[bhansali_hardik]

Just got back from a monsoon ride, coveting over 700 kms in a couple of days.

My bike is still bare stock and there is absolutely no deletion or addition done of any of the accessories! Still happy after 1 year of riding, did go a bit off the road and not so hard trails and I was able to pull it off quite easily, with some modulation to the gears used!

But however, the more evident problem is now a safety risk : the headlights! I was pushed to ride a little late than I like due to heavy rains and breaks taken to avoid it, however post dark h450 + the highways + rains = DISASTER!

Please let me know what would you guys suggest for the aux lights, I want them as small and discreet as possible next to the headlamps for the situation I landed in couple of days back!

Here are a few pics when it was not raining that bad

[Oppanna]

Originally Posted by bhansali_hardik

[b]Please let me know what would you guys suggest for the aux lights,

What is your budget? If anywhere around 10K then I would suggest you to check offerings from Maddog.

I am using Maddog ScoutX model and fixed it to the lower bar of the tank frame guards.

They lit up the road sufficiently and I have been using them for little over 3 years now. Was having the same light on my Xpulse and when I picked up the Himalayan 450 I shifted them.

They are no nonsense lights and find them sufficient to the legal speed limits on the highway.

Also use a yellow filter which helps immensely on your fog and rain rides.

[bhansali_hardik]

Originally Posted by Oppanna

What is your budget? If anywhere around 10K then I would suggest you to check offerings from Maddog.

I am using Maddog ScoutX model and fixed it to the lower bar of the tank frame guards.

They lit up the road sufficiently and I have been using them for little over 3 years now. Was having the same light on my Xpulse and when I picked up the Himalayan 450 I shifted them.

They are no nonsense lights and find them sufficient to the legal speed limits on the highway.

Also use a yellow filter which helps immensely on your fog and rain rides.

Upto 10K seems to be ok, I absolutely do not ride out at night however need the backup in place. Given the strong policing in the country is going against aux light, I wouldn't want to spend too much as well.

Any suggestions for installation/store to buy from? Have heard good things about autonomy, might try that out.

Earlier options and shops which I have frequented for my old bikes and ruled out now :
1) adishwars (Ryders arena)
2) 6kiom
3) Sandhya (Those days when that was the only shop for my classic 350)

[anurag344]

Originally Posted by Oppanna

I am using Maddog ScoutX model and fixed it to the lower bar of the tank frame guards.

I have the same lights mounted on the forks. I was paranoid about damaging them if I dropped the bike (and I did) and I absolutely couldn't find a safe place on the tank guard. Please drop a picture if you managed to do this.

Originally Posted by bhansali_hardik

Any suggestions for installation/store to buy from?

I got it done from Top Gear Thumpers Marathahalli. They do a clean job. However I am not too happy with the liiumination from ScoutX on the highway.

[Oppanna]

Originally Posted by anurag344

Please drop a picture if you managed to do this.

I got it done from Top Gear Thumpers Marathahalli. They do a clean job. However I am not too happy with the liiumination from ScoutX on the highway.

I am using the Maddog mounts. Clamped it to the lower part of the tank frame. As per the MV Act any aux lights should be below the level of headlights. This position meets the regulations as well.


(https://www.maddog.co.in/product_details/LM1)

Mounting on the forks are too low and I did try that position as well, Was not happy and then moved to the tank frames. The lights are angled in such a way that it does not hit the sky, left light is aligned more towards the left side to lit up the dark patch and right side is aligned to the beam of the stock headlight so that the spread doesn't fall too much on right side of the vehicle which might disturb the oncoming vehicles

[n_aditya]

Originally Posted by bhansali_hardik

Please let me know what would you guys suggest for the aux lights, I want them as small and discreet as possible next to the headlamps for the situation I landed in couple of days back!

I got the Gold Runway aux lights and they are fantastic. Its almost double your budget but at 20k you are looking at quality that is very close to many imported light units such as Baja Design for one as an example.

I usually ride in the city with them covered (using a pair of dark coloured old socks) and haven't been stopped (*touchwood*) by cops. When I use the lights, they are at 70% intensity at the most and it is bright enough to do triple digit speeds in the dark without any discomfort. The dimmer switch is particularly helpful in controlling the light output. This also comes with a few strobe features that can be activated when using the horn or high beam button but I have not connected the wiring for this feature as it can get irritating for other road users.

Another H450 owner has these lights (link (Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Review)) and I went with his recommendation and completely satisfied with the purchase.

You can always remove this and install it on your next bike.

The unit is not very big but does the intended job very well.

Here is a photo if that helps.



If you want to order the lights, here is the link.

P.S. I am not associated with this brand or have any vested interests. Hope this helps.

