Himalayan Hard Panniers & Racks: Step-by-Step Installation & Tips 

Was just thinking the same.. also, the long bolts, cut them off.. too short a gear change, cut it in half, weld your desired extension in, grind, paint, finished. keep up the gr8 videos

Thanks Brian. I think I even have some spare grommets in a parts bin. Good thinking.

Thanks Tim! I almost did that to my gear shift lever during my trip to Prudhoe Bay. Decided to put it off and focus on other things, but that modification is still on the list of to-do's.

I do have a tap kit. That was a really great tip! Wish I had thought of that. 🙂

Thanks Todd! Should be posting one later this evening about mounting Rotopax jerry cans to the Himalayan. Not my usual quality, but for sure is going to solve the mystery for others... if anyone considers it a mystery that is. 🙂

By the way, in the mid-60's my wife's grandpa rode a Vespa scooter from Alaska to Southern Argentina. Just trying to put ideas into your head. 😉👍🏍

Non-painted, but with white *REFLECTOR STRIPS* for safety thru visibility! Flat plate aluminum is a good reflector at only one very narrow angle, that's why stealth vehicles have flat surfaces. For visual balance, put matching reflector strips on sides of jerry cans, too, plus yellow on back of panniers and on front of windscreen.

Ha! Well, if you're going to be working on a bike from India, do as the Indians do! Sandals and flip-flops on the job-site! 😃

Thanks Suman!

Ur welcome ...

Looking good for a 650 next year! Did you choose a different bike by now?

If you open to the front, and you're setting up camp and need to access both boxes, you are constantly going from one side of the bike to the other. If the box is open from the rear you can access both boxes from the rear of the bike. It's more convenient. Everything is more accessible. Also, if the box lid is not latched down while writing, the lid will not catch air and get yanked up. And last, in a crash I think the lids are less likely to get snagged and ripped off. Those are just my thoughts. What do you think?

Good thinking, and thanks for the feedback on box color! J.

@@KARMAkazeMoto Agreed about running the wires thru the old blinker mounting holes, maybe with a rubber grommet for protection. Use a single loop fastener on the side of the fender to keep it tidy. Were it me, I'd try to get rid of that plate/tail piece and mount the plate to the back of the new blinker bracket. have to come up with a light solution though.

Thanks Chuck! The number of people mentioning wrapping is giving me some creative ideas.

Thanks G K E. You're totally right about that latch. I was bit rushed at the end there. Hopefully the explanation was good enough even though I forgot to show it.

I cant wait to see her in Patagonia!

Most people are pushing for silver. I think Noraly made a good choice. I'm also running soft luggage depending on the type of trip, same brand too. Used that stuff on the recent trip to Prudhoe Bay and it worked out well. I have two more install videos to knock (heated grips and jerry cans) then I can start sharing that big trip. Thanks Robert!

they add weight and make you slower at highway speeds, i don't blame her. soft panniers tuck into the bike a lot better so much lower aero hit.

Seems like the overall consensus is to just go with silver, dents and scratches. Thanks!

@@KARMAkazeMoto Unpainted they'll also act as giant reflectors to wake up drivers with T-bones on their mind. :-)

@@Ijusthopeitsquick Can't argue with that logic!

Patina and war-scars tell tales about lives lived vicariously! :D

I am going for either a light olive drab, or a standard military "flat dark Earth"-light tan, or "coyote tan"..

In that case I'll make more. Ha! Need to start mentioning my Patreon account though. About to start losing my clients if I keep motorcycling and making videos. Oh well! 😆 Cheers from Alaska!

@@KARMAkazeMoto Cheers !! Was up at Eielson from '95-'98. Did a trip from AK to PA when I left but sadly in a cage. Need to get back up there someday and bring my little family. Best of luck in all your ventures. :)

I'll try to pull something together. Would be fun!

A wrap of the Himalayas, now we're getting creative! Thanks Stephen! 😃

Świetny film. Czy przewody do kierunkowskazów są w zestawie ze stelażami, czy trzeba je dodatkowo dokupić?

You're welcome! Never did paint those panniers. In fact you probably saw that I was sponsored with some soft luggage. But I'll be showing off the hard boxes sometime soon. Just didn't bother with making them white. Maybe I still should... 🤔🙂🎨

For sure it would be a bit of a hassle. Would have to drill out those rivets, remove the plastic, get the powder coating done, then redo the rivets. Not sure it's worth it, but I do think it would match the bike well and make everything look more purpose-built. Thanks Jerzy!

