Himalayan -- original RE metal panniers -- very nice indeed! Almost done!

[obx-rider]

So I recently installed the RE panniers/racks. Every bolt removed was red locktited. Yielded pretty easy after application of only mild/moderate heat with heatgun. The right racks were pretty easy. The left racks were like from a different manufacturer. Terrible. Especially compared to how easy the Givi engine guards were.

 

[oldphart]

Royal Enfield love their red locktite - it's even on the oil drain plugs and bolts for the filter covers. I generally don't find it a bother, but some people have had strife.

As for the fit of those frames - when I fitted mine over a year ago, I just put it down to early production issues and thought it'd be fixed in the fullness of time. Nope, RE can't give a stuff, and I don't care if they are being made by a third party, they should fit. The ongoing sage of these frames is one of the very few things that saddens me about the HImalayan. Good thing they got the overall package right.

 

[Curt Meinecke]

So I recently installed the RE panniers/racks. Every bolt removed was red locktited. Yielded pretty easy after application of only mild/moderate heat with heatgun. The right racks were pretty easy. The left racks were like from a different manufacturer. Terrible. Especially compared to how easy the Givi engine guards were.

Yep. Apparently there is a production-lot of racks where the left side racks are out of calibration. I got one of those racks. I sent RE a note about this but have not heard anything back. I would think that it would be reasonable to request the RE replace these left side racks with ones that are "true". But then again, who has the time to deal with that? I don't. I just used a long bolt and CRANKED them in.

 

[Curt Meinecke]

I sent this to them. If anybody is bored, consider copying and sending too. support@royalenfield.com
Maybe they do something? Who knows?

Hello,

I am greatly enjoying my 2021 Royal Enfield Himalayan! It is a truly wonderful motorcycle.

Unfortunately, when I bought paniers for this motorcycle,through my dealer, the racks that were delivered are defective. The left side rack is out of calibration and takes a great deal of mechanical stress to install. I had to use a very long bolt and essentially force-CRANK it into place, under greatstress.

I am a member of the RE Owners forum and this appears to be a known, common problem with your racks. The left side pannier racks are not calibrated to fit the bike. THe right ones appear to fit fine. This is known production flaw. And yet you continue to sell these defective racks.

I respectfully request that you 1) stop selling defective pannier racks and 2) replace the left sided defective rack for those who received a defective rack.

We all love this bike! In fact, I have bought TWO Royal Enfield bikes -- the Himalayan and a Continental GT (for my son) and I have plans to buy a INT650 for myself.

Please consider doing the right thing and stop selling the defective racks and replace the defective ones that have been sold.

Best regards,

Curt Meinecke

 

[oldphart]

Yep. Apparently there is a production-lot of racks where the left side racks are out of calibration. I got one of those racks. I sent RE a note about this but have not heard anything back. I would think that it would be reasonable to request the RE replace these left side racks with ones that are "true". But then again, who has the time to deal with that? I don't. I just used a long bolt and CRANKED them in.

I too thought it was just a 'production-lot of racks', but it's not. It's a world wide issue (ie, a lot of them were made), the problem was common 12 months ago when I got mine and it's still happening today. Through my local Himmy group. I know people who've had their racks replaced three times without getting a set that fit, and not everyone can 'just crank them in' - I was able to but some are so far out of whack that you are unable to. PLUS, Royal Enfield are aware of the issue, but keep supplying crook racks. It's my one big complaint about the company and it's the sort of thing that has hampered their attempts to escape the 'shoddily built' tag (which is common here in Australia)

 

[Curt Meinecke]

I too thought it was just a 'production-lot of racks', but it's not. It's a world wide issue (ie, a lot of them were made), the problem was common 12 months ago when I got mine and it's still happening today. Through my local Himmy group. I know people who've had their racks replaced three times without getting a set that fit, and not everyone can 'just crank them in' - I was able to but some are so far out of whack that you are unable to. PLUS, Royal Enfield are aware of the issue, but keep supplying crook racks. It's my one big complaint about the company and it's the sort of thing that has hampered their attempts to escape the 'shoddily built' tag (which is common here in Australia)

I agree whole heartedly that it is not good for their reputation, and have commented to that effect in the past.
Had I known the issue, I would have bought GIVI racks.
I wonder if they will respond to my email?
They had a pretty rough 2020 with sales plummeting I read (I heard sales were down 30 percent or so...but do not quote me on that). They may not be in a mood to deal with it.

 

[Curt Meinecke]

I received a response to my email to RE about the racks, shown above. They are forwarding it to the "appropriate" department. Perhaps if any of you have time you could also forward an email to them, if you think it appropriate to do so. support@royalenfield.com

Happy riding this weekend! My new windshield arrived tonight and I will mount it tomorrow. Will let you know how it works!

 

[Curt Meinecke]

I previously asked about the safety stickers that came with the RE Panniers. I thought I was not going to put them on. Then I got bored. And put them on ...and then some! Why be subtle? If you cannot see that...you really should not be driving.