[bhansali_hardik]

Originally Posted by Oppanna

I am using the Maddog mounts. Clamped it to the lower part of the tank frame. As per the MV Act any aux lights should be below the level of headlights. This position meets the regulations as well.


(https://www.maddog.co.in/product_details/LM1)

The problem on the rules and acts have absolutely no meaning in real world, when the cops want to pester they pester!

But I like the Idea of how the lights are mounted in the second pic and will probably pick these, also I see a new switch available with dimming option :

https://www.maddog.co.in/product_details/MDD

Originally Posted by n_aditya

I got the Gold Runway aux lights and they are fantastic. Its almost double your budget but at 20k you are looking at quality that is very close to many imported light units such as Baja Design for one as an example.

I love these lights and specially the form + function, however this is a little over 20k which is really out of budget for me, considering the limited usage I'm looking at and complex RTO/"cop" rules across different states around Karnataka!

Scout X is on the list with the dimmer, HJG seems like has good options but not sure on the ling term usage of the lights + I really hate the harness and the switch provided, they are sub par quality at any price point.

[Oppanna]

Originally Posted by bhansali_hardik

The problem on the rules and acts have absolutely no meaning in real world, when the cops want to pester they pester!

But I like the Idea of how the lights are mounted in the second pic and will probably pick these, also I see a new switch available with dimming option :

https://www.maddog.co.in/product_details/MDD

Not sure of your experience with the cops. I was caught once for having the aux lights on the bike. It was covered ( not with the socks but with the proper filter ). He kept insisting that I pay fine but he did not know on what was the actual violation. I had enough time with me on that day and for all his questions I had answers with reference to the MV act. Finally he let me go not before asking some tips for his chai sutta which of course I did not pay but said come with me to the nearest chai shop and I will buy you one

As long as you are meeting the law then one need not worry. Chill

Maddog products are far better than the HJG ones. When installing please go with the maddog wiring harness, switch and the mounts for peace of mind.

[true_sedan]

Potential flaw with the front brake light engagement. Recently came across many posts in royal enfield forums that the brake light was not illuminating on engaging the front brake. And to my horror, realised that mine was not working as well. The rear brakes illuminate perfectly fine. The issue might be minor but could lead to devastating consequences especially in our road conditions where drivers tailgate with no Crash Avoidance Space.

[charade]

Hi folks,

I’ve been lurking on this Himalayan thread for a while now. And, well… life has finally cornered me. Two young kids, a career that's moving slower than my metabolism, and a waistline that's expanding faster than my ambitions. Classic mid-life crisis. And to top it off, my once-faithful Thunderbird 350 (2013) has started giving up on me—clearly joining the rebellion.

Anyway, moving from existential dread to something more grounded: motorcycles.

Over the past few years, my bike has been my primary ride. I mostly work from home, traveling to another city for a week each month. The rest of the time, the bike’s doing dad-duty—school runs, errand hopping, grocery hauls… all within a 5 km radius. Around 70 km a week, give or take.

Now, it's been at least eight years since I did a proper long ride. So, if I looked at this purely rationally, a basic scooter would more than suffice. But—cue dramatic music and internal screaming—yeh dil maange more.

I just can’t bring myself to downgrade from the Thunderbird. There’s a yearning to get back on the saddle for at least a few rides every year. I even joined a society riders' WhatsApp group last year. But I’ve been too wary of taking the old T’bird for a long spin—too many doubts about its reliability.

And not without reason. In the last 9 months alone, I’ve been stranded four times—everything from carb choke to random electrical tantrums. To make matters worse (read: more emotionally scarring), my son was with me during most of these breakdowns. He didn’t say anything, but the shame of being “that dad” whose bike needs CPR on the roadside—it stings.

So, in a textbook case of treating a chronic issue (mid-life crisis) with topical relief (buying a motorcycle), I started bingeing on Team-BHP threads.

Here’s what I’m looking for:

1. Something that feels like an upgrade from the Thunderbird

2. Can handle city commutes AND the occasional long ride

3. Doesn’t need me to sell a kidney — budget around ₹4L, can stretch 25% in case of irresistible temptation

With those in mind, I’d pretty much zeroed in on the Himalayan 450. On paper, it checks a lot of boxes. But a few doubts continue to buzz at the back of my balding head:

Ride comfort: The T’bird is incredibly comfy with its laid-back stance. Can the Himalayan match that for longer rides?

Vibrations: A few reviews mention Himalayan vibes being a buzzkill (pun intended). But coming from the old UCE, maybe it won’t bother me?

