the Himalayan 450 looks – unique yet agreeable. It looks even better with a rally kit, giving it a more purposeful appearance. Since we had only seen the rally kit in images, we thought it would be a good idea to see and experience one up close. So, we asked Royal Enfield if they’d fit one onto our long-term unit, and they agreed. However, our experience with it has been a mixed bag.
Listed below are the parts that make up the rally kit. We’ve also included our opinion on whether you should opt for the said part or not. Furthermore, we have slotted the add-ons into two categories – visual and functional – for easier consumption.
Visual
Handlebar Pad: This is a black rubber pad that sits on the handlebar and covers the handlebar clamp. It also restricts access to the USB port. And though it looks good and adds some visual muscle, it doesn’t fit as securely on the handlebar as we would have liked.
Price: Rs. 950
Skip it or get it? It’s not expensive, but since it restricts access and sits loosely on the handlebar, we’d recommend skipping it.
Rally mudguard: It is the rear cowl with the high-mounted rear number plate holder that gives the rally kit its distinctive appeal. The rear cowl is designed for easy access to the seat lock and the metal handle is to put the bike on the centre stand. The cowl makes the Himalayan look sleek, sporty, purposeful, and desirable.
Price: Rs. 9,950
Skip it or get it? It is an expensive piece of add-on, no question. And, the cowl will limit your ability to mount luggage on the motorcycle. However, if it is a rally kit you hanker after, the rally mudguard is non-negotiable. Get it, we say.
Functional
Headlight grill: We would have liked to categorise this under visual enhancements because, unless you’re competing on gravelly surfaces, it serves no real purpose.
Price: Rs. 1,950
Skip it or get it? For city commutes, touring, or even trail riding, the grill is pointless. Moreover, it affects the effectiveness of your headlamp. We recommend skipping it.
Hand guards: These hand guards are the full wraparound type, giving a robust feel. They also look good and fit the Himalayan’s handlebar well. They offer enough clearance around the levers, allowing unrestricted movement for your gloved hands. Additionally, they provide protection against branches and shrubs on trails, stones flung at you on the road by car and truck tyres, and even in case of a fall, keeping your levers intact.
Price: Rs. 4,450
Skip it or get it? These are worthy add-ons for the sort of protection on offer. Get them!
Adventure screen: The stock screen on the Himalayan 450 is already excellent. For my height (5’8”), buffeting around my head at speeds of over 100kmph is minimal, but there is enough airflow around my torso to keep me cool. The adventure screen improves on this with barely any buffeting for me now. Plus, the faster I go, the better it feels. There is still decent airflow to the upper body. Moreover, the increased length of the screen might help taller riders who find the stock screen inadequate.
Price: Rs. 3,450
Skip it or get it? This one is a no-brainer, get it.
Radiator guard: We’ve had unfortunate experiences with damaged radiators. And not just when riding off-road but on regular rides too. Hence, a lightweight, well-designed radiator guard that offers protection without compromising airflow is always a welcome addition, not just for an ADV but for any bike.
Price: Rs. 1,950
Skip it or get it? Given this is an OEM part, we believe it should be designed to ensure optimum airflow. It is not an expensive proposition. We would say get it for peace of mind.
Rally protection: The Himalayan 450, all said and done, is designed for off-roading, and not just on the soft and easy trails, but over gnarly onesas well. The last thing you want when taking on the rough is a broken sump or a cracked engine case to add to the headache. The rally protection is a two-in-one solution. It has some metal tubing extensions to protect the engine cases from the side, and a proper metal sump to keep the bike’s belly protected against impacts on rocks.
Price: Rs. 9,950
Skip it or get it? If like me, you aren’t terribly adventurous and prefer the softer stuff, rally protection is an overkill. However, if you enjoy the hard and challenging stuff, this is a must-have. So, we will side with – get it – for this one too.
Rally dual seat: The idea behind the rally seat is to offer unrestricted movement when riding off-road. It makes standing up and riding, as well as moving front and back on the seat easier than the stock seats. It also provides a more commanding view and sportier seating ergonomics. However, it is stiffer than the stock seat, which makes the ride feel firmer. As we see it, it is not for those who tour or commute more than they off-road, but for those who are into proper off-roading.
Price: Rs. 4,950
Skip it or get it? If I had to choose based on my preference and use, I would say skip it and get the touring seat instead. But, it’s worth considering if you value the rally kit aesthetics and do a lot of off-roading.
Photography by: Kaustubh Gandhi
Gallery
1/9
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Right Side View
Double Tap to Zoom