@@KARMAkazeMoto I think the panniers in white would look great-and different from everyone else. Just got back from a 16 day trip down to Croatia and Serbia, but on the KTM RC8 and not the Himalayan. It was an absolute nightmare on the few unpaved roads we used. The Himalayan would have been great. Got a 28 day trip to France, Spain and Portugal starting in a couple of weeks, which I am doing on the Himalayan. Not decided on which luggage to use yet-soft panniers or a large waterproof roll bag? Decisions, decisions...

Cheers!

Ha! Glad it helped! 😀

Thanks Raj!

Muito verdadeiro! 😃 No entanto, a moto passará por outra evolução. Você verá isso em breve durante a série que vai do Himalayan até a costa norte do Alasca. O vídeo está chegando muito em breve.

Yes, I'd have to remove the plastic to do it. Wrapping is an interesting idea. Could get ore creative with it. For sure I'll be redirecting the blinker wires.

Thanks! I have been thinking about an aftermarket brake light on that rear rack/bracket. If I get one, it will be something that flashes during breaking. Cheers from Alaska!

I do like the idea of keeping them easy to clean. Your 2 cents are worth a lot! 🙂

I'm getting a lot of pressure to stick with sliver. I might forgo the powder coating plans. Having a helmet box is really nice. I'm constantly carrying my helmet into the grocery store, etc. Bit annoying, but I once say a guy at a gas station who walked in with his helmet on his bike. When he came out some punk had taken it. Guy was beside himself about it. Not gonna happen to me! I carry my helmet from now on.

Thanks David! I appreciate the feedback. Coming up next are my Jerry Can and Heated Grip installs. Then I get to start sharing the recent trip to Prudhoe Bay.

Hahahahahahahahahaha me too!

Alright Jason, just for you I'll tidy those wires up! For viewers sake, do as the manual shows. For my own sake, go back and modify to my liking. 🙂 Even my Tutoro got a treatment with orange oil tube. That was only because I happened to see the orange tubing at the hardware store. I think I've missed a couple of your vids. BMW is coming along nicely I presume!

@@KARMAkazeMoto Good onya Justin, you'll ride better with piece of mind 👍

​@@BikerBytes 🙂👌

You've got me wondering, which component are they afraid will break if you go over that weight. Is it the plastic rotating piece that keeps the box on the cargo rack, or is it the rack itself? I have a feeling like other things with this bike, they are playing it extremely safe to ensure people don't overdo it and blame them for poor craftsmanship. I'm fairly confident for casual and highway riding without massive bumps and jarring, you could put 7-9kg in each box. That said, no one should blame me for testing that theory. 😉 Enjoy that Himalayan when you get it! Take good care of it and adhere to the service intervals.

@@KARMAkazeMoto thanks for you information. I thought, the rack is not strong enough for more weights. I must drive 120 km to the next dealer for the service. So I will start in this year with 2 new bikes in the coming season: ducati xdiavel and the Himalayan. Have a save ride, summer is coming soon.

It has been her FIRST and ONLY car her entire life.

Thanks Man! A bit boring for anyone wanting ride videos, but pretty helpful for anyone thinking about getting the pannier racks. Takes all the guesswork out of the install process. Congrats on being the first to comment. 🙂👍

Point taken.

Thanks. So, I haven't had any problems with them, and there was no issue with the oiler, but to be honest they didn't get much use. I swapped them out for the soft panniers by Mosko Moto prior to the Prudhoe Bay trip seen here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-82s86NYZvIo.html

@@KARMAkazeMoto LOL thanks - I see that now in the later videos. I'm kind of all over the place with the series and really should watch everything in order!

No worries!

😀👍 Cheers from Alaska! Thanks!

I think it'll end up stickers. For one thing, I have more pressing things to tackle than getting white powder coating. Nothing in the budget for that right now. 🙂👍

I believe that's an ok way to do it, but that is not how it is done in the installation manual.

@@KARMAkazeMoto I see. My panniers were installed by the RE Technicians so I thought that's ideal 🙂

Looks like the wires can still go out from under the fender, but just direct each one to the sides and then it looks a lot better. I may be using that large space to put a blinking brake light.

