Let's be honest... Most of us ride sport bikes because they are light weight and fly like the wind! We don't want to be weighed down with hauling around all the crap that we are trying to get away from! Who needs bags to pack full of crap. Not us, that's who... Until you need to!
Viking Bags to the rescue! They sent us their AXE Saddlebags to show just how easy it is to load your bike up for more than a quick cruise! First thing you notice about the bags is they are tough! Made from very high-quality Cardura fiber with quality zippers, these bags have no problem standing up to the day-to-day abuse that we put them through. And they even look good doing it!
The dual quick opening top zippers give you plenty of clearance to pack and unpack with plenty of auxilary pockets to hold your smaller items. We were pleased to also find that rain covers were included - something often missing from other bags in this arena. Heat resistant bottoms should keep them burn free from most exhaust systems and the protective rubber lining is a nice addition to keep your bike looking fresh.
We installed the bags on our long term 2017 Yamaha FZ-09 and found installation to be a beeze. With large adjustable throw over straps, and anchors at each corner, these bags should easily install on most motorcycles without issues. The Duraflex buckles and quality straps should ensure that they stay put even through the most spirited riding! Reflective piping adds a little extra night time protection.
The bags measure 16 in. By 10.5 in. And are 9 in. Deep for a total of 1512 cubic inches. This should make 3 or 4 day rides easily manageable with room to spare. A matching top "trunk" bag is also available if you need more. The top zippers allow for a wide 4 in. By 12 in. Top opening. At a measly 3 pounds of empty weight, they won't bog you down if you decide to leave them on your bike.
Overall, we are very impressed with these bags and will leave them mounted all the time. The extra carrying capacity comes in very handy and we found that we used them more than expected. Current list price for these bags is $89.99 - lower than we could find other quality saddlebags for!
Viking Bags is the real deal and you should keep their site at the top of your list when you are ready to take the saddlebag plunge! Please visit Viking Bags. You won't be disappointed!
Ania Todua was my customer care representative and did an exceptional job in taking care of our needs!
Bottom Line Up Front: I asked to speak with a manager five weeks ago and I still have not received a phone call!
This is a lengthy review that I hope helps the reader, and encourages Viking Bags to both change some of their policies and put more effort into their customer service.
I received the Lamellar Slanted Leather Saddlebags as a birthday present. When I received them, I was surprised to see glue visible and smeared outside of the Viking logo on the bags after all of the great reviews. I was also surprised that one lid is very sticky, making it difficult to open, but I expect that is likely to go away with use. The problem is I cannot use them!
Once I began installation, I realized the bags were too large. Shortly after purchasing the motorcycle, I replaced the factory seat with a sundowner seat so my wife can ride with me and it is slightly wider than the original seat. Sadly, it limits how far forward the bags can be mounted without rubbing against the seat when opening them.
Because of this, I asked Viking Bags about their no hassle return & refund policy, only to learn the no hassle applies to Viking Bags and not the customer.
I was informed I would have to PAY the shipping to send them backnot just if I returned them for a refund but even if I EXCHANGED them for a smaller set of bags (keeping my business with Viking Bags). Considering the weight and size of these extra large bags, that would be a very expensive fee.
After two lengthy phone calls, I asked to speak with a manager before finalizing my decision. It has been FIVE WEEKS SINCE THAT REQUEST, YET I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ONE PHONE CALL FROM ANYONE AT VIKING BAGS! There were also 13 emails exchanged due to their lack of attention to detail in reading emailsand there was no response to the last email I sent.
Every time I have called and asked when a manager will call me back, I am told that the employees that answer the customer service line do not know the managers schedule, and they are not able to simply pass the phone off to a manager.
I do not understand. With technology being what it is, how can you run a business this way and not take better care of the customer?
The ABSOLUTE WORST PART is that recently, while still waiting on a manager to return my call, I dropped one of the bags while moving them and it was slightly damaged (picture posted if this site allows).
I should have had my bags on my bike for a few weeks now... but instead, I am scrambling to research taillight relocation kits that will allow me to put these bags on my bike. The toughest part is proven to be finding kits that also meet the restrictions the Marine Corps has for service members riding motorcycles aboard military installations.
I do hope that Viking Bags takes customer service more seriously in the future. I find it interesting that these reviews never make it on Viking Bags site...
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I ordered this luggage. I was thinking that it would be good for day trips to hold things I didn't want to pack in the saddlebags on my V-Star 1300 Deluxe. I was more than pleasantly surprised.