Height & Maneuverability: I’m 5’6", 70 kg. I can flat-foot about 70% on the Thunderbird and don’t struggle with the main stand. But will the Himalayan’s size and height become a pain in traffic?

City Riding: I ride mostly in urban chaos. The T’bird is a handful but I’ve gotten used to it. Not sure if the Himalayan makes life easier or harder here.

Then came the Bear 650—a dark horse I stumbled upon on the RE website. Not love at first sight, but like a good 90s ballad, it’s been growing on me. Reminds me of my college-days RX135. Nostalgia is real, and so is the temptation.

Bear 650 vs Himalayan: My confused comparison

Pros of the Bear 650:

Parallel twin engine — refined, torquey, and makes the jump from a 350 UCE feel like a true leap

Feels lighter and possibly easier for city pottering

Cons vs Himalayan:

Long-distance comfort? No idea.

That fuel tank, or should I say flask—I’m used to the 20L on my T’bird with its 700+ km range. Even the Himalayan feels like a downgrade here. The Bear is… tragic.

Suspension: The Himalayan is known for its plush setup. The T’bird isn’t, and I’m not sure where the Bear fits on this scale.

So here I am, caught in a whirlpool of emotions, nostalgia, practicality, and existential dread. Open to thoughts, especially from those who’ve successfully emerged from (or embraced) the other side of a mid-life crisis.

Much appreciated,
The Guy Whose Bike Breaks Down with His Kid on Board

[anurag344]

I did have the Way2speed tubeless conversion soon after I purchased the bike and it has held up well for the past 12K kms. But somehow I was always wary of the fact that this isn't an OEM solution.

Earlier this year I had purchased the OEM tubeless rims (and hoarded them in my attic) since I knew that RE has very limited stock. On completing an year with the bike, I decided to get them fitted but turns out my preferred service centre, the company owned BTM one, doesn't have a technician to do that. And this has been the case for more than a month.

So I went to Madhu's at Wilson Garden. They charged me 1180/- and as expected completed the job in a professional manner.

WIP. Got golden wheels because why not

[aditya.bhardwaj]

Not sure if this is true but saw this at dismo’s insta story. This seems like a pretty steep increase but I can understand why RE did it.

[VijayAnand1]

Originally Posted by charade

Hi folks,

I’ve been lurking on this Himalayan thread for a while now. And, well… life has finally cornered me. Two young kids, a career that's moving slower than my metabolism, and a waistline that's expanding faster than my ambitions. Classic mid-life crisis. And to top it off, my once-faithful Thunderbird 350 (2013) has started giving up on me—clearly joining the rebellion.


So here I am, caught in a whirlpool of emotions, nostalgia, practicality, and existential dread. Open to thoughts, especially from those who’ve successfully emerged from (or embraced) the other side of a mid-life crisis.

Much appreciated,
The Guy Whose Bike Breaks Down with His Kid on Board

Cutting it to chase, if comfort is your priority, sincerely stay away from Bear, it will over time add salt to your wounds aggravating your mid-life crisis even further. On the other end of the spectrum, the Himalayan is sincerely a do it all bike. The bike is not vibe free, the bike does have its fair share of RE tantrums, but it's much much away from being a dismally scary REs of the yore.

At 5'7 you can easily manage the RE450 provided its short turning radius gets a little getting used to, along with its weight. On the move, it handles really well for a hefty bike. I would say, the tubeless version of the RE450 is simply a best bet and well, what gives, it would definitely be more than a topical relief for the average weekend warrior.

Good luck

Cheers!
VJ

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by aditya.bhardwaj

Not sure if this is true but saw this at dismo’s insta story. This seems like a pretty steep increase but I can understand why RE did it.

It is legit. Autocar reports the same. If anyone is still on the tubed wheels and want to upgrade to tubeless, it is bad news.

https://www.autocarindia.com/bike-ne...s-40645-435910

[rich_heart]

Originally Posted by charade

Hi folks,

I’ve been lurking on this Himalayan thread for a while now. And, well… life has finally cornered me. Two young kids, a career that's moving slower than my metabolism, and a waistline that's expanding faster than my ambitions. Classic mid-life crisis. And to top it off, my once-faithful Thunderbird 350 (2013) has started giving up on me—clearly joining the rebellion.

Similar story here but slight variation!
TBTS is 2009 model and kids still young

I blindly bought H450 on day 1 of launch, as I had been following it for quite a while.
I am 5'-8" and I stand on half foot on H450. H450 is buzzy but TBTS guys will feel it butter smooth.

Considering your height, I suggest pamper yourself with Guerrilla. It would tick lot of your boxes. For long rides there might be scope for slight changes in stance which might make comfortable. I am not sure but the 450 engine is a tasty treat