I sure don't have to worry about scratched paint if I leave them alone. Good thinking.

I've got a new batch of stickers on the way. Here's a couple that made it to @iridetas: iridetas.tumblr.com/post/187044497261/all-the-way-from-alaska-to-tasmania-some-cool Message me direct via Instagram with you name and address or email it to info@karmakaze.co and I'll include you in the next mailing.

Next week! Awesome! Do you have any long trip adventure plans?

@@KARMAkazeMoto I live in Ireland so planning a trip along the west coast. Cant wait! Keep up the great videos.

@@Primez5 Excellent! My wife and I have been talking about an Ireland visit for the last few years. We'll swing it eventually. Which coast is best in your opinion?

@@KARMAkazeMoto west coast. 100%. Google /RU-vid Wild Atlantic way and you'll see!

@@Primez5 will do! Thanks Primez5! All the best from Alaska! 🤝🍻🙂

There's a guy on here who had me look at his. Really simply just took the wires out to the sides, from under the finder, right near the end of the fender. Makes the wires unnoticed, and there's no special drilling involved. Super simple. Will probably take that approach. Wish I had done it before my Prudhoe Bay trip, but better late than never.

@@KARMAkazeMoto oh and one thing, keep an eye on those 2 studs(7.5mm) on the left side of your motor..mine keep loosening off and letting the headgssket leak, even with locktite

@@0xsergy that's a good tip. I'll take a look before any leaks appear. Thanks! 👊🍻

@@KARMAkazeMoto we've got similar mileage but mine has seen a good 1k offroad on dirtbike trails and the like so i may have rattled it a little more(no jumping, slow speed over rough stuff). my head also needs a retorque coincidentally. edit 1k kms so like 700 miles.

@@0xsergy Ha, at first when I read your head needs also needs a retorque, for some reason I thought you were making a joke about your head, like your brain. I was cracking up. Was about to say, I hope that's covered under warranty! And then I realized you meant engine head. Duh! I haven't finished my coffee yet. ☕ 😁 I did complete a 2,000-mile trip a couple of weeks ago, and nearly 1000 miles was on dirt and gravel, so based on what you're saying, I definitely need to go over every nut and bolt and check that engine for any leaky spots.

You got me thinking he non-painted aluminum is probably better for cleaning and scrubbing.

I just looked it up and Powder Coating can be cured at 350°F (176°C) so it's possible the plastic would be totally fine. But it would still need to be removed to do a good job of coating the entire box. I'm getting some interesting feedback from people though, including doing a wrap job, and yeah, there's always paint. Would be easy that way.

Perkalenaattori, that is her first and only car EVER! She and I swapped a new engine into it a few years back. She won't give up on it.

4.0s never die

YES! Looking forward to using these more before the season ends to go get groceries. Plus, in a pinch, you could actually fry an egg in one. Now that's what I call dual purpose! 😃

We have a Ural dealer up here. Would be nice to try one out. Would also be nice to try an old, original BMW version.

Sorry to hear that. Those are crucial parts to finish the job. I didn't have it written, so I looked through archived videos. Could almost make it all out clearly, but not quite. Pulled the fender/plate hanger off the bike and took a direct look. Some of the numbers didn't print perfect, but it pretty clearly looks like P# 1040309/8. Perhaps the / was suppose to be a 7, but I don't think so. Could be 104030978. Unfortunately, I think you'll still have trouble tracking it down. On a couple of parts dealer sites, that part isn't listed, nor are the pannier racks even shown in the Himalayan parts diagrams. Not cool. Hate to be the one to say this, but you might need to procure some bolts (stainless) and wire with connectors to do the job yourself. 😬 I hope I helped you a little, or at least that you get it sorted out before any long trip.

That is a Tutoro Automatic Chain Oiler. You can see a bit more about it here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-p032MxHAjD4.html I've done a couple thousand miles with it now, much on dirt and gravel road, and I really like it.

The existing holes make it so the wires are then more out in the open. They can be kept under the fender, then directed to the sides instead kept at the center. I still haven't changed it yet, but it's easy to do and looks better. Thanks Mark!

I agree.

That's true, I'm sure to have more and more stickers. I use to always get patches for my bag, but I need to start collecting more stickers. I love that portrait idea! I just shared that with Dee! 😆

🙂

Actually this was filmed before I did that particular video. I'm trying to get caught up right now. For instance I'll be sharing the Jerry can it's lation next even though I've already had those install for quite a while. You'll see pretty soon I'll be caught up.