The first thing you notice when you unpack this back is the weight. This is "REAL" leather... Cowhide... thick cowhide! I actually measured it and the bag is constructed of two layers. Smooth tanned outer layer is a full 1/8" thick that is backed with a smooth tanned leather that is a full 1/16". That's 3/16" construction that's rigid and will hold it's shape forever. Most visible edges are covered in stitched leather or nylon piping. I couldn't find any loose stitching threads on the entire bag. The Velcro used for fastening the bag to the sissy bar and to make the top "airtight" is heavy duty industrial grade hook and loop. The decorative buckles appear to be heavy chrome plate over stainless steel. The concealed fasteners to latch the top close are riveted to the straps not sewn. Additionally there are "hasps" that you could use to padlock the top shut, but with the included shoulder strap (that's not mentioned in the website product details) I'm just going to take it with me.
The size is what really surprised me. As you can see in the pictures I have an oversized backrest pad on my sissy bar that matches the custom seats. Using the provided strap extension I had no problem securing the bag to the bike and having it rest on the luggage rack. This bag is a full 2" less in width than my normal luggage but holds enough clothes and toiletries for a 3-5 day trip. I was able to test fit 5 pairs of socks, 5 changes of underwear, 4 t-shirts, and shampoo/soap/dental stuff. I don't normally pack but 1 extra pair of jeans for a 7-10 day ride as I usually stop at a laundromat mid trip. So if I really wanted to stretch it I could probably do a longer trip with just this bag and my saddlebags.
On a more mundane note the bag has more than enough space for a pair of gym shoes, shorts, and t-shirt for trips to the gym (where the included shoulder strap comes in handy once more), or to pack lunch for two including drinks for picnics in the mountains for my wife and I. There's even a rain cover included for those riding days that may include a passing shower or two. It's just a nice all around addition to your motorcycle luggage options.
I rated this bag five stars on construction, appearance, function, and finish. It will definitely get use for when I need something I can take off the bike and take with me. For the price you'd be hard pressed to find a better made, more useful, and attractive piece of luggage.
I placed an order on May 12th for a large sissy bar bag. I had it shipped to my parent's address because it was supposed to be a birthday present for my fiance, and I didn't want him to get it before I did. I received an email on May 15th saying that it had been shipped and was given a tracking number. I received two subsequent emails asking me how I like my new product. On May 26th, my mom let me know that it still hadn't arrived, so I called customer service and talked to Julio. He said that they had called and left me a voicemail saying that item was out of stock, and asked me what I wanted to do, pick something else or get a refund. I said, "So I haven't received a refund yet?" And he very condescendingly said, "No, because WE left you a voicemail, and YOU haven't returned our call." So I told him I was going to check the website and see if there was anything else, and I'd call back. The first thing I did was check my voicemail, and here Julio had left me that voicemail the very day before, on May 25th at 2 p.m. So I called back, and Julio answered AGAIN, and I told him I was upset because that voicemail he was referring to was just left for me on the previous afternoon. I told him I found a different bag on the website for $159.99, and asked if I could get a deal on it. He said the most they could do is give me free shipping. I told him I seen the same Viking bag on Amazon for $124.99, and asked him if he could knock it down to that. He said, "We don't sell on Amazon! That must be one of our vendors, and we have no control over what they do on Amazon. I can't do anything more for you than free shippping." When I get upset, I instantly cry. So there was a long pause on my end, and I let him know in that shaky voice, "Ok. Ummm... I'm gonna cry..." and I told him that to prepare him in case he couldn't understand what I was about to say. And he literally CRACKED UP LAUGHING AT ME. I said, "Money is tight right now. You guys advertise same day shipping. I placed this order on May 12th, I received an email saying it was shipped with a tracking number on May 15th, I have received two emails since then asking me how I like the product, and then you just called me YESTERDAY on the 25th saying the product is out of stock? Why would I be sent a shipping email with a tracking number on a product that isn't even there? Even if I did order another one today, I need it by next Saturday, and it wouldn't be here on time." And he said, "So what do you want? A refund? There's nothing more I can do for you." I frustratingly told him yes, just give me a refund. Then the more I thought about it, the more upset I got about how rude he was, so I called back again, and picked a different option on the automated system hoping to speak to someone else and get a manager on the line. Guess who answered? Julio! Does ANYBODY work at Viking bags other than this rude idiot Julio?
Affordable saddlebags that don't break the bank.