Cheapest I ever found was genuine parts shipped from India via eBay. This is the racks and panniers for just over $500. Pretty good! I think they are on sale right now. This link will redirect to the pannier kit on eBay. karmakaze.co/ebay-himalayan-black-pannier-kit

Yes, I think they are RHD. 🙂 I also thought $500 was steep, but they're such a specialized product, and seem to be made fairly well.

Thanks Mark! I think I'll splurge on those blanks to fill the old holes. As for the wires, I've seen they can just be passed out under the sides of the fender which is the easiest thing to do and looks so much better. Probably going to take that approach.

Nice one 😃👍🏻

I ended up switching over to Mosko Moto prior to my ride to the Arctic. I like the boxes for short camping trips and getting groceries. I used the Moskos Moto for the rugged stuff. Couple pounds lighter. 🙂👍

This is ridiculous. Considering the rear rack mounts to the same holes, it would have to work... unless the inner diameter of the rear rack is distorted. The side rack fits inside the rear rack where the bolt goes through. Even if that was the case, they could have drilled it a bit. And the wiring outside the fender? Sounds like a rush job. I hope you update me on what you find and if you end up getting it corrected.

@@KARMAkazeMoto I sent them a link to your install video. They wrote back "Thanks for the video! I can definitely ask and take care of that when you come back as well for the wires. Sorry for the inconvenience but we will definitely do it right for you! The instructions weren’t the best from Royal Enfield as well." So it will be corrected but not until May as that will be when I get the mileage up to 500km and the weather will be warm enough to ride it again (I live in eastern Ontario) You will appreciate that, living where you do!

Yes, sealed off.

Where are you located? Makes a difference who you order through.

@@KARMAkazeMoto but still what's the average price?

@@KARMAkazeMoto - Hi, Justin. Have you found a supporting brace for the rear rack as in the Itchy Boots video "10.000 km Bike Review" (at the 12.11 time point)? I see it pictured at emlineamoto.com/en/sr9050.html , but not available anywhere as just the brace. Do you plan to make your own?

@@Hrshsngh_19 - Hi, Harsh. Prices vary considerably depending on whether an item is made (in India for instance) and bought there or elsewhere. And, sometimes text might be only in the local language where the item is sold. Therefore, "average price" is meaningless. BTW, here is one source for an aluminum top box, but it *currently* in stock only in color Black: www.orionpowersports.com/red-dirt-moto-rear-rack-top-box-for-re-himalayan/

@@daveinwla6360 okay thank you

Roger that. Thanks.

I also thought the max weight was on the light side. I think you can carry more if you are only doing street riding, but on rough terrain, RE must be concerned about vibration and repetitive impact cracking frames. That's my guess.

@@KARMAkazeMoto I am still going to haul a 50Lb sack of chicken feed next week, using the pannier holding them in place on the rear of the seat.

That'll work, no problem. 🙂🐔

I think I know what's going on. I'll tackle it later today. Thanks for the notice! 🤝

Good question! I hadn't even noticed. I know the racks themselves recently went on sale. They must not have updated the package price. I would seriously consider writing RoyalEnfieldKing on eBay about that. Might get the price adjusted.

Went to the website and all was revealed. The package price also includes a “free” oil filter.😉

A few people also think so. Not a bad idea.

@@KARMAkazeMoto Easy to replace too! White side cases is a great idea though. Would really give your Himalayan it's own look!

@@viceroygunrey4037 I do have a tendency to do things a little different when I can. Add a little of my own style and creativity.

@@KARMAkazeMoto That's the only way to do it imo. Personalize and trial by fire on your own terms!

@@KARMAkazeMoto Only way to do it! Personalize and trial by fire, on your own terms. The advice can't hurt though!

The length of the wires is an issue, but also you end up with a lot of external wires. What I'll probably end up doing is Leaving the wires almost entirely the way they are, but right at the very end of the Fender go to the left and right instead of up at the center of the rear edge of the Fender. The wires will reach and there's absolutely nothing complicated about it. Looks a lot nicer.

@@KARMAkazeMoto Good points. I wonder if you could relocate the signals closer to the brake light? Dunno, just thinking out loud.

Got it. 🙂